The Kauri Museum at Matakohe in Northland presents a fascinating picture of New Zealand’s pioneering days through the story of kauri timber and kauri gum.
Staff:
30 full- and part-time; about 100 volunteers.
Annual operating budget:
About $1.5–2 million, sourced through admission fees and shop sales.
Key learnings in running a medium-sized museum
A band of voluntary enthusiasts started the museum and to this day, the board of trustees, voted by the local community, do not receive any remuneration and are dedicated to being voluntary.
However, the trust treats the museum as a business. Operating as such is one mechanism to sustain the museum long into the future.
The Chief Executive Officer of the museum is aware that he must have an understanding of museum issues. However it is also crucial for him to have the right skills to deal with management issues such as human resources and marketing.
Completing the New Zealand Museums Standards Scheme gave the museum direction as to what training should be provided for staff members.
The museum has a strategic plan and uses it to guide its direction, current and future.
The museum acts as a cultural focal point where the community can come together, thereby becoming an integral part of the community.
The museum achieves high visitation from international tourists, which forms a major source of income.
The museum has good standards of documentation, e.g., loan agreements and policies, which ensures its smooth running.
Advice for those planning a new museum
‘Have a properly delivered plan, and undertake in-depth research for possible funding avenues. People are always very passionate about their ideas but their enthusiasm should be well balanced by business acumen in order to sustain their museums long into the future,’ says Albert Lovell, Chief Executive Officer of The Kauri Museum.
Read another case study on The Kauri Museum: