Councils
- Helen Robinson is leading commercial and partnership efforts at Museum of Southland.
- She brings experience in care, construction, and community-focused projects to her new role.
- The museum aims to be a space for connection, history, and regional pride.
Helen Robinson has stepped into the role of Commercial and Partnerships team leader at Museum of Southland, bringing a diverse background in care, construction, and community-driven projects. Now in her fourth week, she is excited to contribute to the museum’s development and its role as a hub for the community.
“I would definitely say that Museum of Southland is a place for connection. It has been designed so carefully and thoughtfully, with everybody in mind – from a children’s perspective, all the way through to accessibility, to ensure it is a really inclusive space. My hope is that Museum of Southland becomes that place of meeting, that it is synonymous with connection and community for whichever group of people come through its doors,” she said.
Robinson moved to Invercargill from the Shetland Islands five years ago. She initially worked as General Manager at the Southern Charity Hospital before becoming Project Manager at the Hawthorndale Care Village.
“I think I actually kind of fell into the change, going from care facilities to construction. I didn’t really make a conscious decision to take that route, but I actually quite like the building things. I quite like donning my hard hat!
“I really enjoy the process element of it all, and having a background in care isn’t as big of a leap as it seems, because it’s still very process-driven as well,” she said.
Her new role at Museum of Southland will focus on managing commercial spaces and developing partnerships within the community. She sees significant opportunities to connect with both national and local organisations to support the museum’s success.
“I think Museum of Southland is a huge win for thinking along the lines of corporate sponsorship. Because of the nature of the facility, and its importance to the community – not only as a place to go and visit, but as a space that preserves the history and stories of our place – there are so many really nice synergies for businesses and organisations to align themselves with,” she said.
She emphasised that partnerships should be more than financial transactions, instead fostering lasting and meaningful relationships.
“It’s also about ensuring that relationship is mutual. It’s not just about ‘here’s some cash, here’s your name on part of the building’ – it’s something that both parties can really benefit from. As we start to plan the strategy around the funding, and executing that plan, that’s where we should try and tap into that: it’s about not just encouraging people to be part of the build. It’s about carrying on, and nurturing, those partnerships in the long-term. I think that is where I can really see the benefits of my last two roles. It’s crucial to keep those relationships really close and well looked-after, so that people feel valued. There are some really good opportunities there, and I’m excited to be part of pulling that together.”
With the museum set to open in late 2026, Robinson is eager to contribute to its ongoing progress.
“There are so many great museums in New Zealand – some pretty amazing institutions that have been around for a long time – and our aim is to ensure Museum of Southland is among them. It will be a place for the people who call Southland home to see their stories reflected back at them, but it will also be a wonderful attraction to draw people to the region – another string in Southland’s bow.”
Museum of Southland Director Eloise Wallace welcomed Robinson to the team, recognising the expertise she brings.
“We are delighted to have Helen on board to work alongside what is shaping up to be an incredibly formidable team,” she said.
“In her previous roles, Helen has forged strong connections with those both within the region and further afield – and those will play a huge part in ensuring our facility is celebrated and supported by stakeholders critical to the ongoing success of Museum of Southland.”