$7 million boost for Whangārei's Hundertwasser Arts Centre

HAC stalwarts Jenny Hill and Andrew Garrett present the Prime Minister with Hundertwasser-styled baby booties after she announced and extra $7m funding for the project yesterday.

Half the people in the auditorium when Prime Minister and Minister for Arts, Jacinda Ardern announced a $46 million funding package for Northland were there to hear about one project in particular.

There were politely restrained cheers at Forum North yesterday when Ardern confirmed the Government was giving an extra $6.94m to the $26m Hundertwasser Arts Centre (HAC) and its attached Wairau Māori Art Gallery at the Town Basin in Whangārei.

The latest grant from the Provincial Growth Fund brings the Government's contribution to nearly $10m when added to $3m pledged in June last year.

''Hundertwasser fell in love with New Zealand but particularly Northland and its people, and who can blame him,'' the Prime Minister said.

She was proud to announce the funding for the arts centre based on the work of the Austrian artist who was famous for his work in creating unique urban environments.

''We are privileged as a Government to partner with you to see it through. This, to me, is the ultimate partnership. Could there be a better way to invest in our country.''

Whangārei Art Museum Trust chairman Grant Faber described the new funding as ''a significant boost to the project'.'

"We are delighted the Government see the value in helping us create what will not only be a world-class and iconic facility for Whangārei, but for the entire country."

The trust is the funding entity and eventual operator of the HAC. More than half the money raised for the project has come from community fundraising, Faber said.

The Government's investment decision was strengthened by figures already attached to the HAC. An estimated 200,000 visitors per annum, bringing about $26m in net economic benefit to the district; more than 60 fulltime equivalent jobs during the two-year build; 10 fulltime jobs in the art gallery and education centre; and 21 fulltime jobs in the adjoining café and retail facilities.

At 10.30am today, the project team was to announce further ''very big news''.