Q & A
Executive Director, Marlborough
Heritage Trust Steve Austin
explains why the past matters
more than ever.
Why is it so important that we preserve
our past?
The past is a point of reference rather
than a place of residence, we live in the
present, and can use our opportunities
now to make the best decisions about
the heritage we want to ensure moves
forward into the future.
Knowing about the past contributes to
civic pride and regional identity. Our roots
make us more resilient and better able to
face the future.
At the same time, we want to keep the
flame alive rather than worship the ashes.
Heritage has an important economic
role and heritage tourism must be part of
future if we are to maximise the potential
of Picton for example
The past is inspiring and instructive, but it
is not a simple set of lessons or recipes –
we need to think about the past, and our
context for the present, always mindful of
the potential for a better future.
Your family has long links to
Marlborough, which is historically
important, what part of our region’s
past fascinates you the most?
What interests me are the various ways in
which people feel at home here.
Our region has attracted people from
distant parts of the world for centuries.
The human stories of vision, motivation,
ambition, hard work, and survival,
as well as recreation, generosity and
fulfilment run like a thread throughout the
landscape of the region.
Can you explain a little about your
professional background leading up to
you taking the position at the museum?
My academic studies started in
international political, social and
intellectual history, music history and
art history. I found history a useful tool
to explain the world which I was curious
about.
I first visited Marlborough Museum and
Archives researching the life of William
Ah Gee a famous Chinese carver and
furniture maker of Wellington and
Blenheim.
My work in Nelson was a revelation to
me, I came to realise that so much of
our national and international story has
foundations in small regional collections,
and that these object and archival
collections had a lot of potential but
required new thinking, resources, and
skills.
If you had an unlimited budget, what
changes would you make to the
museum?
Well, we still have many challenges in
terms of upgrading fire protection at
Marlborough Museum. The building is
aging and that comes with its own issues.
There is the obvious need to have one or
more town sites giving heritage greater
visibility and building that as part of a
vibrant central business experience.
The Edwin Fox site has massive potential
for development as well and a Maritime
Heritage Centre will happen one day.
The community needs to commit to a
co-ordinated vision for heritage as part of
the Marlborough offering.
Who are your favourite historical figures
and why?
Despite the many challenges of his day,
Dr George Cleghorn (1850-1902) was
efficient, bold, and innovative.
He really did a lot to develop Marlborough
as well as being an excellent doctor who
followed the calling of his profession,
even when it was inconvenient to others.
He was part Indian, born in Calcutta.
One of the very interesting people who
have lived here and who contributed
immensely to Marlborough. The rotunda
in the Blenheim CBD is an important
memorial to him.
Major General Sir Edward Chaytor (the
only New Zealander to successfully
command international forces) has an
inspiring story for completely different
reasons. I also enjoy the poetry of
Eileen Duggan (New Zealand’s first
internationally published poet) and the
pottery of Elizabeth Lissaman (New
Zealand’s pioneer studio potter). The
legacy of Jim Eyles, archaeologist, is
also challenging and rewarding. The
campaigner for women’s legal and
political rights Mary Muller (1820 – 1901),
our internationally recognised pioneer
campaigner has a great story too.
What is the best part of your role?
There are many aspects to this, but
perhaps what stands out is the generosity
of the community and the support they
give to the work we do.
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