A pōwhiri to mark the completion of Amokura Hawke’s Bay Museum took place on Friday 1 May, with opportunities for the public to see inside the new building available on 10 May.

While Amokura is not usually open to walk-in visits, booked tours on 10 May will give people a chance to see inside the new building, learn more about its role, and see how the region’s collection will be cared for. Bookings are essential through hawkesbaymuseum.com.

The ‘main home’ and public access to the collection will continue to be at Hawke’s Bay Museum, which is being renamed Kahukura Hawke’s Bay Museum in conjunction with the opening and naming of the new building.

Napier Councillor Sally Crown, chair of the joint working group which oversaw the construction of Amokura says, “Amokura shows what’s possible when mana whenua, councils, communities and central government come together with a shared purpose. At its core, this is about safeguarding our region’s treasures and supporting the research, care and connection around them for generations to come.

“It’s a beautiful building, but what matters most is what happens inside. This is a purpose-built, climate-controlled space where our collections can be properly cared for and better understood.”

Hastings Deputy Mayor Michael Fowler, who was part of the governance oversight of the build, comments, “It’s an iconic building with a very special role in protecting our heritage, which is really about protecting the stories of our people and our places. The building’s design, with those striking feathers, reflects its role as a guardian, sheltering the Hawke’s Bay collection with integrity and pride.”

Dr Dick Grant, Chair of the Hawke’s Bay Museums Trust, which owns the collection on behalf of the people of Hawke’s Bay, says the two facilities will work together to provide for the 90,000 taonga held in the collection.

“The museum building in Napier is the public face of the collection and is charged with sharing our stories. The new Hastings building plays a vital role as it preserves the collection and supports research and education needs. Together, they ensure the region’s treasures are accessible and safeguarded for the benefit of everyone in Hawke’s Bay.”

Funding for the new building came from central government through Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture and Heritage, Lottery Grants Board – Te Puna Tahua, Eastern & Central Community Trust, Mills Family Charitable Trust and Pub Charity Limited, as well as Hastings District Council and Napier City Council. Community fundraising included many families, groups, businesses, charities and individuals whose contributions are acknowledged on the ‘feathers’ that cloak the building. 

While Amokura Hawke’s Bay Museum is not open for ‘walk ins’, the public will have opportunities to see inside during booked Opening Day Tours on 10 May. Bookings are essential through hawkesbaymuseum.com.