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Qualifications

Ph.D. (Canterbury); Drs (Nijmegen); Dip. FA; Dip. Tchg

Awards

  • Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (2007)
  • Fellow of Auckland War Memorial Museum (2007)
  • Fellow of Museums Aotearoa (2008)

Previous Positions

Director
Founding Director
Director
Director
Director
Senior Lecturer

Auckland War Memorial Museum
New Zealand National Maritime Museum
National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
Auckland Art Gallery
Robert McDougall Art Gallery Christchurch
University of Canterbury

Significant Training

Rijksmuseum Kröller-Müller, Netherlands

Governance

  • Director, Aviation, Tourism and Travel Training Organisation and Chair, Museum Training Council (current from 2005)
  • Member Judging Panel Te Wero Bridge, Viaduct Harbour Auckland (2007)
  • Board Member, Akaroa Harbour Representative Okains Bay Museum (current from 2006)
  • Governor, Arts Foundation of New Zealand (current from 2002)
  • Founding Member, Committee for Auckland (current from 2003)
  • Executive, Museums Aotearoa (2005 - 2007)
  • Waterfront Advisory Group Auckland (2002 - 2004)
  • Member of Council, Victorian College of the Arts, Melbourne (1988)
  • Chairman, Art Gallery Directors' Council of New Zealand (1984 - 1987)
  • Governor, Len Lye Foundation (1993 - 2001)
  • Governor, Dromkeen Children's Literature Foundation, Melbourne (1990 - 1996)
  • Vice President, Art Gallery and Museum's Association of New Zealand (1984 - 1985)

Summary of Past Major Achievements

  • Directed a $43,500,000 refurbishment of Auckland Museum (1994 - 1999)
  • Directed a $69,500,000 second stage development of Auckland Museum (2000 - 2006)
  • Led a major change in statutory status, new governance and organisational cultural change at Auckland Museum since 1994
  • Produced the report that led to the consolidation of Wellington City Council funded museums and historic properties in the 'Wellington Museums Trusts'
  • In recent years he has been driving significant culture change at Auckland Museum, designed to lift the institution's capability and maximise the achievements of individuals. This has led to innovative HR practices and a significant commitment to staff and volunteer training and development
  • Established the New Zealand National Maritime Museum from scratch - without funding, collections or site - and built the first authentic scow in 70 years, the TED ASHBY, that daily carries passengers on Auckland Harbour
  • Directed the National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne and concluded the initial scoping studies for Gallery redevelopment and expansion in 1988.
  • Produced New Zealand's most entrepreneurial art gallery programme at Auckland Art Gallery in the 1980s, achieved the highest exhibition attendances reported in New Zealand, and carried out major refurbishment of the Art Gallery 1980 - 1985

Other Significant Activities

  • Numerous publications including two books on Petrus van der Velden (1837 - 1913)
  • Established United Building Society Corporate Art Collection
  • Member QEII Arts Council Exhibitions Grant Committee
  • Founding Chairman Arts Advocates Auckland
  • Founding Chairman NZ Puppet Theatre
  • Convenor Te Maori Exhibition Management Team
  • Chief Judge "Pride in Print" (NZ National Printing Industry Awards - from 1993)
  • Convenor Maritime Museum Section, Western Museums Association Conference, Honolulu (1994)
  • Member Peer Review Committee Museum of New Zealand
  • Member Te Papa Review Committee
  • Peer Reviewer Otago Museum Stages I & II developments
  • Member Internal Assessment Team, Performance Based Research Funding, University of
  • Auckland
  • Judge;
  • Montana NZ Book of the Year Awards
  • Montana Lindauer Art Award
  • Team McMillan BMW Art Award
  • NZIA Architectural Awards (x2)

Project Awards

NZIA National Architectural Awards, NZIA Architectural Conservation Award, Property Council of New Zealand Supreme Award, Auckland Parents Centre Award for Educational Excellence, Library Association Award, Building Owners and Managers Association Award

Recognitions

Rodney Wilson was nominated one of the "Ten outstanding New Zealanders" by the NZ Herald 2006, and appointed Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (CNZM), Queen's Birthday Honours 2007.

Dr. T. L. Rodney Wilson Dr. T.L. Rodney Wilson