Street party to celebrate Forrester Gallery & Mahika Kai Mahika Toi
Published on 22 April 2026
Join us on Saturday 2 May for a vibrant street party celebrating the exciting reopening of the Forrester Gallery. Come and explore the gallery’s beautiful new spaces, made more accessible with the welcome installation of a lift.
The Friends of the Forrester Gallery are thrilled to welcome the community back for a day filled with fun, creativity, and celebration. This long-awaited milestone will be marked with lively events and a fantastic street party atmosphere for all to enjoy.
Heather Machin, Chairperson of the Friends of the Forrester Gallery, said: “Bring your friends, bring your family, and come celebrate with us – it’s going to be a great day, made possible by a generous donation to the Friends of the Forrester Gallery from a long-time supporter.”
The Forrester Gallery, known for its beautiful heritage building, has been expanded with a new collection store, new gallery space, new education room, and more. The extension has been gifted the name Mahika Kai Mahika Toi.
“The reopening features several new exhibitions, including Kārakaraka Toi. Echoing the waterways of Te Waipounamu, this collaborative exhibition by Paemanu Ngāi Tahu Contemporary Visual Arts emerged from a journey along Waitaki awa. First shown at the Queensland Gallery of Modern Art in Meanjin Brisbane at the Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art, it returns home,” Curator Anna McLean explains.
“A highlight will be hearing artists from Paemanu kōrero about their exhibition between 11am and 11:45am.”
The Forrester Gallery has a rich history. Built in 1884, the building was originally the local branch of the Bank of New South Wales and a residence for the bank manager and their family. The building was given a new lease of life when it opened as a public art gallery in 1983.
The extension project was undertaken by Naylor Love and used many local subcontractors and suppliers.
"I am so excited to welcome visitors back to our gallery. This day of events is all about celebrating how art and creativity inspire and sustain us. The Friends have organised a
great day of events, with something for everyone to enjoy,” Forrester Gallery Director Chloe Searle said. “The events start from 10:30am and go until 8pm. All events are free to attend, and there will be food trucks on site where people can purchase refreshments.
Between 12pm and 1:30pm Paemanu Ngāi Tahu Contemporary Visual Arts will be leading a hands-on art workshop for the whole family in Tarāpuka, the new education space, on the first floor of the Gallery, including a stamp workshop and making porotītī.”
“The street party will be great fun. People can explore the buildings, new and old, while encountering artists, art lovers, and members of the community. Attendees can look forward to live music, cultural performances, and kapa haka from Hampden School and Te Matahīapo.”
“Guided tours will be available. These tours will provide an in-depth look at the gallery's history and the building extension project. There will be talks from some of the exhibiting artists, bringing even greater richness.”
Join us for an unforgettable day out as we celebrate the Forrester Gallery and embrace the meaningful contribution creativity and art make to our lives.
The final detailed programme will be available shortly on culturewaitaki.org.nz
The events will go ahead if the weather is wet, but the programme may be adjusted as a result.