The Museum has a Manager and five part-time staff . Our professional leader is the Manager of Libraries, Arts, Culture and Heritage at the South Taranaki District Council. In addition we have a small crew of generous and willing volunteers who help with many aspects of the museum’s work.
Lynne Walker - Manager Libraries, Arts, Culture and Heritage
Lynne has been with South Taranaki District Council for the past 9 years in the role of District Librarian. She is excited to now add the portfolios of art culture and heritage to her role. She sees many synergies between the libraries and the museum and is looking forward to seeing the new exhibition come to fruition. Lynne has built the LibraryPlus facilities into the hubs of their communities and sees Aotea Utanganui as being the heritage hub of South Taranaki.
”Information and knowledge comes in many forms and adds to the life and culture of our people.”
Cath Sheard, Museum Manager
Cath was worked for the South Taranaki District Council for 19 years and is an experienced LibraryPlus team leader. Having added the role of Museum Manager to her portfolio she looks forward to using those same skills to ensure the Museum remains as vibrant and exciting as the day it re-opened in 2011.
“For me the joy of the Museum is not so much the physical collection it contains – important as that is – but the way in which the collection brings people together and connects us with the community. For me it’s all about people.”
Cameron Curd, Museum Archivist
Cameron joined the museum in May 2011. He had recently worked on New Zealand’s largest photographic conservation project, the Swainson/Woods Project at Puke Ariki. Cameron sees contemporary archives management as a conduit between past practices and ongoing developments in the preservation of heritage objects. The diversity of our archives collection, newspapers, photography, films, audio/visual and maps, ensures that Aotea Utanganui is the heritage centre of South Taranaki.
“We have a responsibility to collect, protect and connect our taonga on behalf of our community”
Mollie Oliver, Front-of-House
Mollie began working at the museum just before the re-opening. She loves being part of the friendly Pātea community and is enthusiastic about being involved with our amazing museum.
“Kia ora. Welcome to Aotea Utanganui – Museum of South Taranaki, you’re speaking with Mollie; how may I help you?”
Luana Rio, Collection Assistant
After five years as a volunteer Luana has recently joined the team as the Collection Assistant; her work is focussed on the Social History collection. She is a Pātea local and her whakapapa goes back to Tūtange Waionui and beyond.
“I enjoy working with the Collection at Aotea Utanganui, and being a part of the Museum team is great!”
