A $500,000 grant will help develop Palmerston North's Te Manawa Museum and incorporate the New Zealand Rugby Museum, Internal Affairs Minister Nathan Guy announced today.
The Lottery Environment and Heritage Committee funding would help fund the redevelopment project, involving internal and external changes to existing buildings and the addition of new galleries and storage space.
"This is a great boost to the region and will be an added attraction for visitors during the 2011 Rugby World Cup, when Palmerston North will host two games," Mr Guy said.
The New Zealand Rugby Museum would move from its "sub-standard premises" into a gallery within Te Manawa Museum, increasing its exposure and visitor numbers, he said.
The committee makes grants for projects that promote, protect and conserve New Zealand's natural, physical and cultural heritage.
