The chief executive of national museum Te Papa in Wellington has resigned after six-and-a-half years in the job.
By Bill Hickman of RNZ
Courtney Johnston led the museum through the difficulties of Covid-19 lockdowns and celebrations such as the official launch of the Matariki public holiday.
Johnston first worked at Te Papa as a visitor host nearly 25 years ago.
She became chief executive in 2019 after working in roles at City Gallery Wellington, the National Library of New Zealand, and as the director of The Dowse Art Museum and Petone Settlers Museum Te Whare Whaakaro o Pito-one between 2012 to 2018.
She was also chair of the umbrella group Museums Aotearoa and a regular visual arts commentator for RNZ's Nine to Noon from 2010 to 2019.
In a statement, Johnston said the position had been "a huge part of my life, personally and professionally".
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She cited work behind the scenes leading up to the repatriation of koiwi tangata on Te Papa's marae as well as public moments as the face of the museum as "incredibly rewarding" experiences in the role.
"I've been there as we've returned taonga to their people, on their marae. I've helped add a specimen to our botany collection. I stood at the front door when we closed the museum for the first Covid lockdown, and stood at the front door again when we welcomed visitors back in. I have so many indelible memories from this time," Johnston said.
She believed she would be leaving the museum in a stronger position than she found it.
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"Being appointed Tumu Whakarae was a dream, and the role has offered me more than I could ever have imagined.
"Leading within Te Papa's unique co-leadership model has been a particular privilege, and I thank Kaihautū Arapata Hakiwai for all his support over my tenure."
Dr Arapata Hakiwai said Johnston had been "deeply instrumental" in advancing Te Papa's bicultural kaupapa and commitment to the museum's mana taonga principle.
"She has been a strong and compassionate leader and shown deep care for the taonga we are responsible for and the communities we serve. She will be very much missed by both our kaimahi and the communities we work with," Hakiwai said.
Johnston said she was looking forward to "recharging" and exploring some creative projects before her next step.
Te Papa Board chair Chris Swasbrook said Johnston had led with "passion and determination" during her time at the museum.
"The museum has faced a number of significant challenges, including the Covid period, the closure of our specialist collection facility, and the pressures of the economic recession.
"With the first year of construction for our new Biodiversity Research Centre completed and a programme of financial strengthening well underway, she leaves the museum well positioned for its next period of growth," Swasbrook said.
Johnston will leave the role in October,
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