Mayor Pays Tribute to Te Papa CEO

Wellington Mayor Kerry Prendergast has paid tribute to Te Papa Chief Executive Seddon Bennington, who died while tramping over the weekend.

"My deepest sympathy goes out to the family, friends and colleagues of Seddon and his tramping partner. Our thoughts are with them at this very sad time.

"Seddon did a wonderful job as CEO of our national museum. He took it from its very early days when it was so new and different to a facility with an international reputation and world-class exhibitions and staff.

"He worked hard to keep Te Papa ahead of the game and to make a real contribution to both the city and New Zealand in terms of preserving our history and celebrating our culture.

"Seddon will be greatly missed for both his professional and personal qualities. His death is a huge loss for Te Papa and Wellington city and again, I offer my sincere condolences to his family, friends, Te Papa staff and all who knew and loved him."