Arts, culture and heritage

Whanganui War Memorial Centre –One of the finest examples of New Zealand modernist architecture, including the curtain-glass wall framed with concrete cube grilles. Its central feature, which remains a focus for Anzac Day commemorations, is the constantly-lit vestibule containing the Book of Remembrance.

Royal Wanganui Opera House –The Opera House is the sole surviving wooden building of its type in the southern hemisphere. It is still a working theatre, and is internationally recognised for its excellent acoustics.

Quartz Museum of Studio Ceramics –This museum was established to house the Rick Rudd Collection of studio ceramics and to show works borrowed from private collections. Themed exhibitions are also specially curated, and a ceramic installation is commissioned each year. Durie Hill Tower and Elevator –The only underground public elevator in the southern hemisphere leads to the historic tower that offers stunning views of the city, the Tasman Sea, Mt Ruapehu and Mt Taranaki. Artists Open Studios – In March each year more than 60 artists open their studios to share the result of their hard work and talent. For more information visit www.openstudios.co.nz Whanganui Walls – The Whanganui Walls festival, which hosts some of the world’s top street artists from Aotearoa and overseas, brings art into our open spaces for everyone to enjoy. The large-scale street art can be seen on walls around the city centre.

New Zealand Glassworks Te Whare Tu ¯ hua o Te Ao –This exciting and interactive glass facility in the heart of Whanganui is the national centre for glass art in the country. New Zealand Glassworks is open to everyone, seven days a week.

Tram Museum and Tram Shed –Whanganui was the first provincial centre to have an electric tramway. Find out about its intriguing history and climb aboard the 108-year-old tram.

Ward Observatory – The observatory houses a 24cm telescope, the largest unmodified refractor telescope still in use in New Zealand. Public viewing is available on Friday evenings or by arrangement with the Astronomical Society. The Whanganui Literary Festival –This vibrant, biennial festival for writers and readers will run again in 2021. Writers who have previously appeared at the Festival include CK Stead, Fiona Kidman, Witi Ihimaera, Joe Bennett, Elizabeth Knox, Bill Manhire, Nicky Hager and Charlotte Grimshaw.

Whanganui Riverboat Centre – In the late 1800s the Whanganui River was an international tourist mecca and today this unique museum celebrates the riverboat era.

Whanganui Riverboats – Take a trip aboard New Zealand’s last coal-fired paddle steamer, the PS Waimarie (est. 1900). Tickets for the PS Waimarie are available from the Riverboat Centre

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St Paul’s Memorial Church, Putiki –An historic church with stunning Ma¯ori carvings and woven tukutuku panels. Guided tours can be booked through the Whanganui i-SITE Visitor Information Centre.

Pakaitore (Moutoa Gardens) – A quiet garden of mature, native and exotic trees. Associated with early trading and home to several memorials, protest action took place on the site in 1995 and it remains a place of prominence. Whanganui Musicians Club – Come and enjoy what the Whanganui Musicians Club has to offer. From blues to rock, Whanganui hums the first Friday of every month from 7.30pm at the Savage Club Hall, 65 Drews Avenue.

Drews Avenue Arts Precinct – The heart of creativity in Whanganui. Pick up a coffee (in your keep cup) and stroll. At last count, there were 13 galleries and museums within a five minute walk.

Whanganui Fest of Cultural Unity –The Fest of Cultural Unity is an inclusive, family-friendly, free festival celebrating diversity and our local cultural communities. This annual festival draws crowds of thousands to Majestic Square and involves cultural performances, the sharing of food and more.

Whanganui Vintage Weekend –During Wellington Anniversary Weekend, Whanganui puts on its biggest party. The historic architecture of one of New Zealand’s oldest cities backdrops three days and nights of vintage entertainment, activities, food, drink, fashion, technology and vehicles. Whanganui Heritage Month – The first Whanganui Heritage Month was held in 2019 and will be held again in 2021. The month highlights and celebrates our built heritage. Whanganui has one of New Zealand’s highest concentrations of European heritage buildings and these are prominent in our city centre. There are also a number of Ma¯ori sites of significance including St Paul’s Memorial Church at Pu¯tiki which was recently awarded NZ Heritage Category 1 status, and numerous marae along the Whanganui River Road to the settlement of Jerusalem.

HERITAGE GRANT FUND

This fund provides financial assistance to private building owners in Whanganui’s Town Centre to undertake works that enhance the historic character of heritage buildings. For projects that cost less than $15,000 (excluding GST), funding is available for up to a maximum of 80% of the total cost of works. For projects costed at more than $15,000 (excluding GST), funding is available for up to a maximum of 50% of the total cost of the works.

For further information about eligibility or other enquiries, please contact the Council’s Heritage Advisor, Scott Flutey, on 06 349 3168, or email Scott.Flutey@whanganui. govt.nz

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