Several galleries at The Auckland War Memorial Museum are set to remain closed until 2029

The immediate issue is asbestos - 1000s of taonga have to receive specialist cleaning. The museum is also using the opportunity to upgrade its ageing infrastructure.

But there is a bigger issue sitting underneath the surface. Who pays for the upkeep of New Zealand's cultural institutions? And how?

Like other museums much of the funding comes from Ratepayers... But as we look at local government reform and 4% rate caps, do we need a rethink?

Museums Aotearoa Chief Executive Jaenine Parkinson joins RNZ Afternoons Jesse Mulligan. Listen here.