Managers at museum, gallery step up

MANAGERS at the Toitu Otago Settlers Museum and the Dunedin Public Art Gallery have stepped up to help while the museum director is on extended leave.

Dunedin City Council community services general manager Simon Pickford said a ‘‘steady hand’’ had guided the two institutions since Jennifer Evans had opted to take leave.

DPAG director Cam McCracken had volunteered to take on the museum acting director role, and other managers had stepped up and taken on more responsibility.

‘‘It doesn’t all come to a screeching halt because someone isn’t here.

‘‘People understand the situation,’’ Mr Pickford said.

Ms Evans has been on leave since early last month and the city council has said it cannot comment on the reasons for her absence, or when she will be back.

Mr Pickford said little had changed since the situation was reported last month, when Mr McCracken had been named as a temporary replacement.

The matter remained a ‘‘staffing issue’’, there was no change in her employment status and this was an issue that had to be dealt with, in the short term, until Ms Evans returned, Mr Pickford said.

Museum visitor attendance has reached a record 316,000, up more than 7000 on the past financial year.

The busiest months were over summer and during the cruise ship season.

The previous museum record annual attendance was 309,491 in 201617.

The Dunedin Chinese Garden, which is run in association with the museum, attracted 51,194 visitors for the financial year ending on June 30 this year, 30 more visitors than last year.