New director for Pataka museum

Helen Kedgley has been appointed director of Pataka Museum of Arts and Culture, a new position created following the departure of long-time Porirua City Council community services manager Darcy Nicholas.

Ms Kedgley is a board member of Creative New Zealand and is widely connected with the art community nationally and internationally, says PCC chief executive Gary Simpson. She has worked at Pataka for 14 years and has curated more than 50 exhibitions of Maori, Pacific Island and contemporary New Zealand art, many of which have toured nationally and internationally including Toi Maori – The Eternal Thread, which toured the United States. ‘‘There was keen interest in the new role and Helen, who is currently senior curator contemporary arts, shone for the various skills and talents she brings,’’ Mr Simpson said.

As a painter, Ms Kedgley has taken part in many exhibitions in France, England, India, and Zimbabwe. International museum work includes the Science Museum, Oxford, England and The National Gallery of Zimbabwe.

‘‘The director of Pataka position was established after Darcy Nicholas . . . decided earlier in the year, to pursue his many and varied other interests,’’ Mr Simpson said.

‘‘I would like to thank him for the 20 years’ service he has given to Pataka and Porirua City and wish him the very best in his future endeavours.’’