The Whanganui Story – Stained Glass Windows

The Whanganui Story project began as part of the council chambers refurbishment in 2006. This unique collection of stained-glass windows retelling the histories of Whanganui sets these chambers apart from any other in the country. The windows share stories of local luminaries, historic figures in sports, the arts, and politics, our unique built and environmental heritage, as well as key infrastructure that has impacted our community.

All installed windows are listed in the brochure(PDF, 2MB)

Mountains to Sea window sponsored by Wanganui Powerco Trust

Billy Webb and Peter Snell window sponsored by Vallely Family

National Council of Women Whanganui with their Suffragist window

Kowhai Park window sponsored by Probus members

Mother Aubert window sponsored by Aubert Home of Compassion

Sponsorship

Many of The Whanganui Story windows are made possible through local sponsorship. Sponsors have the chance to immortalise a local story of significance.

Sponsors are invited to take a tour of the windows and visit the artists’ studio to witness the window-making process. They also receive a high-resolution digital image of the finished artwork.

If you are an organisation, individual, family or business with a local connection and interested in showcasing a story, complete the expression of interest form(PDF, 161KB)

Artists

The creatives behind the windows include artists Greg Hall and artist Julie Greig.

Julie is a working artist specialising in painting with soft pastel and oil, alongside charcoal drawings. She designs preliminary drawings based on the story each sponsor aims to portray.

Greg Hall has developed a unique set of skills as a practising glass artist, educator and glassmaker throughout his 45-year career. He is known for his work in lead lighting and his series of cast glass waka (traditional Maori canoe), which have intricately engraved hulls. Greg works alongside Julie to recreate her two-dimensional design in glass by matching the colours and textures present in Julie’s drawings.

As of October 2024, twenty-five of the thirty-two windowpanes encircling the central dome of the council chambers are adorned with stories beautifully captured in stained glass.

Learn about each of the current windows(PDF, 2MB)

Viewings and Tours

Viewings of The Whanganui Story can be arranged by appointment with the project coordinator.

These are typically held on any Monday or Friday of the month (outside of public holidays) for up to 30 minutes.

Click here to make an appointment.

Tours of The Whanganui Story are hosted during specific community events, such as Whanganui Heritage Month or specifically for groups interested in sponsorship.