Te Awahou Nieuwe Stroom wins Museum Project Excellence Award

Te Awahou Nieuwe Stroom has won its second major award in just over a week.

The community hub was recognised with the prestigious Museum Project Excellence Award at the 2018 New Zealand Museum Awards on Sunday.

The Museum Project Excellence Award is presented to an outstanding museum or gallery project that contributes to best practice in the museum sector in New Zealand and demonstrates excellence, relevance, innovation and vision.

Museums Aotearoa described Te Awahou Nieuwe Stroom, which is a partnership between Horowhenua District Council, the Dutch Connection Trust and Te Taitoa Māori o Te Awahou Trust, as “a ground-breaking three-way cultural partnership. The result is a feeling of real community ownership for the centre.”

Te Awahou Nieuwe Stroom, which opened in Foxton in November 2017, houses both a Māori and a Dutch museum - the Piriharakeke Generation Inspiration Centre and Oranjehof Dutch Connection Centre, respectively. It also combines a library, museums, council service centre, visitor information, community exhibition space, and meeting rooms for the preservation and development of Horowhenua’s cultural, social, and economic heritage.

Horowhenua District Council Chief Executive David Clapperton said the award recognises the incredible contributions by many individuals, organisations, and the community over a number of years.

“Te Awahou Nieuwe Stroom is an outstanding example of what we can achieve by working together. It’s become a great asset to the Foxton community, and everyone involved can be very proud,” he said.

Horowhenua District Council Principal Advisor – Culture and Exhibitions, Awhina Tamarapa, was also recognised in the awards ceremony with a new individual achievement award. Ms Tamarapa received the inaugural Mina McKenzie Award for her significant contribution to embedding Matauranga Māori in New Zealand museums.

ENDS

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