Weta Workshop given ‘creative licence’ for Napier Aquarium redevelopment

As part of plans announced by Napier City Council to redevelop the city's National Aquarium of New Zealand, Weta Workshop - the special effects and prop company behind such epics as The Lord of the Rings and Avatar - are being given “creative licence” to come up with a unique design for the development. 

The $45 million development will expand the current attraction of the city’s Marine Parade expanded from 3,400 metre² by almost three times to 11,100 metre², with Weta Workshop joining the project as a design partner, offering their unique take on aquarium design

Commenting on the project, Napier City Council Manager of Visitor Experiences Sally Jackson stated “it puts us on the map as a conservation centre of excellence and an eco-tourism destination of major significance.

"We couldn't be more thrilled that Weta Workshop has come on board as our design partner, to create the wow factor and help us tell our stories in an innovative, original way."

The Council will provide $7 million in funding towards the development, with the remainder sought from a mix of public and private investment. In addition to Weta Workshop, key partners involved in the project include Air New Zealand, the University of Waikato, Hawke’s Bay Regional Council, Hawke’s Bay Tourism and representatives of the local Maori community.

Napier Mayor Bill Dalton added “we’re on a mission to create an absolutely extraordinary experience so that people coming to New Zealand will not be able to leave the country without spending time at our aquarium.

“We are looking forward to sharing the excitement of our National Aquarium Expansion Project in more detail, and hearing our community’s views, as we work hard towards enhancing our National Aquarium of New Zealand.”

The Council had formally reviewed the indicative business case for the Aquarium which it plans to present to the New Zealand Government for funding consideration. Construction is scheduled to start in 2019, with an opening date of 2021.

Click here for more information on the project.

Images: Artist's impressions of the planned National Aquarium of New Zealand redevelopment.

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