Review into Te Papa’s care
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.’’