Army Museum Director Leaves Legacy of Success

15 August 2018

Tracy Puklowski, director of the National Army Museum Te Mata Toa in Waiouru, has resigned to take up the new position of Director Creative Arts and Cultural Services for the City of Launceston in Tasmania.

Ms Puklowski leaves on 19 September, after two and a half years in the role. A search will start soon for a new director.

Ms Puklowski sayid that “museums get in your blood” and the National Army Museum was no exception.

“The National Army Museum is entrusted with what are often the last tangible possessions of people who died in conflict. That’s an incredible honour, and it makes this museum a very personal one, with enormous resonance for many thousands of New Zealand families and whānau,” she said.

Museum Trust Board chairman Matthew Beattie said under Ms Puklowski’s tenure the museum had become a more relevant and engaging museum for the New Zealand Army and their whānau and the public.

”She has overseen the opening of a new entryway and gallery space with a focus on First World War commemorations, created a home for the celebration of the role of war animals, planned a new large technology facility and increased our education capability to school parties and researchers,” Mr Beattie said.

“I think her true legacy will be that the museum will endure and continue to present a powerful and poignant insight into how soldiers tell their stories about New Zealand military and social history.”

Ms Puklowski’s new role in Tasmania will include leading the city’s cultural assets (including the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery) and formulating a cultural strategy, with the aim of establishing Launceston as an artistic and cultural destination.

ENDS

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