Asbestos removal at Auckland Museum underway since 2025 has cost $8 million so far, with a further $4 million anticipated before the project is complete.
By 1News' Makayla Powick
Initial detection of the asbestos was discovered in May 2025, resulting in complete gallery closure for several weeks.
The Grand Foyer opened later in the year, while the popular Māori Court and Pacific Galleries remain closed.
Auckland Museum chief executive David Reeves said the closure of the galleries had affected visitation numbers to the museum.
"Last winter when we had some of the galleries fully closed, it definitely had a bit of a depressing impact on our visitation."
He said numbers bounced back over the summer months.
The galleries contain over 3000 artefacts which have individually been tested for asbestos by a team of trained staff wearing hazmat suits and masks for protection.
None of the artefacts tested so far have been contaminated.
Reeves said about a third of the space has been formally cleared of asbestos and he hopes the remaining two-thirds will get clearance by May or June next year.
He said the process has been rigorous and time consuming, covering "several thousand square metres."
Due to the unexpected discovery of the asbestos, Reeves said the cost was not anticipated in the museum's finances.
"It's caused some major difficulties for our finances, and we've had to defer other projects to pay for it," he said.
Auckland Museum is currently seeking funding support from Auckland council and the Government.
Reeves hoped the galleries would be fully operational by 2029.
"We want to have those galleries refreshed and reopened by 2029, when the building turns 100 years old," he said.
Since the rooms have been completely emptied, he said they were taking the opportunity to update all of the fittings, which were "at the end of their life anyways".
As an alternative to the permanent Māori exhibition which remains closed, the museum has opened a temporary exhibition called Te Ripo o te Moana, which opened last weekend.
It will be on display for three years and features many of the same objects.
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