By Moana Ellis, Local Democracy Reporting
Whanganui’s redeveloped Te Whare o Rehua Sarjeant Gallery has welcomed more than 83,000 visitors through its doors in seven months, smashing expectations and delivering a significant tourism boost for the region.
The number far outpaces the prediction in a 2019 economic impact report of 65,000 visitors over a full year.
If the trend continues, the gallery is on track to more than double the expected annual visitors.
A survey of visitors showed 42% were domestic tourists from outside the region and 12% were international travellers.
These visitors were also staying longer, averaging three nights in the region, the survey showed.
Whanganui mayor Andrew Tripe said the numbers were great news for the district.
“More visitors means more money spent at businesses around town,” Tripe said.
The gallery is owned by Whanganui District Council. First opened in 1919, it is one of the country’s oldest purpose-built galleries and has a permanent collection of more than 8300 art works.
It reopened in November 2024 after a decade of redevelopment, including earthquake strengthening and the addition of a modern new wing named after Whanganui River leader Tā Te Atawhai Archie John Taiaroa.
The gallery now spans more than 4500 square metres and features 10 exhibition spaces and a climate-controlled storage area for its nationally significant permanent collection of works.
“Our gallery is a national taonga, generating real cultural and economic value,” Tripe said.
“The significant number of visitors speaks to the calibre of the gallery, the work that it holds, and the experiences created around that.”
A preliminary update to the 2019 economic assessment, which was based on comparative studies of other New Zealand cultural institutions, was presented to Whanganui District Council’s operations and performance committee on 5 June.
The update estimated the gallery would generate $17.6 million in new revenue from accommodation, hospitality and other spending from out-of-area visitors – up from the $11.4 million originally forecast.
The assessment also estimates that 195 jobs will be created from the economic activity generated.
A comprehensive economic impact assessment will be conducted in late 2025 after the gallery has been open for a full year.
Gallery director Andrew Clifford said the new statistics affirmed what the gallery could achieve.
“Media attention generated over the course of the redevelopment and the reopening, plus several prestigious design and architectural awards, positive reviews in technical and peer journals and positive word-of-mouth publicity, has made Whanganui and its new gallery a talking point nationally and internationally,” Clifford said.
“It has been exciting to see the facility function so well as a community space and we are proud of the ownership the community has taken.
“From the day it opened, to the recent opening of the Pattillo Whanganui Arts Review, to our upcoming celebrations for Puanga, the range of community engagement has been fantastic.”
The gallery’s awards include the Heritage Award and Public Architecture Award at the annual New Zealand Institute of Architects western branch awards, and the John Hollings Seismic Resilience in Practice Award, presented for the earthquake-strengthening of the 105-year-old heritage gallery.
Awa FM – Te Reo Irirangi o Whanganui
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