Forrester Gallery’s final exhibitions before brief 2026 closure

Published on 05 January 2026

Four exhibitions to feature before 1 March closure to prepare collection for extension opening.

This summer, make sure you drop in to the gallery to explore our current exhibitions. They’re also the last in our current Forrester Gallery building as we know it.

Our new exhibitions include Sione Tuívailala Monū and Edith Amituanai: Toloa Tales, two inspiring moving image artworks filmed in Sāmoa and toured by Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū.

Sara McIntyre: Kākahi to Kākanui commences our inaugural artist residency, where Sara spent 10 weeks capturing Kākanui coastal life and connected with members of the wider rohe.

Most recently we installed He Mahi Kei te Haere | A Work in Progess: Forrester Gallery Through the Years, a snapshot of the architectural and social histories attached to our building, the former Bank of New South Wales.

In our Community Gallery, is a wonderlab exhibition Kids’ Stuff. There are interactive activities for all ages, perfect for the school holidays. Kids’ Stuff ties in with our new Waitaki Museum exhibition of the same name, so enjoy our cool airconditioned facilities this Raumati and bring in the whānau for some good times!

By mid-2026, the Forrester extension will open with a new education space, collection store and modern main gallery space. Most importantly, we will have lift access so everyone can enjoy all aspects of what we have on offer.

The extension will provide additional avenues for connection and care for our community and our much-loved art collection of over 2500 taoka – which will become more accessible through two visible collection store galleries.

Find more about our exhibitions and upcoming events via our website:

https://www.culturewaitaki.org.nz/Forrester-Gallery/Whats-on-Forrester-Gallery

ENDS

media@waitaki.govt.nz