Museums Aotearoa names chief executive

Museums Aotearoa has appointed Adele Fitzpatrick as its chief executive.

The board of the independent professional association representing public museums and galleries said on Thursday that Fitzpatrick’s experience would be an asset to the cultural sector.

‘‘Adele’s track record in leading national conversations is exciting as we look to tell our member stories and their contribution to Aotearoa,’’ said Tui Te Hau, co-chairwoman of Museums Aotearoa.

Fitzpatrick joined Museums Aotearoa from the environmental sector. Her previous role was as chief executive of Project Crimson Trust, a native tree restoration and protection charity. Under her leadership, the trust had become a successful and sustainable charity, Te Hau said.

Museums Aotearoa cochairwoman Eloise Wallace said

Fitzpatrick had advocated for indigenous forestry and had engaged with iwi forestry interests. She was keen to work with whānau, hapū and iwi, along with the kaimahi in the museum sector, Wallace said.

Fitzpatrick had also worked in the tourism and electricity sectors, managed a digital agency and had run her own communications consultancy.

‘‘I have a great love of art, cultural artefacts and the places that house them. I appreciate their important roles in storytelling, cultural identity and our sense of place in the world,’’ she said.

‘‘I’m looking forward to bringing my commercial skills to Museums Aotearoa, delivering value to its members and engaging with government on the issues relevant to the sector.’’

In April, the entire board of Museums Aotearoa quit, followed by its executive director in June.