ILT Group has announced a further $500,000 contribution towards the development of Te Unua Museum of Southland, lifting its total funding commitment to $2 million.

The additional funding was approved by the ILT Foundation board earlier last year, with board members and staff later hosted on site by Invercargill City Council and contractor Naylor Love for the final tour of 2025.

The visit gave them a first-hand look at the significant progress being made on one of the region’s most important cultural facilities.

ILT President Paddy O’Brien said the organisation was honoured to continue its strong support for this landmark community project. “We’re thrilled to further our commitment to Te Unua Museum of Southland.

This project represents so much more than a building, it’s a celebration of our region’s heritage and identity, and our recent tour of the site reinforced just how significant this facility will be for Southlanders,” he said.

“Contributing $2 million in funding for the museum reflects our continued support for projects that enrich our community and add to the vibrancy of our city.”

Te Unua Museum of Southland Director Eloise Wallace said the support of community organisations such as ILT was vital in delivering the transformational and intergenerational project.

“Projects like Te Unua simply wouldn’t be possible without the support of community organisations such as ILT. Its generosity is helping us create a facility that is a once-in-a-lifetime investment, which will benefit our region for decades to come.”

During the visit, the ILT and ILT Foundation board members were shown key areas of the build and given updates on construction milestones, design elements, and the future visitor experience, Wallace said.

Site visits for key community partners were valuable in showing funders the tangible progress being made, and illustrated the impact their investment would help to deliver, she said.

“Seeing the building rise out of the ground really brings the vision to life. It’s a powerful reminder of the difference this facility will make as a place of learning and connection for the Southland community.”

Construction on-site paused for the summer break and has resumed as the project continues to progress toward completion.