Northland's controversial Hundertwasser Art Centre project has hit a major funding target and deadline.
A $3.5 million project grant Lotteries Commission grant has pushed the money raised so far to $18.6 million - well over the $16.25 million that was required by June 30.
The $16.25 deadline had been set after a referendum on the project, which will convert a former Northland Regional Council building in Whangarei's Town Basin into the Hundertwasser Art Centre with the Wairau Māori Art Gallery.
The news has been hailed as a win "for and by Northland" by HAC fundraising project director Andrew Garratt.
"This is absolutely, 100 per cent, a win for Northland. The incredible effort from this community to raise funds and voice to this project has been heard and we are delighted to have met one of the key requirements of the referendum.
"We are so very appreciative of this grant from Lotteries, as well as the amazing response from the community in the last few weeks, with thousands of dollars raised through donations, art sales and pledges.
"The Lotteries grant is a wonderful reward for a hard-working team and community."
It also takes the Hundertwasser project team well on the way to achieving the estimated build cost of $20.97 million.