March 19, 2026
Ashburton’s $1.9 million heating and air conditioning upgrade project is finally progressing, despite a brief mix-up over building names.
At a meeting on Wednesday, Councillor Russell Ellis was appointed to a new project control group overseeing the work at Rokowhiria Ashburton’s Art Gallery and Museum following the granting of a resource consent to relocate the air-conditioning units from the roof to ground level.
Before Ellis’ appointment was confirmed, third-term councillor Carolyn Cameron momentarily confused Rokowhiria with Te Whare Whakatere, the library and civic centre, while asking questions about the upgrade.
Cr Cameron said she “didn't realise the Rokowhiria capital works project was a thing” and wanted more detail.
“I understand the HVAC system hasn’t been working as per expectations, only through hearsay and casual comment,” she said.
“I have not heard an official comment that it's not working in generating the savings that we expected, I presume that's what it's about.”
Chief executive Hamish Riach responded that there had been “an enormous amount of information” about the system not being fit for purpose at the art gallery and museum.
As he clarified the project related to Rokowhiria, Cr Cameron acknowledged the mix-up.
“I was thinking in here [Te Whare Whakatere] not over there.”
The naming confusion is not entirely surprising, given Rokowhiria was only adopted last year for the facility, which has been operating since 2015, while Te Whare Whakatere opened in 2024.
The HVAC issues themselves, however, are far from new because the $1.9m project has been carried over in council budgets for several years, with progress slowed by planning constraints and community concerns.
A land covenant tied to the original consent meant no changes could be made for 10 years after the building opened, and any amendments since have required consultation with six neighbouring properties.
The council sought consent to relocate the air-conditioning units from the roof to ground level, but that proposal drew objections from neighbours concerned about noise.
A last-minute agreement avoided a public hearing in November, and an independent commissioner has since granted consent for the work to proceed.
Mayor Liz McMillan said a small project control group of staff, external consultants and Cr Ellis would help guide the next phase of the upgrade, “given its complexities and public sensitivities”.
By Jonathan Leask
Ashburton’s $1.9 million heating and air conditioning upgrade project is finally progressing, despite a brief mix-up over building names.
At a meeting on Wednesday, Councillor Russell Ellis was appointed to a new project control group overseeing the work at Rokowhiria Ashburton’s Art Gallery and Museum following the granting of a resource consent to relocate the air-conditioning units from the roof to ground level.
Before Ellis’ appointment was confirmed, third-term councillor Carolyn Cameron momentarily confused Rokowhiria with Te Whare Whakatere, the library and civic centre, while asking questions about the upgrade.
Cr Cameron said she “didn't realise the Rokowhiria capital works project was a thing” and wanted more detail.
“I understand the HVAC system hasn’t been working as per expectations, only through hearsay and casual comment,” she said.
“I have not heard an official comment that it's not working in generating the savings that we expected, I presume that's what it's about.”
Chief executive Hamish Riach responded that there had been “an enormous amount of information” about the system not being fit for purpose at the art gallery and museum.
As he clarified the project related to Rokowhiria, Cr Cameron acknowledged the mix-up.
“I was thinking in here [Te Whare Whakatere] not over there.”
The naming confusion is not entirely surprising, given Rokowhiria was only adopted last year for the facility, which has been operating since 2015, while Te Whare Whakatere opened in 2024.
The HVAC issues themselves, however, are far from new because the $1.9m project has been carried over in council budgets for several years, with progress slowed by planning constraints and community concerns.
A land covenant tied to the original consent meant no changes could be made for 10 years after the building opened, and any amendments since have required consultation with six neighbouring properties.
The council sought consent to relocate the air-conditioning units from the roof to ground level, but that proposal drew objections from neighbours concerned about noise.
A last-minute agreement avoided a public hearing in November, and an independent commissioner has since granted consent for the work to proceed.
Mayor Liz McMillan said a small project control group of staff, external consultants and Cr Ellis would help guide the next phase of the upgrade, “given its complexities and public sensitivities”.
By Jonathan Leask
