Executive Board Meeting 8 June 2010
Agenda item no. 12
Prepared by: Don McMichael
Date: 28 May 2010
Topic: 2010 Bursary Program
1. Recommendation
1.1 that a special bursary for attending the Shanghai ICOM General Conference of A$2,200 be awarded to Ms Tarisi Vunidilo, Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Museums Association (PIMA);
1.2 that the availability of an additional bursary for attending the Shanghai Conference be advertised in the ICOM Australia Newsletter with a new closing date of 30 June.
2. Background
2.1 On 16 February 2010, the availability of two ICOM Australia bursaries of A$2,000 for members attending the Shanghai General Conference was advertised in ICOM Newsletter. The closing date for applications was 31 March 2010. Successful applicants were to have been advised by 16 April 2010, but no decision was made for reasons set out below.
2.2 An amount of $5000 was identified for Bursaries in the 2010 Budget of which $4000 has been allocated for attendance at the Shanghai Conference.
3. Issues
3.1 Only one application was received by the closing date, from Ms Tarisi Vunidilo, the newly appointed Secretary General of PIMA, but she did not meet the eligibility requirements on two counts – first, she had not been a member of ICOM for three consecutive years (having been given membership by ICOM Australia only when appointed in February this year) and second, she is ex-officio a member of the Executive Board (although she has not yet participated in any Board meeting).
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3.2 Despite this, I believe we should award her a bursary, as her participation in an ICOM General Conference would be a great opportunity for her to establish links with ICOM internationally and to give PIMA representation at the Conference. Her application and supporting documents are at Attachment A
3.3 In my view, the Board should make an exception to the eligibility criteria for her and offer her a bursary on the same terms and conditions as if she had been an eligible applicant. Her application indicates that she will contribute $A350 of her own funds for daily living expenses and that PIMA will meet the cost of her Conference Registration Fee. She requested $2086.82 to cover airfares Port Vila-Sydney-Shanghai-Sydney- Port Vila and accommodation costs. Given that she may now have missed the early- bird registration deadline, I suggest we offer her a bursary of A$2,200.
3.4 As $2,800 of the budgetted bursary funds remains unspent, I recommend that we advertise the availability of one more bursary, using the original eligibility and selection criteria with a closing date of 30 June [or 31 July ?].
4. Attachment A ICOM AUSTRALIA BURSARY PROGRAM APPLICATION TARISI VUNIDILO, SECRETARY GENERAL, PACIFIC ISLANDS MUSEUMS ASSOCIATION (PIMA) INTENTION I have worked in the museum sector since 1994. Through the years I have worked mainly in the Pacific region assisting museums in workshops, archaeological research and staff support on museum projects. I have not attended an international ICOM meeting before, and I find this 2010 ICOM meeting as a wonderful opportunity to increase my knowledge in museology, but most importantly to bring back what I learn to the Pacific region. The three areas of focus for my role are training development, advocacy and accessing funding for PIMA projects. I believe that I will acquire a lot of museum knowledge base at this meeting. ICOM COMMITTMENT The Pacific islands Museum Association (PIMA) has played a key role in the last decade providing training and up skilling our Museum staff in the area of conservation, pest management and heritage management. I am one of those who have benefited from such training and here I am, hoping that I can be able to share what I have benefited from to others. In the area of capacity building, PIMA is now working towards increasing participation of our young Pacific islanders to be part of heritage management and work alongside our elders, many of whom are willing to pass on their knowledge to our younger people. Attending this international meeting will surely provide me with alot of technical skills and network to strengthen PIMA’s plans to assist our communities to actively participate in recording and maintain our heritage for the benefit of our younger generation. PIMA is one regional organisation that supports ICOM’s philisophies, and my attendance at this event, will enhance this relationship even further. Thank you for your support! Tarisi Vunidilo SECRETARY GENERAL, PIMA
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30 March, 2010
Working together, preserving, celebrating and nurturing the heritage of the peoples of the Pacific Islands
Dear Sir or Madam,
RE: SUPPORT LETTER FOR TARISI VUNIDILO, SECRETARY GENERAL-PIMA
I am writing this letter of support for Ms. Tarisi Vunidilo for her bursary application to attend the ICOM meeting in Shanghai, China. Ms. Vunidilo is the Secretary General for PIMA (Pacific Islands Museums Association).
Ms Vunidilo’s attendance at the ICOM meeting is very important as this will indeed boost her current museum knowledge and extend her museum network internationally. It will also benefit her role in facilitating future training accessing for all 22 members countries of Pacific Islands museums and cultural centres.
PIMA currently do not have funding to support Ms. Vunidilo’s travel. Your support for her bursary application is gratefully appreciated.
For more information on Ms. Vunidilo and her application, please contact me on [email protected] or by phone (679) 331 6957.
Yours Sincerely,
Meretui Ratunabuabua (Ms) CHAIR, PIMA BOARD
4.1.a.i.1 PERSONAL RÉSUMÉ
4.2 PERSONAL DETAILS
NAME Tarisi Sorovi Vunidilo BA, (USP) PGDipArch (ANU). PGDipMaori and Pacific Dev (Waikato)
ADDRESS Pacific Islands Museums Association P.O.Box 5043 Port Vila Vanuatu
TELEPHONE (678) 25319 FAX (678) 26590 EMAIL [email protected]
4.2.a.i.1.1 EDUCATION DETAILS
• Master of Social Science, majoring in Anthropology University of Waikato. Current (To be completed in April 2010)
• Postgraduate Diploma in Maori and Pacific Development, University of Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand Completed in 2006
• Postgraduate Diploma in Arts, majoring in Archaeology, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia. Completed in 1996.
• Bachelor of Arts majoring in Geography, History and Sociology, University of South Pacific, Suva, Fiji. Completed in 1994
• Foundation Social Science Certificate, University of South Pacific, Suva, Fiji. Completed in 1991
• Fiji School Leaving Certificate, Adi Cakobau School, Suva, Fiji. Completed in 1990
• Fiji Junior Certificate (A Grade) – Nabua Secondary School, Suva, Fiji. Completed 1988.
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4.2.a.i.1.2 OTHER EDUCATION DETAILS
• Strategic Leadership Programme, He Kahui Kakakura – Victoria University of Wellington - 2004.
• East West Centre Exchange Student, University of Hawaii (Manoa & Hilo Campuses) - 1993.
b) AWARDS
• Health Research Award - Health Research Council, New – 2005. • AUSAID Scholarship – 1996. • Public Service Commission Scholarship – 1991 – 1994.
c) PUBLICATIONS
• Fijian Double Spouted Vessels (1997) in “Domodomo”, Volume 11, No.2, Fiji Museum publication, Suva.
• The revival of Pottery Making in Yawe, Kadavu (1999) in “Domodomo”, Volume 12, No 1, Fiji Museum publication, Suva.
• Archaeology of a Fijian Island: I Tukutuku Makawa kei Cikobia-I-Ra, (2001), Department of Archaeology, Museum of New Caledonia, Noumea, New Caledonia.
• A Fijian Perspective on Rediscovered History: a study of the relationship between science and traditional folklore (2001). Folklife Congress, Melbourne, Australia.
• Pacific Islander Perspective on Lapita Researchers and Local communities relationships: The Way Forward, (2002), International Lapita Conference, Kone, New Caledonia.
• Pacific Women’s Perceptions of Access to Healthcare for Diabetes abd Related Illnesses: An Insight into the Pacific Enderley Community, Hamilton, New Zealand (2005), Summer Internship Report for Health Research Council, New Zealand
• Lapita Research and Pacific Indigenous Peoples: Considerations for Oceanic Archaeologists, paper presented at the International Lapita Conference, Nuku’alofa, Kingdom of Tonga (August 2005)
d) BOOKS
Na I Talanoa ni Lapita, The Story of Lapita Pottery, (2006) by Tarisi Vunidilo
e) MEMBERSHIPS
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• K’aute Pasifika Health Services – Fijian representative in the Board for the Hamilton and Waikato region, New Zealand - March 2005 – March 2007 • Waikato University Pacific Island Student Association – General Member – Current. • Creative New Zealand - Fijian Representative/Adviser to Pacific Arts Committee – Jan 2003 – Dec 2006. • Ministry of Education - Fijian Representative to the Pacific Advisory Group- Jan 2003 – Dec 2006.
f) COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION
• Fijian Language and Culture teacher to Fijian families, Mangere Community Learning Centre, Mangere, Auckland, July 2009 to present • Organiser of Arts Pasifika Awards, Pacific Telstra Clear Event Centre, November 2008, Manukau City, Auckland • Organiser of Vaka Pasifika: Exploration into Pacific Heritage Arts Fono, Auckland Museum, March 15th, 2008 • Organiser of Arts Pasifika Awards, Auckland Museum, November 2007, Auckland Museum, Auckland • Festival Judge for Fijian section in CenPac Secondary School Polynesian Festival- September 2007 • Festival Judge for Fijian section in CenPac Secondary School Polynesian Festival- September 2006 • Festival Judge for Fijian section in CenPac Secondary School Polynesian Festival- September 2005 • Choreographer for Hamilton Girls High School for Pacific By Nature festival –2005 • Choreographer for Fijian Dance for Church College, Hamilton for Polynesian Festival- 2005 • Choreographer for Hamilton Fraser High School for Pacific By Nature festival –2005 • Contributor to Fiji Observer newspaper on Fijian Legends written in Fijian vernacular- 2005 • Choreographer for Fijian Dance for Hamilton Girls High School for Pacific by Nature Festival-2004 • Part-time Social Worker for IDEAS Services-2004-5 • Fijian Language and Culture teacher to Fijian children, Wellington-2002-3
RELEVANT WORK HISTORY
Pacific Islands Museums Association (PIMA) - Present
Secretary General, PIMA
Key responsibilities:
• consolidating the Secretariat for the present and the future, including securing funds for the continuation of the position of the Secretary‐General and for the programs and projects of PIMA, ICOMOS Pasifika and the PHN 7/10
• expanding the membership of the organization and working closely with regional museums and cultural centres,
• raising the profile of PIMA and the PHN,
• working closely with the Deputy Secretary‐General.
Auckland Museum August to September 2009
Guest Educator
• Researcher and concept developer for Tala Pasifika program
• Develop Pacific outreach programs for all museum visitors
• Assist the Education Team with Pacific education program content
• Deliver Pacific educational programs for schools (all levels)
Creative New Zealand March 2007 to July 2009
Programs Advisor, Pacific Arts
• Administer and support the delivery of arts development funding and other support programmes and initiatives to Pacific communities
• For initiatives that are being managed, ensure that agreed timelines and quality standards are met and that all financial and other accountability requirements are met.
• Monitor the quality of programmes and initiatives, including dealing with customer queries and complaints
• Assist with reviewing and continuously improve the delivery of specific arts development programmes and initiatives to Pacific communities
• Work with members of the Strategy team to identify arts development needs, carry out relevant research or identify relevant information, and select and evaluate appropriate interventions
Waikato Museum of Art & History Dec 2003-March 2007
4.3 Collection Services Manager
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• Team Leader for the Collections Team focusing on the management of all museum collection • Manage and liaise with other organisations regarding the heritage sites of Hamilton and the wider Waikato • Coordinate all museum exhibitions programs • Maintain the overall care of the collection • Implement rigid registration methods for all museum objects • Link with the community for all museum projects • Oversee the successful implementation of the Vernon database using high standard electronic registration and recording
1.1.1.1 Museum of New Zealand Te Papa March 2001 – December 2003
Collection Manager (Registrar) of Pacific Collection
• Manage and maintain high standard and safety of all Pacific Collection • Process and register all incoming acquisitions • Update electronic Te Kahui database • Work across museum disciplines & handle works during exhibition development and maintenance e.g. History, art and science • Facilitate Pacific related museum exhibitions programs and physically handle all works • Liaise with Pacific community in relation to collection access and information gathering
Fiji Museum June 2000 – February 2001
4.4 Director
• Manage 23 staff and manage relevant budget of the museum • Organise training and up-skilling of staff and develop excellent human resource management skills • Represented Fiji in national, regional and international forums, workshops and meetings • Liaise with international institutions and organisations for the safety of Fiji’s natural and cultural heritage • Ensure museum object safety by increase level of security within collection storage
Fiji Museum June 1997 – June 2000
Archaeologist and Head of Archaeology Department
• Manage and maintain the museum’s archaeological collection • Develop research programs for archaeological research in Fiji • Liaise with international Universities and research institute for research collaboration 9/10
• Ensure the security and the up to date information of the museum collection database • Liaise and network with the rural and urban Fijian community regarding research of their archaeological sites
Fiji Museum June 1994 – December 1996
Graduate Trainee, Archaeology Department
• Participated in a mentoring program with 2 archaeologists from Australia and Japan • Updated filing system of the department • Liaised with relevant government ministries regarding heritage related projects within Fiji and the Pacific • Participated in archaeological work in Australia, Vanuatu and Fiji • Developed an additional volunteer coordinator role during and post archaeological work
4.4.a.i.1.1.1 Other Positions/Jobs
University of the South Pacific Jan 1995 – Nov 2000 Part time Lecturer/Tutor
• Teaching/Tutoring Introduction to Pacific History within the Sociology Department • Organised field work and assessment for students • Collaborate with other Universities/Museums in Australia, Canada and New Zealand in relation to cultural heritage research
Fiji Broadcasting Commission Jan 1995-Nov 2000 Guest Radio Announcer
• Develop heritage related radio programs in both Fijian vernacular and English • Promote the importance of knowing Fijian language and culture • Represent the museum in these programs with nation wide interests
Fiji Television July 1997 – Jan 2003 Presenter
• Developed and present show in Fijian vernacular once a week • Research and interview relevant guests using topical issues • Promote use of Fijian language and culture
PacificReach Ltd June 2005 –June 2008 • Manage Fijian education website www.fijituwawa.com • Linking Fijians around the world
4.4.a.i.1.1.2 Interests
4.5 Sports
Swimming Tennis 10/10
Volleyball
4.6 Hobbies
Learning about other Indigenous cultures Performing and creative visual arts Travelling Cooking Gardening
4.6.a.i.1.1.1 Licenses
New Zealand Full Drivers License
4.6.a.i.1.1.2 Referees
Kate Vusoniwailala Director Waikato Museum 1 Grantham St Hamilton NEW ZEALAND
Email: [email protected] Phone: 07 838 6709
Ralph Regenvanu Director, Vanuatu National Cultural Council P.O.Box 184 Port Vila Vanuatu Email: [email protected] Phone: (678) 22129 Fax: (678) 26590