Lizzie Marvelly to lead Bay museum
Newly appointed Rotorua Museum director Lizzie Marvelly says she may not be the “traditional choice” but will bring a “holistic” range of skills to the role.
The musician and media commentator had big plans for the new museum — Te Whare Taonga o Te Araw a— that will showcase the city’s “rich, local history”.
Marvelly, who grew up in Rotorua, said she had been “yearning to come home” for a long time and when the job popped up late last year, she was quick to apply.
“I feel like I never really left [Rotorua]. My heart was always here and I felt like it was time.”
Marvelly, who turns 31, tomorrow said the robust hiring process for the job had her “biting her fingernails” but she knew she needed to stick it out as it was something she wanted badly.
“The museum is such an important part of our community and it has felt some major blows over the years.”
Rotorua Museum was closed in November 2016 after a seismic assessment found the building was below new building standards. It has not reopened since.
The skillset Marvelly would bring to the role would be “broad” and “holistic”, she said.
“I’m coming from a different angle than a vertically experienced museum professional, whom I do have the greatest respect for.
“I can acknowledge that I am not the traditional choice but I will bring a broad range of skills that will fulfil the requirements needed. I have a huge amount of passion and I am ready to learn.”
Her experience in leadership, governance and the creative sector would stand her in good stead to take on the position, she said.
She said she was a “collaborative leader” who wanted to spend her first few months “just listening” to make sure everyone involved had their voices heard. With whakapapa links to Te Arawa and Nga¯ ti Whakaue, she said she would work closely with local iwi to ensure their stories were told in the right way.
“This place is the jewel of Te Arawa and I want our museum to reflect that.”
Her vision centred heavily around children as she wanted them to benefit from learning about the city’s “rich, local history”.
“I want it to be interactive and to change the perception of a boring museum.”
Rotorua Lakes Council group manager operations Jocelyn Mikaere, said the museum director appointment was another big step forward in the museum’s redevelopment. “Lizzie provided an inspirational vision for the museum during her interviews that we felt will appeal to our local community and be attractive to domestic and international visitors to our city,” Mikaere said.
"I feel like I never really left [Rotorua]. My heart was always here and I felt like it was time."