Whangārei Art Trust Integration

The aim of this amalgamation is to make better use of the collective strengths of the teams, connect operations, improve collaboration and support a vibrant hub for arts, culture and tourism in Whangārei.

A new chief executive is being appointed to give the newly combined entity one senior leader with organisation-wide accountability, with the position expected to be advertised in October.

Whangārei Art Trust Chairperson Bill Shepherd says the new role is intended to lead the integration, implement the strategic direction, bring the teams together, strengthen financial sustainability and commercial focus, and manage the organisation’s key stakeholder relationships.

“By combining the Whangārei Art Museum and Hundertwasser Art Centre, the Whangārei Art Trust has a strong operating budget to run the integrated organisation, supported by reduced rental costs and other overheads. The purpose is broader than short-term cost reduction. A key objective is to establish a financially sustainable organisation, while also improving strategic alignment, strengthening visitor and community outcomes, and creating a strong platform for arts, culture and tourism in Whangārei.

“The wider integration will be staged and will depend on when a new Chief Executive is appointed and able to commence. No changes will be made to any other staff roles until after the new Chief Executive commences, likely in the new year.”

Shepherd says in just four years since opening - despite significant challenges like Covid lockdowns, Cyclone Gabrielle and Brynderwyn closures - the Hundertwasser Art Centre has attracted over 200,000 visitors and proven itself to be a critical asset in Northland’s economic, cultural and tourism landscapes.

The Whangārei Art Museum art collection will remain in its current location, and all future exhibitions will be housed in the Hundertwasser Art Centre. This move was supported by Whangārei District Council as it also frees up $230,000 of rental real estate in the high-value Town Basin, says Shepherd.

“Fitting three exhibitions into a space currently occupied by two exhibitions will require careful consideration. We are working very closely with all parties, in particular Wairau Māori Art Gallery’s staff and Board.”

“Northland’s economic development agency, Northland NZ estimated the centre’s direct economic impact for Northland at $37 million. The ongoing impact, measured in 2026, is $7 million per annum.”

Whangārei District Council has contributed funding to the Hundertwasser Art Centre in various ways since an agreement was signed between Whangārei District Council and Hundertwasser Foundation in 2008. Since then, WDC has contributed funding of $2.9 million towards the build and, since opening in 2022 up to September 2026, operating costs of approximately $1,174,000 as a Council-Controlled Organisation. The last funding was approved in the 2025/26 year, when Whangārei District Council provided a $480,000 grant and indicated that funding was likely to cease in June 2027. This has now been confirmed by the Council.