Craig Hickman-Goodall (Chief Executive) and Helen Atkins (Board Chair) provide their insights and perspectives on the future of the MOTAT Museum.
Craig has been at the museum for a number of years as the Chief Operating Officer and he has a long history of working in the museum sector. He is passionate about the sector and about MOTAT in particular and a primary focus that the Board and Craig have agreed on is that the focus of the museum must be on heralding and showcasing the fabulous collection we are the proud guardians of. The collection must be at the front and centre of every exhibition we do and every visitor’s experience. Obviously, the Museum has a number of challenges ahead which we need to successfully navigate to ensure the success and longevity of the Museum. Our vision for the Museum is to work on the medium to long term financial security that we have. This includes looking at funding options outside of Auckland Council (which already happens with a plan to grow it) and to continually look at ways to enhance and grow visitor engagement. As Craig said in his interview for the role:
If given the opportunity to lead MOTAT through the next five years, success will be having navigated the organisation through the financial and political challenges and developing the team as well as the secure foundation for a much larger role in the success of Tamaki Makaurau Auckland and Aotearoa New Zealand. Ultimately it is about serving the people, especially the young.
As always, the day-to-day running of the Museum is always eventful. Te Puawānanga has been extremely successful to date and there has been an obviously uplift in the visitation numbers. As members will know the planning and communications for the 60th Anniversary celebrations are going very well, and the invites are out. We do have a number of capital works projects that require time, money and skill to resolve including the major heritage asset maintenance projects (tram tracks replacement for the Passing Loop and S Bend, Pumphouse roof repairs and Blister Hangar replacement). We are constantly looking for an innovative and cost-effective solution for Shed Alley and the workshops. In early November the Museum should be available again for events and we are working closely on this with Auckland Council (via Tataki Auckland Unlimited).
Given the synergies, and the geographical location of both, a big focus for Craig, the MOTAT Team and the Board, over the next few years is aligning the Museum with the Zoo – such things as ensuring the tram continues to be in tip-top shape for both institutions and having joint ticketing and marketing approaches are just a couple of examples of things we are presently working on.
Helen and Craig
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