Help the Forrester Gallery reach new heights!

Published on 06 October 2025

Block and stair-riser sponsorship opportunities for the community.

In 1965 John Megget Forrester died aged 99. His generous bequest allowed the establishment of the Forrester Gallery.

60 years from his death we are expanding on his vision and extending the Gallery building, thanks to a grant from the Ministry of Culture and Heritage.

Chloe Searle, Arts, Culture and Libraries Manager, says: “The generosity of John Megget Forrester provided us with the existing Gallery, and the efforts of the community and support from the Government and Trusts will soon see a doubling of our gallery space, and a more accessible facility for our community”

As the Forrester Gallery reaches the stage of Oamaru-stone cladding, the community are being given the opportunity to sponsor one of the 2,122 blocks being placed on the extension to match the whitestone of the original Bank of New South Wales building.

A sponsor board inside the Gallery will list all donors.

Inside, the new stairs connecting the three floors of the gallery can also be sponsored, with names or a message.

Block sponsorships $99 and can be applied for at the Culture Waitaki webpage: Help the Forrester Gallery Reach New Heights | Culture Waitaki

Stair riser sponsorship begins at $500 rising to $650 and $800 dependent on the floor location of riser. You can see which are available, and apply to sponsor a stair, here: Sponsor a stair | Culture Waitaki

All donations will be used for the purposes of extending the Forrester Gallery, including construction, fit-out or supporting the operations of the Gallery.

ENDS

media@waitaki.govt.nz