This week, our Co-Chairs Eloise and Carolyn welcomed the appointment of two new Board members;

• Director of Whirinaki Whare Taonga, Leanne Wickham and
• Director of Te Awamatu Museum Anne Blyth.

For those in attendance at our recent AGM, you will know that Director of Auckland Museum David Reeves was voted onto the Board for a second term and Leanne and Anne were tied for the second vacancy.

On Monday 7 July, the Board held a Special Meeting to resolve this tie, where it was decided that both Leanne and Anne would serve on the Board.

Under Leanne’s leadership Whirinaki increased visitation by over 50% and as an Upper Hutt local myself, I can attest to it being the ‘jewel on the crown’ of Upper Hutt!

Leanne is known as a staunch advocate for our sector, whether that be in relation to education funding, the importance of cultural heritage or the obvious and functional overlay between cultural and recreation spaces.

Leanne, we look forward to your expertise and guidance on our Board.

Anne Blyth brings leadership experience in museums large and small to her role on the MA board – a perspective we know members value.

Anne’s experience spans transformative digital projects, management of significant Taonga Māori, major earthquake strengthening projects and successfully managing museum shops.

From the team at MA – thank you and welcome aboard!