Southlanders are being asked to share their thoughts, hopes and dreams as part of the project to redevelop the Southland Museum and Art Gallery.
A working group will be talking with communities throughout the region to gather information in a series of workshops and public conversations during the next six weeks.
Community consultation project manager Janette Malcolm said the working group aimed to get into every corner of the region in some way.
“People will work in small groups to share their thoughts, opinions and ideas about what was great about the museum in the past as well as about the things they would like to see in a museum in the future.”
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The working group would also be outside public spaces such as supermarkets and libraries all over Southland, making sure as many people as possible were aware of the consultation and how they can take part, she said.
“We’re consulting right through the generations,” Malcolm said.
“Every school in Southland is getting the opportunity to be involved, we’ll be at Kidzone, we’ll have a strong social media presence and we’ll be visiting 15 towns to consult with the public.”
The information gathered is a crucial part of the review process, and working with Southlanders was particularly exciting, she said.
“Past consultations have shown us that the Southland public are right at the forefront of modern thinking, and they have fantastic ideas,” she said.
Specialist strategic planner Tim Walker, who is undertaking the redevelopment review, said community consultation is a key part of the process.
“Having a good sense of what local people care about and what they hope for in the future is a critical part of thinking about the Museum.
“I really admire Southland’s approach to making community consultation a part of projects like this – it’s so important,” he said.
Southland Museum and Art Gallery Board chair Toni Biddle is thrilled the consultation process is underway.
“It is a time of relief and excitement for the board, especially to see the review well into its process and the public consultation taking shape,” Biddle said.
“There have been so many in the community who have given their own time to assist with this process. It’s so apparent now, more than ever, that together we achieve more.
“We can’t wait to see the final outcome.”
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