The Post

Review into Te Papa’s care

- Damian George damian.george@stuff.co.nz

Wellington’s Te Papa museum has commission­ed an independen­t review into the future care of its natural history collection­s.

The review was sought by the national museum’s board following public feedback on proposed job cuts, which some scientists claim could lead to the loss of millions of irreplacea­ble and invaluable natural history specimens.

Twelve permanent roles have been cut as part of the restructur­e, and some jobs in the collection­s research department, which handles specimens gathered over hundreds of years, could also be lost.

In a statement, the museum said it would take some time to consider how it could best care for the collection­s.

That considerat­ion would include an independen­t review – expected to be completed by October – by a team of internatio­nal museum collection­s specialist­s.

‘‘This follows feedback that further considerat­ion is needed before decisions can be made on how best to deliver the vital function of caring for New Zealand’s national collection­s.’’

The museum would proceed with plans to combine its collection managers and conservato­rs into one team but a spokeswoma­n said the size of that team had yet to be determined.

It would work with staff in the coming weeks to clarify new standards of collection care and to clarify roles.

Chief executive Geraint Martin said the museum was committed to ensuring the right decisions were made. ‘‘We undertook consultati­on, we’ve listened to what our people had to say, and that is now informing our next steps.

‘‘We know we need to modernise our approach, and we are committed to doing that, without compromisi­ng care of the collection­s.’’

The review panel will consider optimum standards, protocols and levels of care to ensure the health of Te Papa’s natural history collection­s for the long-term.

Chairman Evan Williams said the board wanted to ensure it met its legislativ­e mandate to care for the collection­s indefinite­ly.

‘‘We have heard the concerns that have been raised around the care of science collection­s, and we are responding to them by seeking credible, independen­t and expert advice.

‘‘Te Papa has a unique place in New Zealand’s network of science collection­s but the challenges we face are similar to those encountere­d by museums around the world.’’

 ?? STUFF ?? An independen­t review will help ensure Te Papa museum’s natural history collection­s are properly preserved in future.
STUFF An independen­t review will help ensure Te Papa museum’s natural history collection­s are properly preserved in future.
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