It looks like the Hundertwasser Wairau Maori Art Centre has won the hearts of Northlanders.

Preliminary referendum voting counts a whopping 13,726 votes for the idea.

Whangarei Mayor Sheryl Mai said she's very excited to see more colour in the area and can't wait to see international visitors flocking to the dock-side town.

"Things will follow, with hotels and accommodation right around the region. People will head north from Auckland. We're just really really thrilled with this result."

Sheryl Mai said if funding goes ahead as planned the new arts hub could open its doors within 2 to 3 years.

The community will be involved in the building of the centre.