Council to cease funding Timber Museum

Council has decided to cease funding the Timber Museum of New Zealand Trust following continued concerns over the absence of engagement with the community, the direction the Trust is trying to take the museum, the absence of planning for the development and the lack of any demonstrable progress around improving the visitor experience of the museum and facilities.

"We have confirmed in writing to the Trust that Council will cease all funding to the Trust in January 2015," said Mr Hobbs. "It is unlikely any funding will be re-introduced to the Trust in its current form for the development of the museum exhibits, and particularly not for other facilities on the site like the church, park area and caf/conference venue or an historical society."

"Following the decision to reduce funding of the Trust to just site maintenance during the Annual Plan process, Council made its expectations of the Trust very clear. Council required provision of clear strategic and operating plans relating to the core business of the museum and credible reports back to Council," continued Mr Hobbs. "These expectations have not been met."

"Council is disappointed that the level of funding provided to date has not achieved the proposed development at the Timber Museum," said Mr Hobbs. "Unfortunately our financial support to try to make the museum viable, has not achieved the results we had expected. We remain committed to community-led development of an Historical Society and look forward to volunteers coming forward.

Council does not own the artefacts contained in the museum. This remains the property of the Timber Museum Trust and those who have gifted items to the facility over the years. Ends: words: 274