Budget money for Auckland Museum welcomed

Media Release
19 May 2005

Budget money for Auckland Museum welcomed

“It’s great news that the Government is helping the Auckland Museum get over the line with its fundraising target to complete its Grand Atrium Project. The redevelopment will be a great boost locally,” General Manager of the Newmarket Business Association, Cameron Brewer said today.

“For too long the Auckland War Memorial Museum has played second fiddle to Te Papa which cost the Government $300 million to build and has drained the public purse ever since. After a 15-year long obsession with Te Papa we’re finally seeing some fairness.”

Mr Brewer’s comments follow the Budget announcement that the Government will give up to an additional $3.6 million providing the museum raises a further $5 million on its own. Fifty-two million dollars has already been raised for the $60 million plus project which will be completed at the end of next year.

“The museum is the number one landmark and tourism destination in the Newmarket area, attracting 500,000 visitors each year. The project is set to create a truly world-class experience and will have so many spin offs for local businesses. We just wait,” said Mr Brewer.

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