Trust Supports Hawke’s Bay Museum & Art Gallery

Media Release
For immediate release
Friday 18th June 2010

Dobson Trust Supports Hawke’s Bay Museum & Art Gallery

The collection of the Hawke’s Bay Cultural Trust is dear to the heart of many people in and connected to Hawke’s Bay; and combined with the excellent calibre of exhibitions and work being done by the HBMAG this has been recognised by a substantial donation by the W T Dobson Settlement Trust.

The Trust fund was established in 1981 by the late William T Dobson, Solicitor of Napier, who was a partner in the legal firm of Carlile McLean & Co. The income from the Trust fund has benefitted many local charities over the years. In particular Mr Dobson had an interest in the provision of homes for the elderly and the assistance for young people in the community particularly those at risk. He died in 1988. The Trust is managed by Guardian Trust.

“The late Mr Dobson supported both young and old, and his Trust continued to provide much needed assistance to a number of charities in the area” says Brien Mahoney, Guardian Trust Client Manager for the W T Dobson Settlement Trust.

The Napier City Council is a beneficiary of the Trust and in discussion with the trustee, Guardian Trust and its advisers, it was agreed that the funds be applied towards the Hawke’s Bay Museum and Art Gallery redevelopment. The Council will benefit in excess of $500,000.00 from the generosity of the late Mr Dobson.

This grant represents the level of support local families and trusts are coming forward to give the project.

“We’re extremely lucky and grateful that people see the benefit of the HBMAG redevelopment. It is such an asset to our city’s cultural and heritage offering” says Mayor Barbara Arnott.

The HBMAG redevelopment is an $18million dollar project which will restore original features of the buildings that the HBMAG is currently in, as well as adding a new wing to provide additional exhibition and working space. The plans have been developed by Opus Consultants, and are focused on integrating existing buildings with the new wing while also recognising Napier’s Art Deco heritage.

Mayor Barbara Arnott says the project is important for the people of Hawke’s Bay as it will ensure that this significant collection of art and artefacts will be held securely, and exhibited more often, in this iconic publically owned waterfront location.

“Each dollar raised is an important step forward in the project” explains Mayor Arnott.

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