Maori art part of Hundertwasser centre impresses Bill English on visit to Whangarei

Prime Minister Bill English (centre) enjoyed a fleeting visit to Whangarei. PHOTO/ MICHAEL CUNNINGHAM

Wairau Maori Art Gallery Board chairwoman Elizabeth Ellis says Prime Minister Bill English's visit to the Hundertwasser Art Centre site has offered him valuable insights to the project.

Mr English was in Whangarei on Friday to meet with Prosper Northland Trust, the Hundertwasser Art Centre (HAC) team and the Whangarei Art Museum Trust before he visited two local engineering firms.

"It was important that the Prime Minister be fully informed about the progress being made on the project. Although a number of funding sources are still being targeted, every contribution helps," Ms Ellis said.

"This is a project for all Maori and all New Zealanders as well."

While visiting Te Kakano (The Seed) at the proposed HAC site, Mr English said it was important a dedicated Maori art museum be included in the project.

One subject discussed was the HAC's initial June 30 deadline to raise $16.25 million and secure a $2m underwrite over 10 years, Ms Ellis said.

The project team will then have until June 30 next year to have a fully costed and final design in place.

Extra design and complex build costs have pushed total project costs out to $20.97m.