Auckland Museum values scholarship, academic achievement, research and service to the community.

This often ‘behind-the-scenes’ aspect of the Museum plays a crucial role in enriching and providing alternative ways of looking at collections, generating new knowledge and enhancing the experience for our increasingly diverse audiences.

That is why each year the Trust Board recognises individuals who have given exceptional service to the Museum or added value to its interests. This includes outstanding contributions to the generation of new knowledge drawing on the Museum’s collections and research resources. The Museum’s Trust Board is inviting nominations for the Museum Medals from now until 8 September 2017.

The awards and their criteria are as follows:

• Fellow of Auckland War Memorial Museum – awarded for exemplary scholastic achievement relevant to the Museum’s collections and activities. The contribution to Auckland Museum, or other New Zealand museums, must be unique and valuable.*
• Companion of Auckland War Memorial Museum – awarded for singular achievement or contribution to areas relevant to, or in some way connected to, the public service of Auckland Museum, or other New Zealand museums.*
• Associate Emeritus of Auckland War Memorial Museum – awarded to Museum staff, research associates (both current and former), volunteers or other individuals associated with the Museum to mark noteworthy achievement. Their contribution to Auckland Museum, or to the interests of the Museum, must be considerable, with the potential for ongoing long-term benefit to the Museum.

Last year’s Museum Medal recipient andDirector, Christchurch Art Gallery, Jenny Harper, says of the experience: “I was so honoured to be made a Companion of the Auckland War Memorial Museum. The mana of the event and the presentation of the Medal itself, with friends and family there in support is a memory I’ll treasure always.”

Auckland Museum Medals for 2016 also went to:

Dr Brian Gill - Associate Emeritus of Auckland War Memorial Museum

John Ross - Associate Emeritus of Auckland War Memorial Museum

Bil Vernon - Companion of Auckland War Memorial Museum

Danny Te Puna Tumahai - Fellow of Auckland War Memorial Museum

Nominations with statements of support (max. 250 words) should be sent by 8 September 2017, to Catherine Foster, Auckland Museum Governance and Compliance Advisor, [email protected].

The 2017 Museum Medals will be awarded at a special ceremony in February 2018.

* The recipient must not be a permanent employee of the Museum, or a member of the Trust Board or its committees, at the date of nomination.