Collections and learning centre investment in south Auckland welcomed by Auckland War Memorial Museum

Auckland War Memorial Museum Tamaki Paenga Hira welcomes the announcement today [Saturday, 7 September] by Minister Chris Finlayson and Mayor Len Brown of a project to investigate a national centre for collections, learning and touring in south Auckland. The Museum will contribute expertise and other resources towards a joint feasibility study.

“We welcome any opportunity to share more of our national collections. Tamaki Paenga Hira and Te Papa already collaborate on a range of programmes for the public, so we relish the chance to work together to develop a new concept that could be truly engaging”, the Director of Auckland War Memorial Museum Roy Clare said today.

“Auckland Museum aims to extend many existing relationships in the city as well as ties with communities elsewhere in New Zealand. Our published vision Future Museum anticipates working ‘beyond the walls’, not least in south Auckland. In principle, a collections, learning and touring centre has the potential to reinforce these objectives and lend additional power to the delivery of Auckland Plan goals for economic and social development.

“Subject to adequate investment, the strength of the proposal lies in new partnerships, particularly with local people and communities. There could be fresh ways to work with other museums and places of learning, both in the neighbourhood and more widely; with opportunities for generating stories of Auckland, mātauranga Maori, Pacific dimensions and science-related knowledge.

“Museums are kaitiaki for many collections. Taonga and other items of national and international significance are cared for by Auckland Museum. It is our belief that these would be complemented by those from Te Papa and that the combined collections, in conjunction with those from Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki and other museums, could become more accessible to the public.”

“As forecast in Future Museum, digital media and the creation of collections-related digital content will be high priorities as we reach out to engage people across the country and overseas”, he added.

Mr Clare said Auckland War Memorial Museum will be an active partner with Te Papa and others. "It will be vital for the collective to consult locally, thoroughly test the viability of the concept, identify options and develop a sustainable business case", he added.
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