Following the referendum in 2015, $2.9 million of Council funding has been allocated for the development of the Hundertwasser Wairau Mäori Arts Centre (HWMAC). The Old Harbour Board building will continue to be owned by Council and the HWMAC will be operated by the Whangarei Art Museum Trust. The Trust has until 30 June 2017 to secure the funding and, if successful, it is expected the building would open in 2019.
This large cultural centre is set on Hihiaua Reserve, which sits at the confluence of the Hatea River and the Waiarohia Stream. This building, reminiscent of a beached waka, would provide a vessel for local history and artefacts and a hub for interpretation, education and cultural tourism. While Council has contributed some funding, the overall project will be funded by external sources.
The Riverbank Theatre is the home of the Whangarei Theatre Company and was built by members in the mid 1980s. They currently produce three shows per year. The centre can accommodate more than 170 patrons, includes catering facilities and is available for private function hire.
Claphams National Clock Museum is a unique visitor attraction presenting the largest collection of clocks in the southern hemisphere, established in the 1940s by Whangarei resident Archibald Clapham.
The Whangarei Art Museum, Te Manawa Toi, is the permanent home to the city’s extensive art collection that embraces both heritage and contemporary art work. The Museum also has many internally curated and national touring exhibitions.
Reyburn House is a restored 145 year old homestead and home to the Northland Society of Arts. It has constant exhibitions plus a gift shop and is available for weddings or corporate events.
An area alongside the waterfront has been landscaped and enhanced to form a Heritage Trail and Art Walk with a number of sculptures commissioned from local artists. This project was completed in 2011.