Tēnā koutou,

Ngā mihi

We are entering an exciting time at Te Papa. The curatorial staff are busy refining the concepts of the fabulous new exhibitions that will open over the next few years. Behind the scenes the renewal of the museum is well underway with the Cable Street building swarming with builders, electricians, plumbers, technicians. The Friends Office has moved into a temporary space at the far end of Level 3.

The renewal is a huge project and most museums would simply close to the public. Te Papa however is remaining open, which means you can be part of the journey through this exciting time. CEO Rick Ellis and senior management are ensuring the Friends are kept up to date with progress.

Many of you enjoyed hearing the Science team talk about the science section concepts at the end of August, but there will soon be opportunities to hear from staff in other sections of the museum. The museum is also keen to hear your ideas. We will be providing opportunities for this, but remember that you can also send in your comments at any time through our Friends’ Forum, located on our website under the ‘About’ tab.

Looking to the future, be assured that the Friends programme will continue to offer you special chances to engage with the museum’s curators, scientists and staff. The Friends are currently putting together a very full and varied programme for 2017. But we still have some terrific events coming up in these last weeks of 2016. I am particularly looking forward to the annual indulgence of the Friends High Tea on Monday 21 November and the talk by internationally acclaimed Valerie Steele on collecting and exhibiting fashion, on Saturday 10 December.

Nāku noa, nā

Elizabeth Kay