MAKES IT MARK WHANGANUI Thanks to its vibrant blend of art and culture, combined with its rich history and scenic surroundings, Whanganui is making its mark as a premier business events destination. Nestled alongside the Whanganui River, this charming city offers a unique atmosphere that inspires creativity and collaboration. With its thriving arts scene, featuring everything from contemporary galleries to traditional Māori crafts, business events professionals can immerse themselves in a rich local culture in a range of venues they would be hard pressed to find anywhere else in the country. Dana Burnett, venues and events manager at Whanganui District Council, says Whanganui’s heritage vibe is a major drawcard for the city. “Our venues are in the heart of the CBD, close to a range of cafes and tourists shops. Our arts and creativity, and our heritage buildings, provide a real point of interest. Work is being done to make our heritage buildings a real showcase,” she says. Drews Ave has grown into a thriving communal hub for the central city. The beautifully restored shop fronts elevate Whanganui’s appeal, and perfectly complements the city's identity as a place that treasures its heritage architecture and culture. Whanganui has a well-deserved reputation as a centre for the arts, with a range of museums and galleries on offer. The historic Sarjeant Gallery is home to one of the best collections of fine art in New Zealand, while the Whanganui Regional Museum has an extensive collection of Lindauer portraits and taonga Māori. The Whanganui River was one of New Zealand’s first tourist attractions, with riverboat adventures drawing overseas visitors as far back as the 1880s. Two authentic riverboats still cruise Te Awa Tupua (the Whanganui River), Paddle Steamer Waimarie and Motor Vessel Wairua. THE WAIT IS OVER After a 10-year hiatus, Te Whare o Rehua Sarjeant Gallery is back. An important drawcard for the city, the gallery, located at Pukenamu Queen’s Park in the centre of Whanganui, has undergone a $70 million redevelopment, and officially opens its doors on 9 November. One of New Zealand’s oldest purposebuilt galleries, it first opened in 1919 and houses a nationally significant collection. The redevelopment project is a partnership between Whanganui District Council, Whanganui Iwi, Central Government, and supporters and benefactors, including large and small private donors and trusts, with support from the Sarjeant Gallery Trust. The new gallery now spans more than 4,500sqm and comprises the 105-yearold heritage-listed Sarjeant Gallery, with its distinctive 13-metre-high dome and Oamaru stone exterior, which has been earthquake-strengthened and meticulously restored, and the new state-of-the-art extension Te Pātaka o Tā Te Atawhai Archie John Taiaroa. The gallery's expansion includes a west-facing atrium, serving as a new entrance, and a carved totara waka walk bridge, which links the original heritage gallery to the new wing. The gallery now features ten exhibition spaces, a family room, a reading room and library, a classroom, retail space, a café, and publicly accessible event and meeting rooms. A new modern wing encompasses two dedicated event spaces, which can host around 120 people, including 40 people boardroom style. There is also a 12-person meeting room. The first exhibition back is Nō Konei | From Here, running until May 2025, showcasing over 200 artworks from European and New Zealand art history. “The opening programme celebrates the gallery’s rich history and bright future. Te Whare o Rehua Sarjeant Gallery is back, strengthened, optimistic; reflecting on our past and looking to our future,” says Andrew Clifford, Te Whare o Rehua Sarjeant Gallery director. “It marks an important moment in our story and highlights the significance of [WHANGANU I By ShannonWilliams Te Whare o Rehua Sarjeant Gallery, available for business events [32] meeting newz [september october] 2024
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