7 June 2002 Media Statement
Government thanks Dame Cheryll Sotheran’s contribution
Associate Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage Judith Tizard today paid tribute to the achievements of Dame Cheryll
Sotheran as the founding chief executive of Te Papa, and acknowledged the contribution she has made to the Te Papa
project.
“The government acknowledges the contribution that Dame Cheryll has made as founding CEO of the new Museum of New
Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, and in leading it since its opening in 1998.
“We would like to thank Dame Cheryll for her efforts since she began the project in May 1993. Her contribution can be
measured by the fact that she and her team delivered the world’s biggest museum project of the 1990s on time and on
budget.
“Dame Cheryll has ensured that Te Papa has continued to develop and redevelop in response to its popularity with both
New Zealanders and visitors to New Zealand. This includes the successful redevelopment of the art gallery spaces last
year.
“We would like to wish Dame Cheryll well. She leaves behind a strong team who will continue to make Te Papa the success
that it is today,” Judith Tizard said.
ENDS