11 April 2000 Media Statement

NEW TRUSTEES FOR NATIONAL LIBRARY

Five new Trustees have been appointed to the National Library of New Zealand. The Minister Responsible for the National Library, Marian Hobbs, says the appointments cover a vacancy and the completion of four terms of office.

The new Trustees are appointed for a five-year term to July 9 2005. They are: Mr Ray Grover, Ms Keri Kaa, Dr Michael King, Dr Lydia Wevers (Chairperson), and Mr Laurence Zwimpfer.

The Trustees of the National Library were established under the National Library Act 1965. They are an advisory body, appointed by the Governor-General on the recommendation of the Minister Responsible for the National Library, with responsibility to the Minister. Their principal role is to provide advice on matters relating to the development of the National Library and New Zealand libraries in general.

The Incoming Trustees

Chairperson
Dr Lydia Wevers has a close understanding of the purpose and function of the Alexander Turnbull Library and other research libraries in her work as a writer, lecturer and researcher. Her current role as Principal Researcher for the History of Print Culture brings her into daily contact with the Alexander Turnbull Library. In addition, she has experience on boards of trustees, including a term as Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of Wellington Girls’ College from 1996 to 1999.

Trustees
Ray Grover is a writer, archivist and librarian. He was Director and Chief Archivist, National Archives from 1981 to 1991. His extensive experience of the Alexander Turnbull Library includes 20 years on its staff, of which 10 years were spent as Assistant Chief Librarian, and service on the committee of the Friends of the Alexander Turnbull Library.

Dr Michael King has made extensive use of the Alexander Turnbull Library in support of his work as a distinguished New Zealand historian, biographer and social commentator, including a year based in the Turnbull as the inaugural National Library Fellow in 1990.

Keri Kaa is well-known for her knowledge of tikanga Mäori and her involvement in education, the performing arts and other activities supporting Mäori cultural heritage. In this capacity she acts as an advisor to a number of departments and public bodies. She leads a team working on a Ngati Porou Iwi Archive.

Laurence Zwimpfer is a consultant and advisor in the new information industries, with experience in telecommunications engineering, marketing, strategic planning and business development. He has a special interest in education and has had extensive involvement in national, community and industry groups including the National Commission for UNESCO.

The other members of the Trustees are:
Ms Joanne Tyndall (appointed 2 September 1997 to 1 September 2002)
Ms Sue Paterson (appointed 2 June 1998 to 1 June 2003)
Mr Shimrath Paul (appointed 2 June 1998 to 1 June 2003)
Ms Helen Duncan, MP (appointed by the Parliamentary Service Commission until the next General Election)
Ms Katherine Rich, MP (appointed by the Parliamentary Service Commission until the next General Election)

The retiring Trustees are:
Mrs Wyn Hoadley (appointed 7 March 1995 to 6 March 2000 for her second term as Chairperson)
Mrs Dorothea Brown (appointed 7 March 1995 to 6 March 2000)
Professor Tïmoti Käretu (appointed 7 March 1995 to 6 March 2000)
Mr Donald Stafford (appointed 7 March 1995 to 6 March 2000)

ENDS

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