7 March 2013

N E W S R E L E A S E

New Director Appointed to Puke Ariki

A new Tumuaki (Director) has been appointed to Puke Ariki.

Kelvin Day, who has been Puke Ariki’s Manager Heritage Collections since 2008 and acting as director since October last year, officially takes up his new role on 18 March.

New Plymouth District Council General Manager Community Services Cathy Thurston says, “We are delighted that Kelvin decided to apply for this challenging role and has successfully shown himself to be the best candidate in a strong field. The role attracted considerable national and international interest.

“Kelvin’s knowledge, understanding and affinity for the heritage and culture of this region are unequalled. We were also impressed by the deep respect he has earned from people across Taranaki and nationwide over his career.

“He is the right person to lead Puke Ariki into its second decade,” Ms Thurston says.

Mr Day’s family have lived in the region for three generations. He was born in Hāwera and spent his childhood in Auroa and Warea. He was appointed to Taranaki Museum in 1992 and before that held senior positions at Te Awamutu and Porirua museums.

Mr Day was awarded the title of Honorary Research Associate of Te Papa in 2012, and has contributed to an extensive list of publications and journals. In 2010 he edited the multi award-winning book Contested Ground Te Whenua i Tohea The Taranaki Wars 1860-1881.

Mr Day, who holds a Masters in Anthropology from Auckland University, says he is thrilled to be taking the up the position of Director Puke Ariki but also acknowledges the responsibility that comes with the role as the kaitiaki of Taranaki’s stories and treasures.

“As Puke Ariki approaches its 10th birthday it is a good time to reflect on what has been achieved and also to look ahead to what can be accomplished into the future.

“I believe Puke Ariki still has huge potential to become an even greater community-driven asset for Taranaki but also a leading cultural facility for Aotearoa New Zealand. I look forward to working with the team at Puke Ariki and the people of Taranaki to make that a reality,” he says.

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