Why does the Museum need a new collection store?
The Museum’s irreplaceable collection – one of the nation’s most significant regional collections – is currently stored at the Isel Park research facility, which is leaking, overcrowded, and nearing the end of its functional life. It won't survive the next major storm.
A new facility with proper conditions will extend the lifespan of objects so they can be preserved for future generations.
In the meantime, the staff are highly qualified experts in their field, and are doing an excellent job keeping the collection safe while the new facility is designed and built.
The new ARC facility is essential to protect and preserve the Nelson Tasman regional heritage collection that reflects our identity and to increase access to this treasured collection.
NZ's oldest museum's $20m collection 'significantly at risk'
Story by Jessica Roden, 1News Reporter
The $20 million collection at New Zealand's oldest museum is at risk unless its aging research facility is replaced soon.
Historic artefacts need specific environmental conditions for them to survive long-term but the current facility is an old building with poor temperature control.
Parts of the building are unable to be used due to earthquake risk, and the building leaks when it rains.
Lacks facilities to provide the required level of care and tikanga.
The Research Facility is outdated and inadequate to protect the collection.
The building lacks suitable workspaces for researchers, museum staff and volunteers.
The collection is not able to be organised by object type due to the design of the building with many small and crowded rooms, and there is no space for education or iwi groups to gather.
The proposed design
A new and future-proof Archive, Research and Collection Centre will safely and appropriately house and care for the regional heritage collection of Nelson Tasman and ensure it is preserved for future generations. The new facility will be built behind the exhibition museum on Church Street, currently a car park.
The lifespan of collection objects will increase with the ability to maintain the right temperature and humidity for different types of objects.
The new collection store will be located alongside the current exhibiting Museum allowing people to visit both facilities and improving operating efficiency for staff.
Purpose built rooms and specialist shelving will provide objects with sufficient space and allow them to be seen by using visual storage systems and eliminating overcrowding.
The people of Nelson and Tasman will have confidence the collection that tells the stories of who we are and reflects our identity is protected for current and future generations.
Specialist conservation facilities will be provided to treat objects and taonga to prevent decay and support preservation.
A dedicated research area will provide students, scientists, and researchers with improved facilities to access and learn from the collection.
Iwi, cultural heritage, and school groups will have use of the meeting room and research area for viewing objects and participating in workshops and education programs.
Project Funding
Recognising the great need for a new facility, and the Museum’s nationally and internationally significant collection, Nelson City Council and Tasman District Council allocated $3.165m and $3.2m respectively towards the ARC project in their Long-Term Plans. We are also applying to central government and other funders and will launch a public fundraising campaign before construction starts in late 2024.
Nelson Provincial Museum creates unforgettable experiences for local, national and international visitors, and protecting and preserving our valuable collection is crucial to continuing to do this. With one of the nation’s most significant regional collections, we care for over 200,000 precious items, 1.2 million photographs and 150,000 unique documents. These treasured objects are valued at over $20million.
The existing facility that houses this collection is no longer fit for purpose, and these precious items and our team are at risk if we don’t re-home them soon. To ensure we can continue to share and celebrate our collection we will build a new Archives, Research & Collection (ARC) facility in 2024.
How are we tracking?
The project is progressing well since the appointment of the lead architect, Irving Smith Architects. Key achievements include:
✔ Onboarding of Architect and Design Team
✔ Refinement of concept design
✔ Confirmation of collection space requirements
✔ Peer reviews of climate conditions
✔ Approval of preliminary design
✔ Approval of resource consent application
✔ Request for Tender issued for ECI construction
✔ Developed design underway
Once the detailed design is complete, we will apply to Nelson City Council for building consent and hope to begin construction in the first half of 2024.
How can you get involved?
Here are some ways you can help. If you have other ideas, we'd love to hear them!
Follow & Share: Join our journey on Facebook at NelsonMuseumARC and spread the word.
Sponsorship & Receipts: Learn about sponsorship benefits or request a receipt for a donation you have made directly to the ARC bank account by contacting us at ARCdonations@museumnp.org.nz.
Host a fundraiser: Organise events like a sausage sizzle, bake sale, or charity challenge. Let us know at ARCdonations@museumnp.org.nz so we can support you.
Raffle: Raffle off hampers or Nelson Tasman goodies.
Share your stories: Send us photos of your fundraising events at ARCdonations@museumnp.org.nz.
Business support: Place a donation bucket at your business or pledge a portion of sales to the cause.
Donate: Contribute directly at the museum on Trafalgar Street or online at Givealittle - ARC Project.
Buy an exclusive product: Buy an exclusive print of a collection item, a Trench Art Brass Poppy by Martin de Ruyter, or a copy of “Meet You At The Church Steps” by Karen Stade – all proceeds will be generously donated to the ARC fundraising campaign.
Together, we can build the ARC Facility and secure our collective legacy for future generations.