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MANGAWHAI'S NO.1 NEWSPAPER
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Change to come for award winning museum.jpg "Bet Nelley(copy)") After six years at the helm of New Zealands foremost Kauri Museum, CEO Betty Nelley has decided to relinquish her post.The decision to step aside has not been an easy one but after many years on the staff and another six as CEO she feels she has ‘done her bit’ and the establishment now needs perhaps a younger person with a new vision to carry on the momentum she has generated in that time. The signs were there early in her life. Being brought up in the Whangarei district of Kauri was, in retrospect, a dead giveaway. Then, years with the (then) Whangarei County Council and as a librarian simply broadened her local knowledge and endorsed her passion for Northland and it’s history. Betty began at the museum as registrar then collections manager which included archiving, preparation of exhibitions, photos and information gathering. Then, when the vacancy for CEO appeared Betty thought “I can do that job” and do it she has for the past six years. Her pride in her baby is unmistakable as is the respect she holds for the 35 staff and numerous volunteers. This is typical of small rural towns, but with an attraction that carries world renown. Though changes are not necessarily noticed on a daily basis, under Betty’s stewardship the growth and achievements of the museum have been quite remarkable. Betty doesn’t see herself as an expert but has some knowledge of lots of things and an eye for detail though invariably there are visitors (soil, plant experts) who are able to fill in a number of gaps and add to the already substantial knowledge bank. She sees her job as ‘connect-ing people’. Among the achievements are free entry for local ratepayers and their families. “This has been a great encouragement to get more locals and their friends visiting the museum especially through the economic down-turn,” she says, pointing out that the museum has no outside funding but runs on donations and generates its own income. Regular visits by school groups also make the museum an important part of the education system. With the addition of more displays the place has doubled in size. Marketing, promotion and representing the museum at business and tourism expo’s has also taken up a large amount of time and effort but the success can be measured by awards of the highest level includ-ing being rated the first CarboNZero museum in the country and housing the best collection of colonial furniture in the world. The internal sprinkler system has also proved its worth being credited with saving the building from extensive damage after a generator accidently sparked off a fire in January 2012. Modern technology has allowed the identification and cataloguing of every item within the museum through photographs, CDs and rolling slideshow displays – a huge task but one that is necessary for the museum to retain its historical significance for generations to come though such information often takes years to analyse and authenticate. Artifacts and Kauri pieces come from the most obscure places around the country and from people who, seeing and appreciating the significance of the museum, are pleased to have their own treasures added to the collection. One can’t help but be impressed by the examples, the displays and the explanations of each exhibit. These impressive living giants endorse the integrity and sustainability of the whole place. The ANZAC Day parade, the Gumdiggers Café, a garden of heritage roses and the bequest of Totara House by the late Mavis Smith are more recent additions which will ensure the profile of the museum will remain indefinitely for the many who appreciate its significance on a local, national and international basis. Not one to be still for too long, Betty plans to take a deep breath then visit family overseas. “But I will always be interested in the future of the museum,” she says and, with her passion for Northland still very much intact she would like to be involved in tourism to some degree to retain her passion for the area nearest and dearest to her. You will be missed Bet Nelley, but your efforts have not gone unnoticed and the community offer their appreciation and best wishes in future endeavours. PASSION: Betty Nelley has enhanced the reputation and profile of the Kauri Museum over the last six years. |
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