MTG exhibit scoops top spot - again

Historic Havelock North tales helped MTG Hawke's Bay become a winner in the New Zealand Museum Awards for the second year in a row.

The exhibition Dr Felkin and the Forerunners, which examined a unique part of Hawke's Bay's social history, won the top award for best exhibition under $20,000.

The award was announced last night at the annual New Zealand Museum Awards at Toitu Otago Settlers Museum in Dunedin.

"We are delighted to receive this award which is a recognition from our sector and peers that MTG is delivering relevant and engaging exhibitions," said MTG Hawke's Bay director Laura Vodanovich. "This exhibition pre-dates my time as director but confirms that MTG has a team of talented and capable staff who are delivering high quality exhibitions.

"One of the key success factors for this exhibition is the community spirit and collaboration which produced it."

MTG was also a finalist in two other awards - best exhibition over $20,000 for Whetu Tirikatene-Sullivan - Travel in Style and Most Innovative use of Te Reo Maori also for Whetu Tirikatene-Sullivan - Travel in Style.

Napier Mayor Bill Dalton said it was great to see MTG acknowledged once again by its industry peers.

"It's a fantastic institution which is really hitting its stride."

Curator of Dr Felkin and the Forerunners, Georgina White, said she was grateful to the Havelock North community. "They were so generous with their stories and objects, thereby enriching the exhibition and accompanying essay," she said.

As a result of the popularity of the exhibition, Ms White was now writing a book about Dr Felkin, to be published by Awa Press.

Museums Aotearoa executive director Phillipa Tocker said this year's awards were better than ever.

"The number of entries and their standard just keeps going up - with the bar getting higher every year, the awards are becoming even more inspirational."