Town Acre 445 is the gateway (waharoa) for our community to explore and reflect on their cultural heritage and the natural history of the region. At our central city location, on the corner of Trafalgar and Hardy Streets, Nelson, there are two main gallery spaces featuring permanent and temporary exhibitions, a classroom, museum shop and rooftop garden.
See Visitor Information for details on opening hours, entry fees, contact details and maps.
The Research Facility is where staff develop exhibitions and care for our regional treasures (taonga), including one of New Zealand's most significant photographic collections. Extensive historical archives and library resources are also stored there. Trained staff are available to assist visitors with research.
See Visitor Information for details on opening hours, entry fees, contact details and maps.
I am delighted to join The Nelson Provincial Museum... I have a passion for museums and their role in lifelong learning in the community. I have worked in the museum sector for the last 17 years, most recently at Auckland War Memorial Museum as Head of Education and Visitor Programmes. Heading a team that devised education and visitor programmes across science, taonga Maori and the War Memorial provided a wonderful opportunity to extend the reach of the museum to a very full range of visitors. My experience also includes a role in Melbourne where I worked on the development and opening of Melbourne Museum in its new Carlton Gardens home beside the World Heritage listed Royal Exhibition Building. This project was on about the same scale as Te Papa.
My recent background in museums is supported by my previous experience as Foundation Director of The Science Centre in Palmerston North, and early career as a teacher. Despite obvious differences in scale I find that the issues faced are remarkably familiar and similar. Science exhibitions which I developed at that time are still being used in museums throughout the country. Two which have visited Nelson in recent times are Bedazzled and Body in Action. I have always recognised the importance of consultation and participation of iwi and local community groups I look forward to applying my energy to assist The Nelson Provincial Museum to use its wonderful collections and its exciting new public spaces for the benefit of casual visitors, serious researchers and the families of this region and beyond.
