Hon Christopher Finlayson

CHRIS TREMAIN (National—Napier) to the Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage: What recent announcements has the Government made about support for regional museums?

Hon CHRISTOPHER FINLAYSON (Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage) : The Government has announced a grant of $6 million for the redevelopment of the Hawke’s Bay Museum and Art Gallery, and that comes after an announcement of funding for the New Zealand Portrait Gallery to help secure permanent premises for its collection of nationally significant works. The Hawke’s Bay redevelopment project involves multiple existing buildings and the construction of a new wing, as well as refurbishment of the museum’s main 1936 building. I acknowledge the outstanding work of local MPs Craig Foss and Chris Tremain in advocating for the region’s interests.

Chris Tremain: How will the grant support the people and communities of Hawke’s Bay?

Hon CHRISTOPHER FINLAYSON: Funding for the Hawke’s Bay Museum and Art Gallery will ensure that visitors to Hawke’s Bay and its residents have much better access to its nationally significant collections, which include taonga Māori, New Zealand design, and fine art. [Interruption] Oh, yes, I will go. The people of Hawke’s Bay have a real sense of ownership of their museum and art gallery—[Interruption]—and I am very sorry that the chief Opposition whip is sneering at that. Families have donated objects for generations, local fund-raising has been particularly effective, and this grant gives their treasures the setting they deserve. I note for the record that the deputy leader of the Labour Party was sneering as well.

Hon Steve Chadwick: What assurances can the Minister give that the Labour-established Regional Museums Fund will continue once current funding has been fully allocated and spent?

Hon CHRISTOPHER FINLAYSON: The scheme is a very good scheme, and more would have been available this year had not Helen Clark forward-committed huge sums of money.