7 June 2002 Media Statement

Government thanks Dame Cheryll Sotheran’s contribution

Associate Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage Judith Tizard today paid tribute to the achievements of Dame Cheryll Sotheran as the founding chief executive of Te Papa, and acknowledged the contribution she has made to the Te Papa project.

“The government acknowledges the contribution that Dame Cheryll has made as founding CEO of the new Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, and in leading it since its opening in 1998.

“We would like to thank Dame Cheryll for her efforts since she began the project in May 1993. Her contribution can be measured by the fact that she and her team delivered the world’s biggest museum project of the 1990s on time and on budget.

“Dame Cheryll has ensured that Te Papa has continued to develop and redevelop in response to its popularity with both New Zealanders and visitors to New Zealand. This includes the successful redevelopment of the art gallery spaces last year.

“We would like to wish Dame Cheryll well. She leaves behind a strong team who will continue to make Te Papa the success that it is today,” Judith Tizard said.

ENDS

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