Editorial: Museum a jewel in city's crown

Wanganui is very fortunate to have such a strong and vibrant past, and even more so to have such strong community support for celebrating the city's rich heritage.
Nowhere is this more evident than in the fabulous Whanganui Regional Museum. I had heard of the museum's fine reputation before shifting here and immediately recognised it as among the many jewels in the city that are so often taken for granted.
I worked in Tauranga for 10 years, and when we moved there, even though it was one of the country's main centres, it did not have a public museum, nor did it have a public art gallery and Baypark Stadium had yet to be built.
Finding my feet in Wanganui, it was obvious that there was a genuine interest in, and passion, for matters of history. Clearly tapping into the rich vein of knowledge and historical information at the museum was critical in feeding that need among our readers. Luckily the museum staff have always been more than willing to lend their support. It would be fair to say that the Chronicle and the museum have quite a close relationship.
From articles, photographs, requests for information, passing on old newspaper copies and photographs, the regular columns such as From the Vault in Midweek and Views from the past in the Chronicle, as well as occasional series like the one we start today looking at city streets as they were in years gone by.
In all my dealings with museum staff, they have always been helpful, enthusiastic and must surely rate as among the best at what they do. They too have been affected by technological developments and the digitisation of archival material is a massive undertaking but will ensure better access to and the long-term future of important images and other data.
Under the influence of Eric Dorfman, the museum looks set for a bright future. While already a popular venue with children and through functions and events, Dr Dorfman has set his sights on building on the connections made, and expanding by clearly targeting our youngest citizens.
I know every time our family has visited, the children have discovered new treasures - and, at their age, the interactive exhibits hold the greatest interest.
Concerns raised during the Wanganui District Council annual plan process about the museum's financial state must be heeded by us all. The council's community and cultural manager, Sally Patrick, when pressed, made the dire prediction that unless funding was increased the museum could fold. Museum trust board chairwoman Penny Robinson and museum director Dr Dorfman also sought a funds increase.
Mayor Annette Main used her casting vote to pass a motion that funding remain at $580,000, a motion that came with a hint of funding relief in the future for the museum.
It would be tragic indeed if the standard of service or displays were allowed to slip at the museum. It has provided exemplary service to locals and visitors for nearly 120 years. Countless thousands will have passed through its doors and left educated and inspired.
Now, the museum is embarking on a new era with a new director in Dr Dorfman, and new branding that is being developed now.
Whatever the outcome of Dr Dorfman's vision, one thing is for sure: the museum is too important to the city and our sense of self for us not to support it. So, if it has been a while since your last visit, pop in and have a look - and be prepared to be amazed.