The Story of Le Quesnoy at Tāmaki Paenga Hira Auckland War Memorial Museum.
The stories of Le Quesnoy came to life in Aotearoa this month at a special event organised by Auckland Museum.
The event brought together members of the Concept and Engagement committee to talk about the development of the content and visitor experience at Te Arawhata with Wētā Workshop.
The panel was made up of Celia Caughey, chair of the committee and the museum’s strategic advisor; Dr Nathalie Philippe, an advisor who was key to developing the French aspect of the exhibition; former trustee and long-time project collaborator Jude Dobson; former Te Arawhata Director Josh Hansen; and Gail Romano, Curator, War History at Tāmaki Paenga Hira Auckland War Memorial Museum.
Celia Caughey spoke about the vision for the museum and the themes of freedom, friendship and future.
“The vision was to provide a kiwi place in France where memory and relationships are alive: this museum was to be our tūrangawaewae in Europe.
“The themes of the value and price of freedom, friendship, and future – are now acutely relevant in Europe with two wars raging. We can only hope that Te Arawhata will grow into a beacon of hope with its message for today.”
Te Arawhata founder Herb Farrant attended along with NZ Memorial Museum Trust Chair, David McLean and board members Ben Upton and Peter McKinnon.
The event concluded with an address from David Reeves, the Chief Executive Tumu Whakaere, of Auckland Museum. David spoke of his hopes that Te Arawhata and Auckland War Memorial Museum can work together to continue tell our stories at home and in Le Quesnoy.
