Confirmation of an opening date for the long-awaited Te Unua Museum of Southland could still be six months away, and some councillors are growing impatient.

Invercargill has been without a permanent museum since the Southland Museum and Art Gallery closed in April 2018 due to earthquake risk.

On Tuesday, a report on its $87 million replacement was presented to elected members, noting a late-2026 goal for opening.

But it also highlighted risk around the proposed date because of the complex task of fitting out the museum.

Project director Nick Hamlin said although the structure was on track for a September 2026 finish, there were other factors at play.

“It’s all the other elements that are really key. It’s not as simple as picking up an artefact,” he said.

Hamlin said there were “huge” design elements to consider, such as heating, control and lighting.

“Opening a museum is not as easy as opening a shop.”

A plan which included an opening date would be brought back in the next three to six months, Hamlin said.

Discussion amongst councillors canvassed a range of different views at the meeting.

Lead councillor for the project Grant Dermody hoped to have the report back "a lot sooner" than what was suggested, while deputy mayor Tom Campbell pushed for an opening of the building and some displays by Christmas 2026.

Barry Stewart said the opening date was important for the public.

Darren Ludlow said there were “spillover tensions” about the timeline for opening, but warned costs could go up if it was rushed through.

“I think there are risks in thumping the table and trying to put a magic date on it and get things to happen,” he said.

“The risk is that it goes terribly wrong and we don’t meet it.”

Steve Broad referenced the Titanic and said the project could be considered on-time when it was ready for the community.

The new museum underwent a public consultation in 2024 due to budget issues, with the council opting to stick with its original plan.

Construction began in November 2024 with a site blessing.

Council chief executive Michael Day highlighted staffing gaps for the museum at Tuesday's meeting, saying recruitment would soon be underway.

The project was deemed to be tracking on budget.

LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air