Museums Aotearoa Board Co-chairs David Reeves and Carolyn Roberts-Thompson are pleased to welcome Simon Gould to the governing board, having been co-opted in September.

A senior museum professional of more than 25 years, Simon is a dedicated advocate for Aotearoa museums as trusted, accessible places of knowledge and discussion.His leadership as Head of Exhibitions saw MOTAT open the largest science and technology centre in Aotearoa to date. Unmistakably ‘of this place’, Te Puawānanga also won International Exhibition of the Year at the London-based Museums and Heritage Awards. Other international and national awards have come under his watch for bicultural and digital work.

As an Executive Committee member of ASTEN, Simon has led multiple conferences focusing on the importance of connection, collaboration and indigenous knowledge among museums in Oceania, working to support and inspire our kaimahi and manuhiri, especially our youngest and most vulnerable to be able to ask questions, feel safe, have fun and be excited about what museums can offer them.

Encompassing strategic experience, leadership and desire to support the MA membership in this work, Simon brings a valuable skill set to the MA team.

Also co-opted to the MA board and returning for another term are Carolyn Roberts-Thompson and Jadene Huff.