Kiwi artistry is on display in the courtyard of at Sydney's new $1.1 billion museum which opened its doors at the weekend.
The building — which loomed large over Western Sydney and took up more space than three full size rugby fields — represented New South Wales' largest cultural investment since the Opera House.
"It's been a long time since we've launched something as big as this," Powerhouse president David Borger said.
"But there's a new house in town, the Powerhouse Parramatta".
The new Parramatta museum - dubbed the "Milk Crate" for its distinctive white lattice walls - is the city's largest cultural investment since the Opera House. (Source: 1News)
Exhibits including space exploration, aviation, technology, fashion and culture spanned six enormous floors.
First conceived seven years ago, the museum, which has been dubbed "The Milk Crate" by locals for its distinctive look has several Kiwi connections.
"We've got a lot of New Zealanders within the Powerhouse", the museum's acting chief executive Abbie Galvin said, when asked about the team that had helped bring the facility to life.
Not only that, Kiwi artistry was also on full display.
A 9-metre long waka, designed by Adelaide-based Māori artist Peter Elers was currently a centrepiece of the museum's courtyard.
"To be able to continue doing our art form in a different country is an absolute blessing," he said.
Built over 17 months by a small team of carvers, including Elers, he said the waka has elements from a range of Pacific cultures, on display as a reflection of the diversity across wider Sydney.
"It's a growing community, as you can see this amazing building here now, to help showcase our amazing culture and how long we've been here.
"Back in New Zealand Aotearoa, waka is a big component of our stories, our livelihoods, our history and its still carrying our stories into the future."
Preparations for the opening of the museum went right down to the wire, according to Galvin.
"We've literally had scissor lifts just quietly driving out of the building early this morning because they never ever seem to stop, but finally pens down, polishing cloths down, and they're ready to hand it over to the public," she said.
She said there was now a sense of celebration as the museum finally opened its doors.
SHARE ME