Museum Medals 2023
Auckland Museum values scholarship, academic achievement, research and service to the community.
This often ‘behind-the-scenes’ aspect of the Museum plays a crucial role in enriching and providing alternative ways of looking at collections, generating new knowledge and enhancing the experience for our increasingly diverse audiences.
That is why the Auckland Museum Trust Board recognises individuals who have given exceptional service to the Museum or added value to its interests. This includes outstanding contributions to the generation of new knowledge drawing on the Museum’s collections and research resources.
The awards and their criteria
Fellow of Auckland War Memorial Museum – awarded for exemplary scholastic achievement relevant to the Museum’s collections and activities. The contribution to Auckland Museum, or other New Zealand museums, must be unique and valuable.*
Companion of Auckland War Memorial Museum – awarded for singular achievement or contribution to areas relevant to, or in some way connected to, the public service of Auckland Museum, or other New Zealand museums.*
Associate Emeritus of Auckland War Memorial Museum – may be awarded to the Museum’s research associates, volunteers, former staff or other individuals associated with the Museum to mark noteworthy achievement. Their contribution to Auckland Museum, or to the interests of the Museum, must be considerable, with the potential for ongoing long-term benefit to the Museum.
*The recipient must not be a permanent employee of the Museum, or a member of the Trust Board or its committees, at the date of nomination.
The mana of the event and the presentation of the Medal itself, is a memory I’ll treasure always.
Museum Medal recipient and Director, Christchurch Art Gallery, Jenny Harper
The recipients of the 2023 Auckland Museum Medals were:
Dr John Braggins
Associate Emeritus of Auckland War Memorial Museum
Dr Susan Abasa
Companion of Auckland War Memorial Museum
Mary Ama CNZM
Companion of Auckland War Memorial Museum
Christina Hurihia Wirihana
Companion of Auckland War Memorial Museum
Created by renowned sculptor Marte Szirmay, the Auckland Museum Medals are cast in bronze and are a stylised ‘Basket of Knowledge’. The form is designed to fit within the palms of the hands as they fold over it, providing a sense of protection and sense of being cherished.
The obverse of the medal is an allusion to the seeking and linking of knowledge, action, and commitment to the interests of the Museum. The reverse represents unfinished threads folding over to signify ongoing knowledge being generated. It also acts as a cloak that signifies the mana of the award and name of the recipient.