11 April 2006
Tony Preston retires from Council
Statement from Christchurch City Council chief executive Dr Lesley McTurk:
Tony Preston has advised me that he has decided to retire in May from his position as Director of the Christchurch Art
Gallery. His decision to retire early has been influenced by concern for his parents' health, and his wish to spend more
time with them in Australia.
This comes after more than a decade of working for Christchurch City Council, first in upgrading the Robert McDougall
Art Gallery, and then initiating the new Gallery project, which he led to a remarkably successful conclusion with its
opening in May, 2003.
Our nationally and internationally awarded Art Gallery is a tribute to his unstinting efforts, and the support of the
Canterbury community.
On behalf of the Council, and the community of Christchurch, I would like to record our appreciation of Tony's major
contribution to the cultural life of this city and, indeed, to the arts nationally during his successful term as
Director.
We wish him every success.
Dr Lesley McTurk Chief Executive
ENDS