Recently I officiated at the celebration to mark the completion of the heritage section of the Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki. It reminded me why moments like this matter so much to our city. The March event, wasn’t just the completion of a project – it was our city taking a breath, honouring its past, celebrating its creativity, and reaffirming the cultural heartbeat that makes this place unlike anywhere else.
Anyone who knows me knows how passionate I am about arts, culture and heritage. I’ve said it often – these societal pillars are not “nice to haves”. They underpin who we are, they reflect the huge diversity of our city and create vibrancy, atmosphere, and a sense of place. They help build a city where people want to be – where they feel inspired and connected.
That’s why when I stood to acknowledge the completion of this work, alongside fellow elected members, iwi partners, the Gallery’s leadership, architects, contractors, donors and so many from our cultural community, it truly felt incredibly special. It was a reminder that this Gallery belongs to all of us. For generations it has shaped Auckland’s identity, and it continues to be one of our most treasured public spaces.
Inside its walls live the country’s most significant public art collections – gifts from Sir George Grey, James Mackelvie, the Chartwell Trust, the Robertson family, Dame Jenny Gibbs, and many others whose generosity has enriched our city. The Gallery is home to the greats of Aotearoa’s art, to Māori and Pacific artists whose work continues to shape our cultural story, and to international works that broaden our horizons. Every year, half a million people walk through its doors - students, families, researchers, visitors - each finding something that speaks to them.
Our most beloved places need care. And so began the restoration of the Gallery’s 139‑year‑old heritage wing in 2021, guided by the beautiful kaupapa Kia whakahou, kia whora - to restore, to heal. That is exactly what has been done.
From the early design stages through to the final touches this year, the team - led by Tātaki Auckland Unlimited - approached every detail with expertise, creativity and heart. They delivered the project under budget, kept the Gallery open throughout, and found clever ways to minimise disruption, like using roof scaffolding to complete facade and lighting work at the same time.
I had the privilege of climbing that scaffolding myself. Seeing the intricate detailing of the building up close was extraordinary. You notice things you simply can’t from the ground – the craftsmanship, the textures, the stories etched into every surface. It’s really reinforced for me why protecting our heritage matters. These buildings are not just structures – they are storytellers.
There were wonderful discoveries along the way – original frieze text revealed beneath layers of time, heritage photographs guiding the reinstatement of lost features, and the return of the roof ventilation towers – adapted for modern use but faithful to the building’s history. Even the new slate came from the same Welsh quarry used in 1887. That level of care speaks volumes.
It was during the celebration that I articulated an ambition - that I want to see Auckland become the greatest cultural city in the Southern Hemisphere. That this was met with whoops and applause told me this ambition isn’t mine alone - it’s shared and it’s possible.
Now that the work is complete, I want to encourage everyone – whether you’re a regular visitor, haven’t been in years, or have never been at all – to go and experience the Gallery in all its renewed, yet beautifully old, glory. Wander through the heritage wing, look up at the restored details, let the art and the building speak to you.
And once again, I want to thank everyone involved. Their dedication ensures that this magnificent building will continue to welcome and uplift Aucklanders for generations to come. And for me, it reaffirms something I’ve always believed – when we invest in arts and culture, we invest in the soul of our city.
www.desleysimpson.co.nz
