Government grant brings Rotorua Museum reopening closer
Monday 28 September 2026 · 3 outlets · 2 reports · updated In this story Shane Jones, Rotorua Lakes Council, Rotorua Museum
A $2 million government grant has been announced to help fund exhibition development at the Rotorua Museum. Regional Development Minister Shane Jones shared the news during a ceremony marking the completion of the building's restoration and earthquake-strengthening work. Council chief executive Andrew Moraes says the museum is now very close to securing necessary exhibition funding.
Key facts
4 facts
- $2 million government grant announced for museum exhibitions
- $73.35m restoration and earthquake-strengthening work is complete
- Museum has been closed since November 2016
- Exhibition development budget was $9.51m with a $7.8m shortfall reported in June
The full story
1 min read · 2 outlets
The Rotorua Museum is nearing the necessary funding for its exhibition fit-out following a $2 million government grant. Regional Development Minister Shane Jones announced the funding during a ceremony on Monday to mark the completion of restoration and earthquake-strengthening work on the historic building. While the $73.35m restoration is finished, exhibitions must still be developed, built, and installed before the museum can reopen.
Rotorua Lakes Council chief executive Andrew Moraes stated that completing the construction phase under budget allowed funds to be redirected toward the exhibitions. He noted that "the $2m makes a pretty sizeable dent in what’s left". The council previously reported a $7.8m shortfall against a $9.51m budget for exhibition development in June.
The museum, which houses Te Whare Taonga o Te Arawa, has been closed since November 2016 due to earthquake safety concerns. A blessing held at the historic Bath House building marked the transition of the 120-year-old Category 1 Heritage building from a construction site back to a community asset. Minister Jones expects 120,000 visitors to attend the museum annually.
Moraes explained that the restoration faced challenges including geothermal ground conditions and heritage requirements. Updated financial details regarding the remaining funding gap are expected to be released in the coming weeks.
Compiled from reports by NZ Herald and 1News.