Departure of Waikato Museum Director a huge loss for city

After nine and a half years at the helm of the Waikato Museum, Director Kate Vusoniwailala has announced she will be leaving the Museum to pursue an exciting business opportunity in Fiji.

Ms Vusoniwailala, who originates from Fiji, will return to the island nation to take up an executive role within a rapidly expanding family business and will continue her interests in the arts and cultural sector in a philanthropic capacity in the future.

Ms Vusoniwailala has been Director of Waikato Museum since July 2002 and during this time has helped develop the Museum into an award-winning, world class facility. Among the awards received by the Museum during her time as Director are the Creative New Zealand’s Creative Places Award for Arts Provision in 2005 and 2006, BeST Design Awards in 2007 and 2010, the Human Rights Commission's New Zealand Diversity Action Programme Award for its outstanding contribution to race relations in 2008 and a Resene Total Colour Award in 2011.

Ms Vusoniwailala was involved in the development of the Art in Public Places Policy and has represented Hamilton City Council on the Public Art Advisory Committee and more recently, the Public Art Panel. She was involved in the development of the Creativity & Identity Strategy for the city and represented Council on the Forum until very recently.

“It was not an easy decision to leave Waikato Museum, as I have thoroughly enjoyed my time there, working with a talented team of people who are committed to providing the best service to their community. It has been very satisfying over recent years to see our Museum transform into a vibrant and dynamic public space that communicates key stories of identity and creativity in an engaging and inclusive way,” said Ms Vusoniwailala.

“Hamilton has been a great city to raise a family in and I have enjoyed the rich cultural and arts scene the city has to offer. Current Council initiatives to develop an arts agenda for the city are commendable and promise great things for the future. “

Hamilton City Council General Manager Community Lance Vervoort said: “Kate will be a huge loss to Waikato Museum, Hamilton City Council and Hamilton, having achieved so many wonderful things during her time as Museum Director.”

Ms Vusoniwailala will finish up with Waikato Museum in mid-January, with an exact date yet to be confirmed.