Resource Consent for Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki

Creative thinking and a collaborative approach between the artist, the gallery, and a Boffa Miskell planner ensured an artwork that extends beyond the gallery envelope was granted resource consent.

The artwork is an extension of an exhibit by artist in the East Gallery (Yona Lee: An Arrangement for 5 Rooms) which appears as though it extends through the glass into Albert Park.

The gallery itself has a designation which provides for public artworks, however this particular exhibit fell outside of their designation boundary. Artworks are actually permitted in open space zones; however, because of the various overlays of the site, this required consent.

Albert Park is a sensitive site as it is a historic heritage area and a site of significance to mana whenua.

Any earthworks in this area, and any temporary structures and activities therefore require resource consent given the archaeological, historical and cultural significance of the site.

Auckland-based planner Sarah Heritage managed the resource consent application. She says, “The artist and Auckland Art Gallery were great at understanding the constraints of the site and we went through several iterations of the design, re-scaling and slightly relocating it to ensure that there was minimal disturbance to the park.

“We managed to locate it so that most of the footings were within an area that was previously earthworked as part of the gallery renovations, and therefore not affecting ‘undisturbed’ land.”

This strategy was well received by Council’s archaeological specialist who stated in their report, “ …there have been three revisions of this artwork to achieve best outcomes for all parties. The applicant is thanked for this consultative approach; we are grateful for this attention to detail and have no further comments.”

The other big issue was the timeframe, Sarah explains. “The exhibition was due to open on 26 February and works had to start by 16 February at the very latest to get it installed in time for the opening.

“Delays with specialist reports, due to the lockdown, meant we lodged the application later than expected. The application was only lodged on 10 November 2021, and Auckland Council were very helpful in expediting the processing with the final consent approval coming in on 27 January.”

Exhibitions and Projects manager Alice Tyler says, “The work Sarah did on our resource consent application for the outdoor sculpture… was by far one of the most successful aspects of the project and it was all thanks to her dedication and stewardship. The project was very pressured during trying times and in many ways I’m still surprised we met the opening deadline!”