Te Kahu o Waipuna, Marlborough Library and Art Gallery, has welcomed its millionth visitor.
The milestone visit took place earlier this month, just prior to today’s three-year anniversary of the building opening on 30 June 2023. It reflects its rapid establishment as one of Marlborough’s most loved community spaces.
Marlborough Libraries Manager Glenn Webster said the community had embraced the new facility which, aside from offering books, provided a space to learn, work, unwind and connect.
“Since opening in June 2023, Te Kahu o Waipuna has averaged more than 26,700 visitors each month, which is close to double the 15,000 monthly visitors at our old Arthur Street site. It’s a modern, well-equipped space and has confirmed itself as a valued hub for our community,” Glenn said.
Marlborough Art Gallery Director Cressida Bishop said the gallery had also flourished in the new space. In the past year, it presented six exhibitions drawn from the Marlborough public art collections and hosted many public events.
“Having a fully climate-controlled environment means that we can present special touring exhibitions in Marlborough,” she said.
Over summer, Robin White: Tuituia | Something is Happening Here, featured a selection of artworks from the much-loved and acclaimed retrospective exhibition that celebrated Dame Robin White, one of New Zealand’s leading contemporary artists.
“The touring exhibition brought together iconic works from the collections of Te Papa and Auckland Art Gallery, spanning White’s 50-year career,” Cressida said.
“Dame Robin visited during the exhibition and gave a talk - 220 people visited the gallery that morning alone.”
Marlborough District Libraries, which includes both Marlborough and Picton libraries, were recognised as the top-performing service in the 2025 Resident Satisfaction Survey.
Marlborough Library (Blenheim) serves 15,378 active members, while Picton Library has 2,455 members. More than 38,000 items are loaned each month, with digital borrowing on a sustained upward trend and averaging 4,260 loans per month.
