Support
Centennial Trust
In 2006 the Rotorua Museum Centennial Trust was established to drive fundraising efforts for the completion of the Bath House building to its original design. See more about the Centennial Project that was completed in 2011 with the opening of the Don Stafford Wing.
With the closure of the Museum in 2006, the Centennial Trust have played a big role in funding and supporting the project and exhibition development for when the Museum reopens.
Donate to the Project
By joining the 1,000 Friends campaign, you could help to bring our treasured Museum back to life – so our tamariki can learn, our artists can shine, and our community can reconnect.
Our goal is to raise $1million. For the price of a cup of coffee a week, you can help make it happen.
The Museum’s redevelopment is progressing well. Over $72 million has been secured for the building project, with construction scheduled for completion in September 2026.
However, the project to develop the exhibitions, that will bring Rotorua’s stories, taonga, and history back to life, still needs to raise about $8million.
In January 2026, the The Friends of Rotorua Museum launched the 1,000 Friends Campaign!
The reopening of Rotorua Museum Te Whare Taonga o Te Arawa is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create world-class exhibitions that reflect who we are, celebrate our heritage, and share our unique identity with the world.
You decide how you want to donate:
Weekly Donation of $6.50 (for 154 weeks)
Monthly Donation of $29.50 (for 34 months)
One-off Donation of $1,000
BE TO WIN! Sign up by 27 April 2026 and go in the draw for an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour*! (10 lucky winners!)
Competition Terms & conditions: Winners will be required to make own travel arrangements to and from the Museum on the day of the tour (Thursday 4 June 2026, 12.30pm – 2pm). If you are unable to attend that date you may nominate someone to go in your place. The tour will be approximately one hour in length. Winners will be required to attend a Health & Safety Site Induction prior to the private tour and must be physically able to go up and down stairs and over uneven ground. Staff of Rotorua Lakes Council and Rotorua Museum project contractors are not eligible for the draw. Images/videos of the tour may be used on social media.
Find out who has supported this project!
Check out who has donated towards this amazing project!
Creating exhibitions to international standards takes time, expertise, and funding. That’s where you come in.
Friends of Rotorua Museum
The Friends promote awareness and enjoyment of Rotorua Museum with its collections and events as an essential part of our community.
While the museum is closed they continue to encourage the people of Rotorua to enjoy the arts, crafts and history of Rotorua through a range of events and activities.
Click here for more information on being a Friend of Rotorua Museum.
