Museum asks Auckland's opinion

Auckland Museum is calling for views to help shape a multimillion-dollar plan to renew its galleries.

Two years ago, the museum's 10-year budget flagged a $22 million renewal of the three floors containing its Maori, Pacific, war history and other galleries.

Interim museum director Sir Don McKinnon said yesterday that the process for establishing a renewal plan was progressing, but was a few months away from being put to the museum board for approval.

"We have held several consultations with museum employees, volunteers and stakeholders who have provided diverse recommendations.

"We now want to hear from Aucklanders, as this is their museum."

Since starting in his job nine weeks ago, Sir Don has said the institution's focus will be on reviving collections and scholarly research.

The board is also trying to connect with the people through such popular exhibitions as the current Kai to Pie: Auckland on a Plate.

The museum is inviting people to book for an evening called Your Museum to be hosted by Waitakere Mayor Bob Harvey, in its Maori Court on Tuesday, August 24.

Sir Don said about 10 themes and museum models from around the world would be put to the audience.

One of the guest speakers, international museum consultant Ken Gorbey, said yesterday a museum was like a business in that it had to constantly reinvent itself.

"Society changes and if a museum does not fit that society, you have problems."

Sir Don said renewal and refreshing of the 20 galleries was one of the museum's most ambitious projects but would not be drawn on current cost estimates.

The museum had as a foundation enormous collections of which at any one time only about 3 per cent was displayed.

"It's necessary to be revolving them and keeping them looking refreshed. It's a matter of doing something here that they won't see anywhere else."

Sir Don said he expected debate about the renewal, but the stories told by the museum would not change very much.

The museum, which has completed a $115 million extension programme, levies Auckland region ratepayers about $22 million a year.

What types of galleries do you think Auckland Museum should house? Email: newsdesk@nzherald.co.nz