August 2011 Contents

3: ED’s quarter Museums Aotearoa ~ 4: South Otago Museum Te Tari o Ngā Whare Taonga o te Motu 5: Message from the Board Is New Zealand’s independent peak professional 6: ATTTO – Gateway organisation for museums and those who work in, or 8: ATTTO – Thérèse on Board have an interest in, museums. Members include museums, 9: ATTTO – A+ Awards public art galleries, historical societies, science centres, people who work within these institutions, and individuals 10: : challenge and opportunity connected or associated with arts, culture and heritage in 12: Policy Matters! New Zealand. Our vision is to raise the profile, strengthen 13: Hearts for Christchurch. the performance, and increase the value of museums and 14: Museum Profile galleries to their stakeholders and the community. Staff moves Useful websites Staff 15: Diversity in practice Executive Director: Phillipa Tocker Front cover Membership Services Manager: Sophie de Lautour Kelly Clockwise from top left Financial Manager: 1: All that remains of one of the many quake afected Gina Lumplecker heritage buildings in Christchurch. 2: Exhibition space has been converted to temporary Contact Details offices at the . Level 8, 104 The Terrace, 6011 3: Snow in the hills of Karori for the first time in 35 years. PO Box 10-928, Wellington 6143 4: Demolitions are ongoing in Christchurch city. tel: 04 499 1313 fax: 04 499 6313 Board Members email: [email protected] Thérèse Angelo – Chair web: www.museumsaotearoa.org.nz Air Force Museum Advertising Manu Kawana – Kaitiaki Nominee Enquiries about advertising in this publication, or mailing Te Manawa Museum flyers, should be addressed to the Museums Aotearoa Laureen Sadlier – Kaitiaki Nominee office. Pataka DISCLAIMER Eric Dorfman The opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of Whanganui Regional Museum the Editor or of Museums Aotearoa. Jenny Harper Christchurch Art Gallery Michelle Hippolite Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa Greg McManus Museum of Art & History

August 2011 2 ED’s quarter

This quarter we have some updates and reports from Christchurch. The series of earthquakes which have continued to rock the region since last September have changed everything. The built environment is forever altered, people’s lives have been lost and disrupted, and much of the future is unknown. In other parts of the country we wonder what would be the effect if it happened to us, and whether we are adequately prepared for that possibility. Learning from Christchurch and new preparations for coping with disaster will no doubt continue throughout Aotearoa for many years, as will the recovery in affected areas. Museums and galleries have been attracting attention for their positive activities as well as for earthquakes, controversies and resource issues. Members who follow our fortnightly e-News & Notices will have read about Queen’s Birthday Honours for Museums Aotearoa Board members Jenny Harper and Thérèse Angelo, MA activities, and a wide range of events around the country. The recent Diversity Forum in Hamilton was an enjoyable opportunity to discuss the challenges and joys of bringing younger people into the museum as active participants. We have included a brief report in this MAQ, and participants are keen to continue this discussion at a future occasion. The National Army Museum gets into the rugby spirit with its Khaki & Black exhibition I had hoped to get through this edition of MAQ without mentioning the international rugby tournament that is about to take over the country – but it has proved impossible. There has been a spate of building and exhibition openings timed for just before the expected influx of tourists and foreign media visiting for the Rugby World Cup. We look forward to visiting the redeveloped Te Manawa, NZ Rugby Museum, Art Gallery, MOTAT Aviation Hall, Rotorua Museum’s centennial development, and Whangarei Art Museum, as well as the many special exhibitions and events that are programmed as part of the REAL New Zealand festival. By the time the next MAQ is published, RWC 2011 will be over and the country will be going to the polls for the general election. We’ll also be well advanced with planning for the MA12 conference in Wellington next April. There is a call for papers on the back cover – all suggestions welcome. Phillipa Tocker Executive Director

3 August 2011 South Otago Museum

Never a week goes by

The South Otago Museum, in association with Noumea It is this monument that has been selected by an association based freelance group ‘In Memoriam’, are planning to called “In Memorium”, based in New Caledonia, to create produce an ANZAC exhibition in Noumea in October. exhibition content to contrast the social impact of the Great War 1914-18 on two communities, in two different “Never a week goes by” is the working title for ongoing public countries. The interpretation of the monuments will presentations in Balclutha explaining the exhibition in the examine symbolism of the figures and images depicted on lead up to the October opening in Noumea. The words are the monuments themselves. Three key themes are being an extract from a quote from the late historian and Gallipoli explored: the soldier; hope; and grief. For Balclutha, for veteran Col. Fred Waite. It was based on his observation in each theme, we are creating a detailed biography from a 1948 that, at that time, a wreath was placed on the Balclutha name etched in stone on the roll of honor in 1923. war monument on a weekly basis by grieving citizens seeking a connection with lost family members. These names include William O’Hara (chosen to represent the solider), who received a distinguished conduct medal in France in 1917; William Pennycook (chosen to represent hope), a Boer War veteran who went on to command a company of the Pioneer Battalion including his comrades from Otago Mounted Rifles and the Maori volunteers who had fought at Gallipoli; and the Youngson family (chosen to represent grief) who lost three sons in uniform. One in Gallipoli, one in France and the third as a reserve died from the Spanish flu in the dying months of the war. The mother of these three boys was given the duty of unveiling the monument on ANZAC day 1923. Research for the project has not only uncovered the full life of the ANZAC soldier, through the hundreds of pages of personnel files available online, but has been complimented by unprecedented support from the families of those named as well as the local RSA. The brief for the project to interpret the Social context of rural New Zealand in 1914 and then 1918 to a French colonial audience has created a rare opportunity to export our stories of pioneer endeavour in the South. More importantly we have come to realize the similarities of our two communities. Responding initially to the call from the “motherland” we found while “our men” were fighting for their very lives under unbearable circumstances that we, as countries, were discovering our unique identities. The official launch on October the 15th at the Infantry Barracks Noumea is of the French text version of the exhibition. It is intended that the entire exhibition with the French Pacific stories, including that of the indigenous Kanak people, will be made available to New Zealand museums in English in 2012. Gary Ross Curator, South Otago Museum

The Balclutha war monument nearing completion 1923. The roll of honor is seen “without names”, Mr Andersonthe designer is holding the plans at left.

August 2011 4 Message from the Board

Eric Dorfman

One of my defining moments as a three or four year It feels to me that what is happening in our museum is a old was watching a chicken hatch in an incubator at the microcosm of the sector as a whole. The raw materials are Los Angeles County Museum of Natural History. The there and we have an increasingly sophisticated and willing incubator was in the café, so we were able to watch the audience. We are just beginning to develop the tools to hour-long process over lunch. Around the room were make important transformations in the way we think about model chickens – maybe they were taxidermy specimens interpreting what we have, and determining what we want – representing various breeds. to say about it. When it finally departed the egg, the chick was tiny and Buoyed by this spirit of positivism, I’m interested in working wet and its eyes weren’t open. I remember distinctly being with the other Museums Aotearoa Board members to told that that little creature would one day grow into one support enhancing its relevance and reach. I’ve enjoyed the of those chickens on the wall. That information somehow stimulation of contributing to the Ethics Working Group in awakened in me an understanding of the power of change, redrafting the Code of Ethics, which should be available for and of potential. I was seeing something not as it was at the review shortly. We’ve also made strides in realigning our time, but as it could be one day. I’ll always associate that membership structure, which will allow far greater access concept with museums. For me, it’s one of the fundamental to our services. features: the past not for its own sake, but for the future. I In the last issue, Greg McManus mentioned that MA is think it’s one of the reasons I’ve been attracted to a career supporting ICOM New Zealand with a joint MA-ICOM in the sector. membership. Work on ICOM NZ has continued, finishing the structure of the Committee, and preparing to give that membership the opportunity to elect its first formal board, on the way to becoming registered as a charitable trust. Just as MA is a portal to the rest of the nation’s museum community, ICOM is a link to the rest of the world, and the support given by Museums Aotearoa is an important step allowing this to happen. The next MA conference in Wellington will incorporate the AGM of ICOM New Zealand. These examples are cases in point of how Museums Aotearoa is working proactively to build a stronger sector, with greater capacity to provide experiences that change people’s lives, and create a better future. Eric Dorfman

Eric Dorfman Director, Whanganui Regional Museum Museums Aotearoa Board Member Realising the potential of the Whanganui Regional Museum has been my major challenge since I arrived here as Director. It’s been a challenge not because of a lack of resources (although it’s true) or lack of innate capacity (which is not the case), but because its potential is so great that it’s going to take a while to get there. The thing that gives the institution its greatest potential is its collection, including the important and rare (a Thylancine; an original allegorical etching by Albrecht Dürer; the Waka Te Mata o Hoturoa, and many others), as well as the representative (for instance, an extensive collection of moa material and portraits of Māori leaders by the 19th century painter Gottfried Lindauer). However, with a new brand and web presence almost complete, new exhibitions in train (one is being installed as I type this) and a vastly different political outlook locally, our future seems bright.

5 August 2011 ATTTO – Gateway

Careers in art galleries and museums: the opportunities for senior secondary school students in New Zealand Linda Tyler, Director, Centre for New Zealand That this arrangement has been able to come into effect Art Research and Discovery, The University of so quickly is also due to changes abroad in the attitudes Auckland towards specialist training in the art gallery and museum sector more generally. At the same time as The University This year the Gus Fisher Gallery celebrated its tenth year of Auckland’s Centre began working towards this of operation. One of three galleries specialising in fine strategic realignment, the Museum Training Council (1) arts at The , it was developed was developing a Strategic Training Plan for the museum with funds from fashion designer and arts philanthropist sector which ATTTO (2) published at the end of 2010. Gus Fisher. When it opened to coincide with the first Entitled New Zealand Strategic Training Plan: Museum Sector Auckland Triennial in 2001 it was hailed as the means to 2010-2015, this 31-page document is based on research provide not only community outreach in the visual arts for commissioned through the New Zealand Tourism Research the University, but also to develop teaching and learning Initiative at AUT University. It used a questionnaire opportunities using art works across different disciplines. distributed to institutions to identify training needs and skill In 2005, Gus Fisher Gallery was amalgamated into a Faculty requirements in art galleries and museums nationally. – the National Institute of Creative Arts and Industries. With the Art Collection, and Window, a graduate student Museum Sector 2010-2015 notes that there are over 500 online gallery, it formed part of the new Centre for New museums, galleries and related organisations in New Zealand Art Research and Discovery, and I was appointed Zealand where over 3,500 paid staff and 7,000 volunteers its inaugural Director in February 2006. are employed. Most of these museums have less than five employees, which means that those who do work in the sector have to be multi-skilled rather than subject-specialist boffins. Only a tiny number of current museum and gallery staff have any museum-specific training or qualifications, and most are in the age bracket unkindly referred to as “ageing” – that is, over 40 years of age. Unsurprisingly, this report concluded that the museum sector needs to attract dynamic and younger individuals and the range of museum roles needs to be widely promoted, especially to Maori and other communities. What this research suggests is that it would be a good idea to target secondary school students with promotional material about roles in art galleries and museums, and to do so as they are starting to make their choices which will later settle them into a career pathway. To this end, current Graham Percy, Untitled (Bird Studies) information about the range and scope of museum roles will start appearing on the web resource NZSkillsConnect Centres at the University are regularly reviewed, and (www.NZSkillsConnect.co.nz) which will also be a portal a panel was convened to review the first five years of for a national register of graduate internships. But more operation of CNZARD in November 2010. One of immediately, individual students with an interest in museum the recommendations of the panel was that the Centre or gallery work will be given an opportunity to work in their be renamed as “The University of Auckland Centre for local galleries and museums in an interesting new variant of Art Research” on the grounds that most people could the old work experience idea. not remember all the parts of the original name, which Gateway is the name of the programme funded by the had clearly been developed by a committee of eight, Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) which enables where each person got a word in. A more important secondary school students to experience real workplaces recommendation in the Report of the Panel was that the for usually one day per week. In the case of art galleries Centre work to strengthen its links with the secondary and museums, this will enable them to gain practical skills education sector. Due to a happy constellation of and knowledge on-the-job about such activities as installing opportunities and initiatives from the Tertiary Education exhibitions, handling art works or interpreting exhibitions Commission (TEC), and a local high school (Albany Senior for gallery visitors. As part of Gateway (or independently High School), this recommendation has been able to be from it – see below) such interested students can also work immediately implemented with a Year 12 student now towards achieving unit standards for a qualification which working at the Gus Fisher Gallery once a week. is registered at Level Four on the National Qualifications

August 2011 6 Framework. Known as the National Certificate in Museum Practice, this qualification can be achieved through self- paced learning on the job, completed by an individual in their own time. It means working through the ATTTO and National Services Te Paerangi resources and is assessed by a Roving or In-house Registered Workplace Assessor in the gallery itself. Trainees receive the National Certificate in Museum Practice (Level 4) upon completion of all the applicable unit standards. ATTTO’s National Certificate in Museum Practice is a nationally recognised qualification which was launched in 2006. It is currently the only qualification which offers a practical introduction to the essential skills required to work in all areas of an art gallery and museum. It was developed in response to the need for museums and galleries themselves to change from being focused mainly on collections and their care to a more effective interaction with visitors, and specifically to address the needs of Maori. As a result, there is an emphasis on hosting visitors, and preparing public programmes in the complement of Unit Standards which make up the National Certificate.

At the core of the certificate are four compulsory Unit Standards, all at Level Four on the National Qualifications Framework.

These are: Taylor Mitchell working at Gus Fisher Gallery 20542 Demonstrate knowledge and skills of museum Currently, the Gus Fisher Gallery has Taylor Mitchell collection maintenance. (9 credits) working on a project at the gallery each Wednesday. Taylor 20545 Demonstrate knowledge of Maori in museums. is a Year 12 student from Albany Senior High School, a (10 credits) Year 11 – 13 college on Auckland’s North Shore. It is New 20554 Explain the purposes, functions, and Zealand’s newest senior college which opened in 2009 with responsibilities of museums in Aotearoa New 240 Year 11 students. Taylor Mitchell comes to the Gus Zealand. (10 credits) Fisher Gallery as her choice of workplace to carry out her 20548 Demonstrate knowledge and skills to scope Impact Project, an activity which all students are given time and propose a museum public programme. (10 to complete on Wednesdays. The vision for the Impact credits) Project is based around Professor R. Shrank’s philosophy, “There is really only one way to learn how to do something, In addition to these four compulsory Unit Standards and that is to do it”. which deliver 39 credits toward the National Certificate, there are two electives. One is chosen from the The idea of the Impact Projects is for students to explore following Unit Standards: their own interests with an authentic project which will make a positive contribution to the community. Taylor 20546 Demonstrate knowledge and skills of hosting Mitchell is using her time at Gus Fisher Gallery to plan and museum visitors. (6 credits) present a public programme as part of the Saturday series 20547 Demonstrate knowledge and skills of security which will support the forthcoming exhibition A Micronaut required in museums. (6 credits) in the Wide World: the imaginative life and times of Graham A minimum of a further 15 credits are required from Percy. She is also working towards Unit Standards in visitor a range of fields such as Business, Arts and Crafts, hosting, Maori in Museums, and collection management. Education, Maori, Service Sector and Computing and Since starting at the Gallery in late February, she been Information Technology as well as Museum Practice. involved in introducing visitors to the exhibitions (a suite of three pottery exhibitions by Peter Hawkesby, Denis O’Connor and Graeme Storm mounted to coincide with

7 August 2011 ATTTO – Gateway cont.

the Auckland Festival) and she has also made wall labels 1The Museum Training Council is a group of museum to identify art works in the collection. She says that her sector professionals who advise the Industry Training time at the Gus Fisher Gallery has given her a much clearer Organisation (ITO) on workplace training. The ITO for insight into the range of activities that go on behind the the museum sector is ATTTO, which also serves the scenes at a museum or gallery, and clarified for her that the aviation, tourism and travel industries. Currently, the MTC area in which she would like to work in the future. comprises Rodney Wilson, (Chair), Therese Angelo (Air Force Museum Director), Cressida Bishop (Millennium To enquire about Gateway or Impact Project placements at Gallery Director), Victoria Esson, (National Services Te Gus Fisher Gallery in 2012, or workplace assessments for Paerangi Acting General Manager), Jane Legget (AUT the National Certificate in Museum Practice, contact Linda Senior Lecturer, Heritage Tourism), Catherine Lomas Tyler, [email protected] (Auckland Art Gallery Manager, Collection and Exhibition Services), Debbie Martindale, (ATTTO General Manager, Workplace Development), Phillipa Tocker, (Museums Aotearoa Executive Director) and Elizabeth Valentine (ATTTO Chief Executive Officer). 2 ATTTO is the acronym for Aviation, Tourism and Travel Training Organisation.

ATTTO – Thérèse on Board

New Museums Representative for ATTTO Board Thérèse Angelo, Director of the Air Force Museum in Christchurch, has been appointed to ATTTO’s Board of Directors. She replaces Dr Rodney Wilson as the Museums and Art Galleries sector representative. Thérèse has more than three decades experience working in the heritage sector. She has been with the Air Force Museum since 1987 and was appointed as the museum’s first civilian Director in 2002. Thérèse was the first person to be accredited as a workplace assessor for ATTTO’s National Certificate in Museum Practice. In 2010 she received ATTTO’s inaugural Training Ambassador Award, acknowledging her commitment to supporting the upskilling of her team and her contribution to qualifications and training for the museums sector. She was also part of the advisory group for the revised National Certificate in Museum Practice. ATTTO extends its heartfelt thanks to Rodney, who has served on the ATTTO Board since 2006. Rodney made an invaluable contribution throughout his time as board member. The sector was well represented through Rodney’s leadership and dedicated participation on the Board, and his extensive sector expertise and experience. He chose to step down at the end of his tenure. Thérèse Angelo

August 2011 8 ATTTO – A+ Awards

Awards Recognise Rising Stars of Museum Sector A new awards programme has been launched by ATTTO giving the museum sector a chance to recognise its rising stars. The ATTTO A+ Awards will celebrate the achievements of people who have shown an outstanding commitment to completing ATTTO training in the year to 1 July 2011, while making a difference in their workplaces. Awards nominations are now closed. Museums Aotearoa is supporting the awards and will help select the winner of the Museums Aotearoa Museum Trainee of the Year. “We are delighted to support the A+ Awards,” says Phillipa Tocker, Museums Aotearoa’s Executive Director, “Celebrating individual achievements helps us all to do better”. ATTTO Chief Executive Elizabeth Valentine says working or volunteering while training towards a national qualification is no easy task and deserves the special recognition these awards provide. “It takes hard work and commitment to balance study and assessments with day-to-day demands at home and at work, but the benefits of completing training are huge – for both the trainees and their employers.” “Training is an important part of fostering talent within About ATTTO organisations. It helps retain great people, builds skills, • ATTTO is the industry training organisation for New increases productivity and makes a big difference to Zealand’s aviation, tourism, travel and museums people’s confidence.” industries. Its role is to provide industry leadership “These awards are a chance to recognise the on skill and training needs, set skills standards, and value of training and up-skilling, and celebrate the design and deliver world-class qualifications that achievements of the rising stars in our sectors.” meet industry needs. • ATTTO industry qualifications are designed to be More than 800 people from across the aviation, tourism, completed on-the-job by people employed in our training and museums sectors completed NZQA National industries. Many can also be completed through Diplomas or National Certificates through ATTTO in training providers. the 12 months to 1 July 2011. Everyone who completed training in the year to 1 July 2011 is eligible for the awards. • All ATTTO qualifications are nationally recognised and registered by the New Zealand Qualifications Five awards’ finalists – including the Museums Aotearoa Authority on the New Zealand Qualifications Museum Trainee of the Year and the ATTTO Modern Framework. Apprentice of the Year – will be selected from the • At 31 December 2010, there were around 3,500 nominees and flown to Wellington for a celebration event New Zealanders from 250 workplaces training on 11 November 2011. A supreme winner will be selected towards national qualifications with ATTTO. from among the five finalists and will receive a $2,000 professional development scholarship. Follow ATTTO on Facebook to keep up to date with A+ Awards news.

9 August 2011 Christchurch: challenge and opportunity what’s happening?

Just when we thought things were settling down in site for an indeterminate period to allow for remediation Canterbury after the September, Boxing Day and February work and seismic strengthening to all buildings – work earthquakes, major aftershocks on 13 June caused yet which is expected to take several years. Some collection more damage, especially in central Christchurch. At that items, eg from Rutherford’s Den, have been removed for time, progress on recovery was looking reasonable, with storage and it is hoped to salvage further items once the cleanups and repairs well underway, and Christchurch Art building has been made safe. Canterbury Cheesemongers Gallery and Canterbury Museum were looking forward to is operating from the ‘green stickered’ Registry Additions re-opening mid-year. The Civil Defence Emergency had Building, one of the first shops and cafes to reopen in the area. ended, and Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority Canterbury Museum (CERA) had been established to look after the big issues alongside Christchurch City Council (CCC), including Staff are back in the building full time, after short hours and hard planning for rebuilding. hats being de rigueur for some while. They have been busy taking out some exhibits which need attention, and putting in new shows The new earthquakes changed both the possibilities and for reopening in early September. This includes installing more the timeframes. The central city ‘red zone’ is still cordoned than 4,000 hand-made hearts which have been made as a gesture off, and more demolition is underway. CERA and the of solidarity by the stitch-crafter community (see ‘Hearts for Christchurch City Council are continuing their work, and Christchurch). they are still occupying much of the Christchurch Art Gallery while they do so. CERA has made announcements Centre of Contemporary Art (COCA) of final zoning for many of the affected areas. CCC has The building was green-stickered but damaged, and repairs been consulting on future planning, and a draft Central City are contingent on demolition of the same apartment Plan was released on 16 August, with feedback due four building that adjoins Christchurch Art Gallery. COCA has weeks later. been closed indefinitely, staff are all redundant, and works have been evacuated to the Air Force Museum. The The internet has really come into play. It enables the COCA Trust is taking this opportunity to rethink the vision various agencies working on recovery to communicate for the gallery and has begun a consultation process with instantly with each other and the public, providing a wealth the Christchurch art community. of information for those affected as well as interested observers. This includes maps and data, planning Christchurch Art Gallery documents and instruction, consultation and complaint, Staff are still waiting for their gallery spaces to be vacated and numerous blogs and Facebook pages, both ‘official’ by post-earthquake agencies. They are also waiting for the and personal. On the web you can also find heart-rending complete structural building assessment – which involves images from Ross Becker (funded by the National Library), taking bits of wall, floor and ceiling cladding off to check details many from within the red zone, and fly-throughs in the of the internal structure. After that they will have to move a central city and some selected buildings. large part of the collection to protect it from vibration as the failed apartment building next door is demolished. So what is happening in museums and galleries now? Ferrymead The main storage building has been damaged, and there is work Air Force Museum to be done assessing collections and planning for recovery. Largely unaffected as a museum, and on ‘good land’, the Air Force Museum reopened quickly and has been helping a wide range of other organisations since September 2010. This includes providing space for court hearings, Inland Revenue Department staff and an architects’ office, as well as expertise, assistance and storage space for other museums and galleries. Air Force Museum staff have helped evacuate several collections and are now working on providing space for a cultural collections recovery centre for the use of organisations throughout the region. Arts Centre All 23 Arts Centre heritage buildings are damaged, and all except one have been issued with a red “Unsafe” placard. The Arts Centre Trust Board has reluctantly closed the The Arts Centre Academy Cinema, with salvaged masonry stored outside for hopeful later reuse.

August 2011 10 Museum need sorting and repacking for storage while plans are Occupying the former Maori Land Court, Kaiapoi Museum’s made for their long term future. building was badly damaged in the September earthquake. It The Physics Room was controversially demolished within a fortnight – the Although the building is still standing, the Physics Room is collection was hurriedly removed by volunteers and is in storage within the central city cordon, and is closed until further (see Judith Taylor’s news item on www.nzmuseums.co.nz). notice. Staff were able to retrieve essential items and Lyttelton Museum have relocated their office to CPIT, joining a number of After suffering in September and February, the museum other Christchurch arts organisations left homeless after building was even more severely damaged in June and the earthquake. Lacking an exhibition space of their own, is expected to be demolished. The collection has been director Stephen Cleland has been working collaboratively removed and temporarily stored at Air Force Museum. with other organisations such as St Paul St Gallery, Auckland. Other historic places A large number of listed heritage buildings have been damaged, and some already demolished or condemned including the Cranmer Centre (ex Christchurch Girls school) and building. Many are being made safe until further assessment, such as the Provincial Chambers, Cranmer Courts and Mona Vale. Others will be partially demolished, including the Timeball Station and Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament. Decisions are still pending for many more. They are all attracting comment and controversy, and of course everyone has an opinion about the future of arguably the most significant – the Christchurch Cathedral.

And what happens next? Old Municipal Building, braced on all sides. As individuals and organisations gradually find their way out Our City O-Tautahi of the dust and damage, some great projects are evolving. The former Municipal Chambers building was badly Christchurch Art Gallery and The Physics Room are damaged in September, and subsequent earthquakes have taking curators and art projects outside their galleries, and made it worse. The building is cordoned off and its CERA Canterbury Museum educators are going out to schools assessment is ‘make safe’. This means that immediate fall and other sites to offer their programmes. Creative dangers such as cracked parapets and loose bricks will be NZ has been supporting organisations and individuals to removed, and walls propped/shored up to protect public present and collaborate on a range of projects. safety. This category includes emergency shoring of critical A consortium of museums is planning a cultural collections buildings to allow further engineering assessments to be recovery centre – a place where stored or damaged safely carried out. collections can be assessed, treated and re-packed prior to Rangiora Museum display, research or long-term storage. It is intended that Happily relatively unaffected by the earthquakes, Rangiora the centre will be located at the Air Force Museum, which Museum has just received a council grant to purchase a has generously offered the use of a new building for this computer to help with digitising its collections. purpose. The new building is about to be constructed for display of large aircraft, and is due to be completed in mid- Sound Archives 2012. The museum has offered to defer occupation so that Staff have been able to retrieve their entire collection from part of it can be used to help the recovery and continuity within the inner city red zone, and there appears to be little of Canterbury cultural collections and their supporters. physical damage to the collection. They say that catastrophe = disaster + opportunity. While Sumner Museum the earthquakes have caused enormous sadness, disruption The museum building collapsed and has been demolished. and challenges, they are also providing unexpected The removal of collections with the help of USAR and fire potential for renewal, development and growth. brigade volunteers was on national TV news. Collections Phillipa Tocker are now stored in an air-conditioned container, and will Executive Director

11 August 2011 Policy Matters!

Elections

A number of organisations are currently rethinking their Other councils have been meeting resource challenges by strategy and planning. Te Papa has been consulting widely restructuring, cutting budgets and shedding staff. Taupo on its role and vision. Museums Aotearoa and many others Museum has merged with the library under manager Luisa around the country have had the opportunity to feed into Haines, and reduced the number of museum staff, including this process. disestablishing the director’s role. In Arrowtown, budget cuts have forced redundancies, and changes have also been The National Digital Forum Board has been looking into made in Alexandra. strategic priorities and future directions. Now that NDF is an incorporated society, it can have more independent Whether because of resource pressure, or changes control over its finances and communications, which in strategy, some other organisations have also been requires the NDF Board to develop appropriate processes restructuring, with recent changes to staffing at the Sarjeant and planning. More of that will be in place by the time of Gallery, Otago Settlers Museum and Te Manawa. the 10th NDF conference in November, when NDF Inc will While all this seems to indicate increased pressure on hold its first AGM. museums and galleries, when looking back at the last few Local government trends years, it is probably not any more so than usual. Perhaps Local government news has been mixed lately, with there is a cumulative effect – we are used to doing a great resource challenges throughout the country. While deal with very limited resources, and when squeezed Auckland has achieved total amalgamation and some further there may not be much room to manoeuvre. areas are in controversial negotiations (eg Nelson-Tasman So now is the time to be even more creative. The example and Hawke’s Bay), councils in the central North Island of councils working together on shared archive services is have been working towards collaborative goals without encouraging. There is scope for museums and galleries to structural change. work more collaboratively, even across council boundaries. In the Horizons Region, seven councils are archiving As well as touring exhibitions, other programmes and information through Manawatu-Wanganui Local Authority development projects can be shared, and partnerships Shared Services Ltd (MW LASS), a company set up enhanced with different organisations. specifically to provide shared services. Councils involved These themes will be explored at the MA12 conference in are Horizons, Horowhenua, Rangitikei, Ruapehu, Tararua, Wellington, with some exciting and inspiring projects on Wanganui and Manawatu-Wanganui. These archives also the programme. In an environment where many of us are encompass previous councils, such as the Manawatu expected to achieve more with less, demonstrating the County Council which was created in 1876. Manawatu positive outcomes of collaboration is becoming increasingly County Council archives, including a complete set of important – not least to keep council funders happy. minute books from 1877 to 1988 and letter books from 1877 to 1904, have recently been added to the ‘Archives Central government election Central’ database (www.archivescentral.org.nz). Politicians have been jockeying for position and media attention ever since the 26 November general election Archives Central was launched late last year by Nathan date was announced, and this has been building up more Guy, Minister for Archives New Zealand, and is a first for recently. In contrast to local government, there seems to New Zealand – a single database cataloguing the archives be less willingness to be collaborative as each party claims of seven councils within the Horizons region. its own territory. Mr Guy praised the ethos behind the project, a shared While we may not see much change in party control after service managed by MW LASS Ltd, which improved November, there will be opportunities for addressing policy efficiency and reduced costs to each individual council, as the election campaign unfolds. Museums Aotearoa has while allowing them to meet the requirements of the Public continued to meet with politicians from both sides of the Records Act. “It is a great example of local authorities house to ensure that they know and understand our needs working together proactively and cooperatively on a and the issues facing our sector. project of national significance,” he said. We welcome members’ input into our advocacy work. The MW LASS Regional Archives project also encompasses Please do not hesitate to contact me or any Board member storage of the physical records of Horowhenua, Manawatu, to share your thoughts and suggestions. Tararua, Rangitikei and Horizons in a new facility situated in Feilding, planned to be in place during 2012. The Wanganui Phillipa Tocker District Council and the Palmerston North City Council Executive Director will continue to maintain their own archives facilities.

August 2011 12 Hearts for Christchurch

Rose Petterson and Cerys Dallaway sort through the thousands of stitch-craft Hearts for Christchurch Like most New Zealanders, Rose Petterson and Cerys Christchurch Street, and Ivan Mauger’s Triple Crown Dallaway watched the news of the 22 February earthquakes Special gold speedway bike. One of the new special in Christchurch and wondered what, if anything, they could exhibitions showcases an amazing array of more than 4,000 do to help. stitch-craft hearts from around the world. The Hearts for Christchurch project was the inspiration of Napier woman, Now, the two Wellington-based installers have come to Evie Harris. Christchurch assisted by National Services Te Paerangi (NSTP) and are immersed in preparations for the reopening of “The earthquakes and the visions of destruction in Canterbury Museum, the only central city neo-Gothic heritage Christchurch broke my heart,” said Ms Harris. “That is building to have survived the earthquakes in good condition. what started the process of creating and gathering the hearts.” Word got out amongst the stitch-craft community Director Anthony Wright noted that a programme of about the project and soon hearts started arriving from all earthquake strengthening was undertaken in the early over New Zealand and the world. 1990s, which had obviously been successful. He attributes the minimal collection damage to good museum display Exhibitions Manager Stephen Pennruscoe is delighted with and storage practices. the generous sentiment which brought the Hearts, while aware of the challenge of their installation, and he is happy Canterbury Museum has a programme of special to have Cerys and Rose there to help. exhibitions and events lined up, and staff are being assisted by NSTP and people from other museums as they work Hearts for Christchurch will be on display in the Visitor towards reopening to the public in September. As well Lounge at Canterbury Museum when it reopens. as carefully checking everything and moving some exhibits, Karin Stahel there has been a lot of dusting to be done! Communications Manager When the museum reopens, old favourites will still be Canterbury Museum on display including Fred & Myrtle’s Paua Shell House, the

13 August 2011 Museum Profile uxbridge creative centre

Uxbridge Creative Centre situated in the heart of Howick, Auckland has been operating as a community arts and leisure centre for over 30 years. Located in an historic building (the original Presbyterian Church in Howick built in 1907), we offer art and design classes and workshops, fitness and other leisure classes, show an extensive schedule of art exhibitions, present concerts and performances, have a thriving cinema club and produce on and off site events in the local district. Uxbridge has a popular Café and a Shop specialising in art and design products made by New Zealand artists. Uxbridge has an extensive programme with 80,000 visitors per year and we extend a warm welcome to everyone to drop in and enjoy our “characterful” and friendly Centre. Check out our website: www.uxbridge.org.nz 35 Uxbridge Road, Howick, Auckland Ph (09)5356467 [email protected]

Staff moves

Govett-Brewster Art Gallery’s Len Lye curator Tyler Rowan Carroll has moved on from the North Otago Cann is leaving to work as curator at Ikon contemporary Museum to take up the position of Director at the Police art gallery in Birmingham, England. Museum in Porirua. Eva Garbutt has taken up the position of curator of Shirin Khosraviani has moved from Christchurch to archives at North Otago Museum. be Curator at Ashburton Art Gallery, following Kathryn Mitchell’s departure for the Southern Institute of Otago Settler Museum will soon be joined by Ian Wards Technology earlier this year. (project curator) and Fiona McLaughlin (conservator). Claudia Arozqueta is the new Curator and Manager at New Director Roy Clare has arrived at Auckland War Enjoy in Wellington. Memorial Museum.

Useful websites

Here are some websites for images and Ross Becker images information related to Canterbury Earthquakes. picasaweb.google.com/RossBeckerNZ Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority Adrienne Rewi’s blog posts for National Services Te cera.govt.nz Paerangi www.nzmuseums.co.nz/news/author/adrienne-rewi Christchurch City Council www.ccc.govt.nz NZ Historic Places Trust information www.historic.org.nz/ProtectingOurHeritage/FAQs-Earthquake Arts Voice Christchurch artsvoicechch.com

August 2011 14 Diversity in practice

A museums and galleries session focusing on engaging collaboration to co-creating, where the young subjects young people was part of the Human Rights Commission’s of the exhibition determined what and how their stories Diversity Forum in Hamilton in August. The Forum would be told. The young people’s refugee backgrounds included a wide variety of sessions and parallel events over were often traumatic, and the long period of project the weekend, with a full day on Monday 22 August headed development raised many issues, especially in the personal by a plenary session. This was addressed by Anne Dysart relationships developed and the responsibility of museum of refugee agency Settling In, Gisborne Mayor Meng Foon, professionals when their role blurs into social agency. who had spoken to our MA09 conference at Whangara Puke Ariki curator Ruth Harvey shared what she had Marae, and Porirua City Councillor Fa’amatuainu Wayne learned on her 2010 Churchill Scholarship study tour of Poutoa. All three brought their own perspective to the the USA. Ruth had packed in visits to 30 organisations in 7 celebration and acceptance of diversity in society. cities in 5 weeks. Although she must have been exhausted, A presentation made to the plenary session by delegates she came back inspired with some great ways to work with from the weekend youth forum was especially encouraging. young people, and has already put some ideas into practice While they identified the expected issues of discrimination at Puke Ariki. Ruth focussed on what is meaningful to young such as gender, religion and race, they also came up with audiences, and how to make engagement meaningful, for solutions for including young people fairly and actively in all instance through using museums as social spaces. aspects fo society. The fourth speaker was archaeologist Tarisi Vunidilo, who Focus on Youth has held positions at Creative NZ, Te Papa, Waikato Following the plenary presentations, about 20 people and Fiji museums, and is now secretary-general of the gathered at Waikato Museum for the museums and Pacific Islands Museums Association. Tarisi is particularly galleries session. This was warmly hosted by staff at interested in young Pasifika engagement in museums, and Waikato Museum, and supported by Museums Aotearoa highlighted the opportunities which have been developed and National Services Te Paerangi. We were welcomed on through individual passion, personal connections, and the museum’s marae ātea, and then taken through the Ngaa building relationships with other organisations. Pou Whenua exhibition by concept leader Moana Davey. Forum attendees – from Taupo, Thames, Te Awamutu, She explained their exchange approach to concept and Taranaki, ATTTO as well as other places that don’t start exhibition development, where ‘ownership’ is shared with with ‘T’ – had a lively discussion about the issues raised. All iwi, and most of the material generated for the exhibition agreed that the topic is important and fruitful, and it is very is to be given to the various marae at the end of the 3-year rewarding for museums and galleries when young people lifespan of the exhibition. are actively engaged. I thank the presenters who opened Sarah Morris shared her experience of developing The their practice to scrutiny, the participants who took up Mixing Room, a ground-breaking Te Papa exhibition their challenges, and look forward to more opportunities developed with young refugees. Sue Superville and Kristelle to inspire each other to explore meaningful engagement Plimmer who had worked with Sarah were also there, and with young people. the project had clearly had a huge impact on their thinking. Phillipa Tocker They had consciously stepped up from consultation and Executive Director

15 August 2011 MA12 – Collaboration in Practice Wellington, 18-20 April 2012

What is collaboration and how does it contribute to economic sustainability and creative programming in museums, galleries and heritage organisations? Museums Aotearoa presents a multi-faceted conference investigating collaborative practice in museums today, exploring how it is working across cultural boundaries, between disciplines, and among communities of interest. Museums Aotearoa’s 2012 conference will take advantage of the creative capital of Wellington city and region to explore a wide range of collaboration – in topics, programming and social events. The planning team already has some great ideas for speakers and special sessions, and we invite you to participate as well. This is a general call for contributions, ideas and suggestions – all welcome! Each day of the programme will explore a major theme:

WEDNESDAY 18 APRIL THURSDAY 19 APRIL FRIDAY 20 APRIL Mahi tahi Cheque-book Risking collaboration Naku te rourou nau te rourou ka ora collaboration Risk, risk everything ai te iwi We haven’t the money so we’ve got to - Katherine Mansfield think - with your basket and my basket the • courageous behaviour people will live - Lord Rutherford • local government amalgamation • working across boundaries • economic drivers for corporate • cross-sector collaboration • tauiwi relationships dollars • community relevance • case studies – what works and • commercial collaborations what doesn’t • implications of philanthropy • inside and outside the institution • what is at stake?

There will be keynote speakers, hands-on workshops, discussion sessions, visits to local museums and galleries, the 2012 NZ Museum Awards celebration, as well as lots of social occasions to catch up with old friends and meet new colleagues. We may try other kinds of conference sessions as well, such as demonstrations, handouts or ‘posters’, panels and quick- fire presentations. We invite you to propose topics, papers and workshop sessions, case studies of collaboration and participants from outside museums and galleries. The focus is on participation via active conference sessions, although there will be room for formal conference papers as well. Send us your ideas by 30 September 2011. Hei konā mai, Brett, Phillipa and the MA12 planning team.

Brett Mason Director, Museums Wellington [email protected] 04 496 1940

Phillipa Tocker Executive Director, Museums Aotearoa [email protected] tel 04 499 1313