Rod Cornelius, president of the Devonport Museum, devotes his time to the museum. Photo / Brett Phibbs
The garden shed has long been a New Zealand man's castle. Rod Cornelius is no different, he just does things a little bigger than most.
He helped build a back shed his whole community could enjoy, and he is still working tirelessly on it.
President and founding member
of the Devonport Historical and Museum Society on Auckland's North Shore, Mr Cornelius believed the venerable seaside suburb's treasures were worthy of a home.
But no money was available, so Mr Cornelius rolled up his sleeves and, with a willing team, built the museum's collection.
That was about 30 years ago. He is now appreciated in Devonport as one of the suburb's most cherished residents, said friend and colleague Peter Weeks.
"He's just a tireless advocate for Devonport. He sees the value in making sure these stories from the past aren't lost, and generations in the future know about these parts of Devonport and the North Shore.
"I think he adds that touch of colour to Devonport. He's one of those volunteers where the true worth of the person won't be fully known until he moves on. And Devonport would be the poorer for that."
Mr Cornelius also frequently spends time showing the museum's collection to Devonport's youngest scholars, bringing to life the past glory and stories of their suburb, Mr Weeks said.
Through him taking parts of the collection to schools, or hosting schools as they tour the little museum in an old church on the side of Mt Cambria, countless numbers of children have been inspired by his work and enthusiasm.
"He volunteers for everything, and he's always on hand to help. He's been the glue that has held the museum together since the 1970s."
Mr Cornelius knows his role is essentially a full-time job. But he doesn't regret any of the time he gives to the project.
"You set out because it's something you enjoy doing.
Because what we're saving is the history of the area and its families. And the history is wonderfully rich."
