Last updated June 2026
Te Kahu o Waipuna is the combined home of the Marlborough District Library and Marlborough Art Gallery in central Blenheim. The purpose-built facility at 15 High Street opened to the public in 2023 and also includes community spaces and a cafe. The name, meaning the protective cloak of Waipuna, was gifted by mana whenua Ngāti Toa Rangatira, Ngāti Rārua and Rangitāne o Wairau and unveiled at the official opening on 30 June 2023.
Practical Information
| Address | 15 High Street, Blenheim |
| Opened to public | 2023 |
| Name unveiled | 30 June 2023 by Ngāti Toa Rangatira, Ngāti Rārua and Rangitāne o Wairau |
| Architect | Warren and Mahoney |
| Total building size | 3,600 m² |
| Cost | Approximately $20 million |
| Admission | Free |
| Facilities | Library, art gallery, cafe, six meeting rooms |
About Te Kahu o Waipuna
Te Kahu o Waipuna serves as a central community hub on a riverside site overlooking the Taylor River and Wither Hills. The Warren and Mahoney design features perforated folded screens inspired by the surrounding hills and filters Marlborough light. The collocated library and gallery model has driven high visitor numbers and revitalised the CBD.
The name Te Kahu o Waipuna references local whakapapa and landscape. A kahu symbolises protection or embracing, while Waipuna refers to the springs northwest of Blenheim that feed the river passing the building. Mana whenua blessed the building and gifted the name at the official opening.
The facility meets professional standards for public art galleries, enabling exhibitions of rare and valuable works. It includes the Marlborough Art Gallery for changing exhibitions of local, national and international artists, plus extensive library services and community spaces.
The Building and Its Funding
The project received funding support including from the Government’s shovel-ready infrastructure programme. The completed building has won multiple architecture and design awards, including recognition in the NZ Commercial Projects Awards and NZIA awards for its public and colour categories.
Visitor numbers have been strong since opening, with reports of nearly 430,000 visitors in the first year of operation. The integrated model of library, gallery and shared spaces contributes to its popularity as a multi-generational destination.
Marlborough Art Society
The Marlborough Art Society operates a separate gallery and studio space in Blenheim focused on showcasing local creativity. It features regular exhibitions of work by local and national artists, with two adjoining galleries available when exhibitions are on show. The society runs daytime and evening groups, classes and weekend workshops, and hires the venue for artistic events.
The Art Society gallery is open daily from 10.30am to 4.30pm during exhibitions. It provides opportunities for artists to exhibit, sell work and participate in community programmes, complementing the public Marlborough Art Gallery at Te Kahu o Waipuna.
What Visitors Often Say
Visitors praise the modern design, natural light and welcoming atmosphere that combines library and gallery functions. Many note the variety of changing exhibitions and the convenience of the central location with cafe facilities.
Reviewers of the Marlborough Art Society highlight friendly staff, interesting local artwork and opportunities to join workshops or browse member exhibitions in a relaxed setting.
Where to Learn More
Marlborough NZ – Te Kahu o Waipuna: Regional tourism page with visitor information and current exhibitions.
Warren and Mahoney – Te Kahu o Waipuna: Architects’ project page with design details and award information.
Marlborough Art Society: Details on exhibitions, workshops and the society gallery programme.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Te Kahu o Waipuna?
15 High Street, Blenheim, on a central riverside site.
What does Te Kahu o Waipuna mean?
The protective cloak of Waipuna, referencing a traditional cloak symbolising protection and local springs northwest of Blenheim.
Who gifted the name?
Mana whenua Ngāti Toa Rangatira, Ngāti Rārua and Rangitāne o Wairau, unveiled on 30 June 2023.
When did Te Kahu o Waipuna open?
The facility opened to the public in 2023, with the name officially unveiled on 30 June 2023.
Who designed the building?
Warren and Mahoney architects.
Is entry free?
Yes, public access to the library and art gallery is free.
What is the Marlborough Art Society?
A separate organisation running its own gallery and studio focused on local artists, exhibitions and workshops at premises in Blenheim.
Are there meeting rooms available?
Yes, six meeting rooms of various sizes can be booked for events and community use.
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