Expert advice sought over care of museum collections

Marlborough Museum’s new boss has been in talks with Te Papa on how to care for some of the regions’ most treasured collections.

New Museum Manager Dr Ward has been meeting and working with experts to help preserve and protect Marlborough’s history and taonga.

The move comes as museum doors remain closed to the public after shutting almost 11 weeks ago.

A new look team at Marlborough Museums and Archives bring a “wealth of experience and knowledge to their new roles,” says Council’s Project Lead Arts, Culture and Heritage Nicola Neilson.

The team comprises Museum Manager Dr Liz Ward, Curator of Archives; Wendy Harnett, Collections Manager; Sally Papps and Museum Coordinator Sophie Wool.

“While the Marlborough Museum and Archives is temporarily closed, Council has concentrated on embedding the team, modernising systems to align with current best museum practice and performing an inventory of the collection,” Nicola says.

Dr Ward, who was appointed to the new role after former director Steve Austin was unsuccessful in getting the job, says there is much to look forward to.

“We look forward to strengthening the museum’s relationship with iwi, working together to look after the taonga placed in our care,” she says.

“Our good relationship with the Marlborough Historical Society is also very important - we are committed to this going forward.”

She has also been chatting with Marlborough schools about the future of heritage education in the region.

“Any school is welcome to contact the museum to discuss how we can help,” Liz says.

“We have recently done programmes for both Springlands School and Bohally Intermediate.

"We worked with the teachers to find out what the learning objectives were and then made a programme to fit the objectives of teachers and needs of students.”

But the changeover has not been without issues, with both council and Marlborough Historic Society (MHS) taking legal advice.

No formal agreement is yet in place over what happens to the collections owned by MHS.

However, all collections continue to be properly cared for, Nicola says.

“We want to assure our community that Marlborough’s precious heritage collections and taonga are safe and being properly cared for.”

Mayor Nadine Taylor, who holds Council’s Arts and Heritage portfolio, says it is pleasing to see the museum and archives transition progressing so well.

“Marlborough’s rich history is important, not just locally but nationally and internationally.

“It’s great to now have the new structure in place and the people charged with preserving and protecting this heritage are highly skilled and experienced,” she says.

“Staff will soon be reaching out to volunteers for both the Marlborough Museum and Archives and the Edwin Fox Maritime Museum to implement a new and engaging volunteer program.

“If you would like to be notified about the volunteer meeting, please email the museum and you will be added to the list.”

The Marlborough Museum can be opened by appointment for groups; the Archives are open by appointment only.

If anyone would like to check their donated items, they are very welcome to call Council to be put through to the museum or they can email [email protected]