Whanau time for Lizzie Marvelly
Director of Rotorua Museum Te Whare Taonga o Te Arawa Lizzie Marvelly will leave her position in December. Marvelly, who is due to welcome her first child in January, will step down to spend time with her whanau.
“I have loved my time at Rotorua Museum Te Whare Taonga or Te Arawa, and will greatly miss the museum team.
“Changes to the project timelines driven by the physical building works, and the timing of my child’s arrival, have meant that it’s time for me to hand over the reins.
“I wish the Museum team every success as they work to re-open the community’s much-loved and nationally significant Whare Taonga,” Marvelly said.
Marvelly’s role has been to oversee the exhibition development project, while a separate project team has been responsible for the strengthening of the Museum building, which is now scheduled to open in 2025.
Since taking on the role in July 2020, Marvelly has led the Museum through the early stages of the exhibition development and community engagement, and spearheaded the development of a new strategic direction.
Rotorua Lakes Council Chief Executive Geoff Williams acknowledged Marvelly’s impending departure.
“Lizzie has been an asset to the Museum, bringing fresh thinking and energy. We are disappointed to see her go, but we understand that her family needs to take priority at this exciting time in her life.
“We thank Lizzie for her service to Rotorua Museum Te Whare Taonga o Te Arawa, particularly through the challenging time of Covid-19. We wish her all the best for her future endeavours.”