The Nosey Parkers group was recently given a fascinating behind-the-scenes tour of the Motueka Museum by curator Meredith Rimmer.
With the support of a small but dedicated team—including the curator, collections manager, and exhibitions manager—the museum carefully preserves and showcases the region’s history.
One of the key challenges the museum faces is its very limited storage space.
Meredith explained how each artefact is carefully catalogued in a database for easy retrieval. Items are wrapped in acid-free Tyvek, securely packed, and stored in labelled boxes in an air-conditioned room. Larger objects are housed in one of three storage sheds in Motueka that don’t require atmospheric control.
Despite space limitations, the museum receives many offers of artefacts from the community. Unfortunately, not all can be accepted—either because they do not fit within the museum’s collections policy, or simply because they are too large to store.
The museum is also supported by a team of dedicated volunteers who serve as greeters at the front desk, ensuring visitors receive a warm welcome. Their efforts help keep the museum running smoothly and accessible to the public.
Exciting exhibitions are planned for the rest of the year, many featuring local groups such as the art society and the camera club. These displays ensure that the museum remains a dynamic and evolving space that reflects the creativity and history of the community.
The Nosey Parkers group sincerely thanks Meredith Rimmer for her time and for answering our many questions. We left with a newfound appreciation for the hard work that goes into preserving and presenting Motueka’s rich heritage.
