Te Papa experts to be redundant: insider

WELLINGTON: A taxonomy expert says Te Papa museum will be worse off if it makes two of its worldrenowned experts redundant.

A Te Papa insider says mollusc expert Bruce Marshall and fish expert Andrew Stewart are set to be made redundant in the museum’s restructure.

The pair, who were both collections managers at the museum, have until today to appeal the decision.

Both had applied for other jobs at Te Papa, but had not got them, the source said.

News of the restructure caused a backlash among the science community both in New Zealand and overseas when it was revealed last year.

Now, the news the pair could lose their jobs signalled a dark day for New Zealand natural history and museums, University of Otago lecturer Dr Nic Rawlence said.

It would mean staff left behind were massively overstretched.

‘‘They’re going to be dealing with collections outside their expertise.’’

Mr Marshall had described more than 500 new species of mollusc, while Mr Stewart had built up the fish collection, Dr Rawlence said.

Te Papa chairman Evan Williams has asked to not have his contract renewed when his term comes to an end this June.

Mr Williams had been on the board of the museum for eight years and chairman for six.

‘‘I really strongly believe people can stick around too long, and I’m keen for other people to inject new energy and challenges.’’ — RNZ