Museum and Heritage Studies | Victoria University of Wellington

Historian - History Group
Ministry for Culture and Heritage.

My job is to write, resource and edit content for the NZHistory.net.nz site. I might spend my day adding to entries in our Today in History calendar, writing a biography for a 'Kiwi of the Week' spot, writing my own feature or working with other members of the team on a joint feature, such as 30 reasons to love NZ books and writing for NZ Book Month. Since joining the Ministry I have also contributed to other aspects of the History Group's work: assisting with image research and assessing funding applications.

I completed my Masters of Museum and Heritage Studies at Victoria University in 2005. Prior to joining the History Group I worked at the New Zealand Historic Places Trust registering historic places and areas in the Central Region - a job a fellow MMHS grad has now taken on. I have also worked within the policy team at the National Library of New Zealand on the New Zealand Digital Content Strategy.

Marguerite Hill

Researcher Resources
Te Ara - Encyclopedia of New Zealand

My job involves researching images, sounds and videos to illuminate and illustrate the text of Te Ara entries. This includes archival and internet research, as well as working with other institutions to find appropriate material. I also help create graphs, interactives and diagrams.

Marguerite completed her Masters of Museum and Heritage Studies at Victoria University in 2005.

Bruce Phillips

Bruce says: "The Museum and Heritage programme has opened many opportunities for me. What makes the programme effective is its excellent blend of theoretical study and practical training. So not only do you become equipped with a sound academic awareness but you also acquire hands on skills. I also found the staff inspirational, dedicated to students and willing to share a wealth of experience and knowledge. I came out of it with an extensive knowledge and understanding of the functions and history of museums and art galleries. It is a must for anyone desiring a career in the Museum/Gallery sector".

Bruce is enrolled part time in a MA in Museum and Heritage Studies and the title of his thesis is:
The art museum as a secular temple: Christian artists and the contemporary culture of art.

Anne Harlow

Curator
Art at the Academy of Performing Arts
Waikato University

My job involves the organization of all aspects of a broad range of exhibitions for the Calder & Lawson Gallery within the Academy; the annual changeover and management of art works from the Wallace Arts Trust in the building; and the maintenance and management of the Waikato University Art Collection throughout the campus.

My Masters of Museum and Heritage Studies from Victoria University (2006) gave me the experience, knowledge and skills for this job which combines both curating and collections management – the two aspects of this field I most wanted to work in. The practical elements of the Masters, as well as researching my thesis, gave me incredibly valuable hands-on experience and the chance to meet and work with people in the field. The content of the degree was fascinating and challenging, and I have found it very relevant to my new professional role – it was great preparation for actually working in the field.

Paula Karkkainen

My job is facilitate access to the WMG research and archive collections, assist with cataloguing and collection care, and a myriad of other wee tasks that come with working in a smaller organisation. Working with a collection that began to be accumulated in the 1930's (although the Museum opened in 1972) is fabulous. It is a well-regarded source of local history information, although currently closed while we undergo an inventory of our collections. We are looking forward to updating information and seeing what gems come to light.

Lorie Mastemaker

My work involves conducting a heritage research study of 200 buildings within the CBD Heritage Precinct Area as identified within the Napier Central Area Heritage Study undertaken by Salmond Reed Architects, Auckland, in 2004/2005. In particular I am responsible for providing qualitative assessments on individual buildings against a set of criteria identified by the Resource Management Act (RMA). These qualitative assessments will then assist the Council and other experts in allocating a final score to each building. I also partake as part of an assessment committee a role that allocates a heritage assessment score to individual buildings.

Georgia Morgan

Registrar Art
Te Manawa in Palmerston North
Art Gallery, Museum and Science Centre

I am responsible for the care and movement of Te Manawa’s art collection, as well as any artworks we borrow from other institutions. In terms of care of the collection I have to ensure the works are stored correctly, practice preventative conservation, provide storage solutions, keep our database “Vernon” up to date with locations etc. In terms of movement I have to organise trips to pick up and drop off works, so the job involves some travelling, and I’m learning how to drive big trucks!! Correct art handling is a big part of it, I also help to install and deinstall our exhibitions and do a lot of condition reporting.

Office work includes a lot of stuff like drawing up contracts for lenders, doing loan agreements and all the paperwork side of things. I spend quite a bit of time talking to artists and owners who may be lending works. If an exhibition is touring then I make a touring manual and organise the movement of the exhibition – crates for works, freight, contracts etc. I am in touch with framers and conservators a lot if works need some attention. Some things are quite difficult – like learning the budgeting side of things!

I love the job and really enjoy going to work, although it’s been a steep learning curve, the course last year (2007) definitely prepared me well!

Student Profiles

Paulette Wallace

Laurie Mastemaker

Tamara Patten

Imelda Bargas