Community
The redevelopment of Invercargill’s museum scene has progressed with the announcement of Eloise Wallace as the director of the Museum of Southland. Michael Day, the Chief Executive of the Invercargill City Council, has confirmed her appointment, noting her diverse and commendable experience in the museum and heritage sector on both local and international stages. He emphasized that Wallace’s capabilities are key to realizing the vision for a top-tier museum.
The Museum of Southland is a significant element of the city’s ambitious Project 1225, which also includes the development of a specialized enclosure for tuataras and a museum storage facility. Day expressed his delight at Wallace’s esteemed standing in the museum community and welcomed her to the initiative.
Wallace herself is excited about the transformative phase that Project 1225 represents for Invercargill, drawn by the community’s ambitious plans for the museum. Her aim is to leverage her extensive regional experience to foster a museum that celebrates Southland’s history and culture in a distinctive and engaging manner.
Wallace’s background is notable, with over twenty years in the museum field, including her role at the Tairāwhiti Museum & Art Gallery and her contributions to Museums Aotearoa and the Air Force Museum of New Zealand. Her move to Invercargill is anticipated with eagerness as she looks forward to immersing herself in the community and its offerings.
She plans to formally start her role at the beginning of the new year but intends to make an earlier visit to Invercargill to meet the team and community members before the holiday season.