As he prepares to farewell Te Arawhata and the people of Le Quesnoy, Josh Hansen reflects on his time at the museum.
Seeing the emotional impact the NZ Liberation Museum – Te Arawhata has on Kiwi and French visitors, is what Josh Hansen will miss the most.
“The best part of each day is seeing what the museum evokes for visitors,” says the Museum Director who has been key to establishing Te Arawhata in Le Quesnoy since it opened in October last year.
“There are so many different reactions, but they are always moving and meaningful moments that embody the emotion and purpose behind the museum,” he says.
Hansen, a lawyer by trade, leaves the role in late September to return to New Zealand to pursue the next stage in his career.
The museum tells the story of the liberation of Le Quesnoy by Kiwi soldiers on November 4, 1918, during World War One. While no civilian lives were lost during the liberation, many New Zealand soldiers died; their burial places now on the Western Front. The liberation created a special bond between the people of the town and New Zealand that endures to this day.
“I joined this project a year ago in awe of the years of hard work, perseverance, and generosity that culminated in the creation of this very special place.
“The privilege and responsibility of guiding the museum through its first year is not lost on me. New Zealanders and the people of Le Quesnoy can be very proud of this place.”
New Museum Director Lizzie Wratislav, who joins Te Arawhata from her role as Manager of Interpretation at Tamaki Paenga Hira Auckland War Memorial Museum, is an experienced museum professional who has worked in institutions across Aotearoa, London and Paris.
Like Hansen, she also speaks French which is essential for working closely with the Le Quesnoy community, Mayor Marie Sophie Lesne, and the local Town Hall.
“I’m looking forward to carrying on the great work Josh and the team have done with a focus on continuing to grow visitor numbers and ensuring Te Arawhata is a must-visit destination for all Kiwis travelling to Europe and the thousands of New Zealanders living in the UK and other parts of Europe.”
Welcome return to France
Wratislav first visited Le Quesnoy in 2010 during the town’s annual Anzac Day commemorations.
“I got a very warm welcome back then and as a young kiwi living abroad at the time I was moved by the reminders of home and the depth of feeling towards New Zealand that the people of Le Quesnoy expressed.”
She is moving to Le Quesnoy with her husband Todd and son Isaac.
“I’m looking forward to settling into life at Te Arawhata and exploring Le Quesnoy and the surrounding area with my family.
“I also have a keen interest in innovative modes of storytelling and a commitment to delivering outstanding visitor experiences.”
Also joining the France-based team, from New Zealand, is Marketing and Operations Manager, Jacob Siermans.
E noho rā Le Quesnoy
“I will miss the people of Le Quesnoy greatly,” says Hansen. “Their warm welcome lived up to the great heights of the reputation the town has garnered over 105 years since New Zealand troops liberated the town.”
He says highlights in his time at the museum have been the opening in October, which was the realisation of many years of fundraising and hard work by a large group of people, and commemorating the first Anzac Day at Te Arawhata since it opened its doors.
“The museum tells a remarkable story of our people in the past. Its strength will come from how this comes to life for people today and in the future, when they experience the museum and connect with the community surrounding it. This is just the beginning. I look forward to seeing it grow.”