18/07/2019

Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga welcomes the appointment of the Hon. Marian Hobbs as its Board chair, for a three year term that ends on 30 June 2022.

Associate Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage, Hon Grant Robertson, announced the appointment recently on behalf of the Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern.

Marian replaces the Rt Hon. Wyatt Creech who has stepped down after just over five years as Board Chair.

"This very welcome appointment as Chair of Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga continues a lifelong celebration of all that is and has been Aotearoa New Zealand," Marian says.

"I always taught New Zealand literature to my students: I ensured that at least 25 percent of music played on New Zealand radio stations was New Zealand music.

"Like Wyatt, I believe that we know ourselves if we know and understand where we have come from."

Marian was a list member of Parliament from 1996 to 1999 and Member for Wellington Central from 1999 to 2008 before retiring from politics.  Prior to this she had an extensive career in education, including seven years as principal of Avonside Girls’ High School in Christchurch.  In 1993 she was awarded the New Zealand Suffrage Centennial Medal.  Today, Marian is based in Dunedin.

Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga Chief Executive, Andrew Coleman, says the new appointment reflects an appreciation of the importance of heritage in the well-being of all New Zealanders and telling the story of who we are.

"Marian’s appointment will further strengthen and advance the experience, guidance and stewardship that Wyatt provided our organisation.  These are exciting times for heritage with strong Government support.  Marian brings not only a wealth of knowledge to this position but also a genuine passion for heritage and the arts."