New Museum Director Appointed

New Museum Director Appointed

The New Zealand Defence Force and the National Army Museum Trust Board are delighted to announce the appointment of Ms Tracy Puklowski to the role of Director of the National Army Museum.

Deputy Chief of Army, Brigadier (BRIG) Chris Parsons, says Ms Puklowski’s appointment offers a fresh perspective and an exciting future focus for the Waiouru based institution.

“Tracy’s strong background in museology and relationships with the local and international museum community will build on the museum’s past successes, and provide sound leadership in the future,” BRIG Parsons says.

Ms Puklowski has worked in New Zealand's cultural heritage sector for 25 years, and has held a range of senior leadership roles, including Associate Director at Te Papa, Associate Chief Librarian at the Alexander Turnbull Library, and Director of Te Awamutu Museum and Aratoi Wairarapa Museum of Art and History.

As General Manager of Te Papa's National Services Te Paerangi unit, Ms Puklowski transformed services to museums, galleries, and iwi. As Associate Director of the Museum of Living Cultures, she led a range of audience engagement and outreach and curatorial initiatives, including project sponsorship of the acclaimed exhibition Gallipoli: the Scale of our War.

“We are excited that Tracy will bring her talents to this nationally significant role at the National Army Museum,” said Rick Ellis, Chief Executive of Te Papa.

“Her understanding of modern museum practice, her commitment to working with communities, and her international connections will all be huge assets in this leadership role. We congratulate the National Army Museum on the appointment, and we look forward to working with Tracy as a colleague in the museums sector,” Mr Ellis said.

Ms Puklowski has strong international museum networks and is actively involved with the Federation of International Human Rights Museums and the Social Justice Alliance for Museums. She is also the current Chair of International Council of Museums New Zealand.

Ms Puklowski holds a Masters degree with Honours in Art History, a post-graduate Museum Studies diploma, and is a graduate of the highly competitive Getty Museum Leadership Institute programme.

ENDS

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