An extension of Te Papa Tongarewa is proposed for the Auckland waterfront.
It would be built on Wynyard Point to house collections from the national museum in Wellington as well as holding major exhibitions.
Project chairman, Hamish Keith, says Te Papa is only able to show a small portion of its collection.
He says the new building would be able to hold national and international exhibitions, which would normally be shown only in Wellington.
Auckland Waterfront Authority is to consider the proposal next week.
