Photo: Te Papa.
Te Papa defends job cut proposals, Radio NZ, 17 July 2018
Te Papa chief executive Geraint Martin says a restructure at the museum isn’t about cutting costs.
The document outlining the proposed shake-up revealed 20 to 25 full time jobs are on the line in the restructure, which affects about 50 roles.
The restructure has alarmed people in the fields of museum conservation and collections who fear Te Papa might not be able to meet statutory obligations if staff in the collections area were cut as proposed.
The proposal for change suggests halving the number of conservators at the museum and cutting collections jobs from 16 to 10.
Geraint Martin told Nine to Noon the restructure was about renewing the organisation to make sure it continued to be “fit for purpose”, and continued to deliver exciting exhibitions.
The museum needed to now work out where it would strengthen and modernise, and where it would be reduced.
Mr Martin said the restructure was not in response to financial pressures.
See also: Scientists urge Te Papa to invest in collections research rather than strip them of staff.