This column has good news and bad news. First, it’s hard to fully comprehend, all the photos, videos and talk notwithstanding, what a massive disaster we have seen in our island, what tragedies great and small have taken place and the long-term impact this will have on the affected land and its people. While we are Friends of Te Papa, we are also fellow citizens of all the dwellers who have lived and live on the land which has been devastated. I am sure we are thinking of them and hoping that their situation can improve, albeit probably slowly.

Now some better news, I am pleased to share with you the news that Aloema Ioane, who has been our office administrator for the last three years and has served the Friends for 18 years in total, has found a new position at the Wellington Children’s Hospital. I and the committee are delighted for her. It is a new opportunity for her to exercise her considerable skills. We, the Friends of Te Papa, have been extremely fortunate to have had Aloema working with and for us. She has, it would seem, always been there, efficiently and helpfully running the office, answering members’ questions, organizing events and being graciously herself. I am sure that everyone will want to support me in saying a huge thank you for all those years working for the Friends.

The bad news is the consequence of her going to her new position, namely that she will no longer be running things for the Friends. She will be hugely missed by all the members and particularly by the executive committee.

The committee has begun the process to fill the vacancy Aloema will leave.