The increased funding would go towards a redesigned roof, and fire ratings, he said. The balance of $200,000 had been allocated from funding for stage two of the project, which is the proposed Maruawai Centre. At a meeting last week, the council voted to include $340,000 of funding for stage two of the development in the council’s Long Term Plan. It will be out for consultation in March. Regional Economic Development minister Shane Jones announced funding for the project during a visit to Gore in 2019. The development of the Maruawai Centre in the former Smiths’ City and Salvation Army building is the culmination of a 12 year research partnership between the Gore District Historical Society, Hokonui Runanga and the Council’s arts and heritage team.