Stirring welcome for new MTG head

Amber Kairau (left), new MTG director Laura Vodanovich; and Romia Whaanga, during a powhiri on Monday. Photo / Duncan Brown

After being welcomed during a sometimes stirring powhiri MTG Hawke's Bay's new director Laura Vodanovich said she was looking forward to "this journey".

Ms Vodanovich arrived with a group of her former colleagues from Gisborne's Tairawhiti Museum as well as representatives of the Tairawhiti iwi and was welcomed by Ngati Kahungunu representatives - led by iwi kaumatua Haami Hilton.

She arrived to a passionate welcome and her iwi escort, Tapunga Nepe, replied before Mr Hilton carried out the greeting on behalf of the Hawke's Bay iwi, the MTG Hawke's Bay staff, Napier City councillors and other guests.

Led by MTG Hawke's Bay staff, the reception party then performed a song for Ms Vodanovich and their visitors from Gisborne.

Napier Mayor Bill Dalton said her new workplace home was a building the region was "immensely" proud of and was confident it would emerge as a success story. "It is a whare for our treasures and your appointment will enhance this," he said, adding visitors could look forward to seeing those treasures being well displayed for many years to come.

"We are absolutely delighted to have you aboard at the MTG."

Mr Dalton said there had been a lot of negative publicity about the MTG and said much of it was unjustified, but said the occasion was not the time to dwell on that. "This is about focusing on the future."

Mr Nepe delivered an impassioned response which then led to the Gisborne visitors walking Ms Vodanovich across the main foyer, to a chair amidst her new workmates and iwi.

"Welcome to Ngati Kahungunu," Mr Hilton said and Ms Vodanovich smiled and nodded.

"I want to thank you all," she said. "You have made me feel so warmly welcome and I agree - this is a beautiful building and I am delighted to be here now with you."

Ms Vodanovich, who took on the role in the wake of former director Douglas Lloyd-Jenkins stepping down, said she would spend the first few days of her new role getting to know the staff.

With a smile she apologised in advance, saying it took her a while to get to know new names.