Three key people behind the establishment of the New Zealand Liberation Museum – Te Arawhata were recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours list in June.
Founding Partner and key donor Sir Brendan Lindsay was made a Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit. Meanwhile, former trustee and long-time project collaborator Jude Dobson and donor and entrepreneur Wayne Wright were each appointed as Officers of the New Zealand Order of Merit.
Sir Brendan received the honour for his services to business and philanthropy, including founding Sistema Plastics and his work with the Lindsay Foundation.
Along with wife Lady Jo, Sir Brendan has played a key role in supporting Te Arawhata through its development and launch. Sir Brendan and Lady Jo visit Te Arawhata regularly, most recently for Anzac Day this year.
He told the New Zealand Herald last year the Museum fulfils his and Lady Jo’s dream of a legacy for future generations of New Zealanders.
“[Te Arawhata] is about remembrance and not forgetting. Not just the sacrifice that these guys made, but what our whole country made.”
The Lindsay Foundation is at the centre of the couples’ philanthropic efforts which focus on the areas of family, education and animal welfare. The Foundation’s mission is to support Kiwi individuals and organisations aspiring to make a positive difference for New Zealand including Pet Refuge, Assistance Dogs NZ, Autism NZ, and Starship Air Ambulance.
Jude, best known as a broadcaster and documentary producer and director, worked with the Museum from 2018 to 2023 on a range of projects including being part of the group who worked with Wētā Workshop to develop the immersive visitor experience.
Her involvement with Te Arawhata came about because she felt incredibly sad that New Zealand did not have a place in Europe to capture its World War One history while other Allies did.
Jude’s passion, and her extensive knowledge of World War One, helped to drive awareness about the Museum and her storytelling documented the project as it took shape and launched in 2023.
Finally, Wayne, a self-described “serial entrepreneur” and philanthropist, has long been a supporter of the Museum. He and his late wife Chloe are recognised at Supporting Benefactors of Te Arawhata and sit among a broad group of generous donors committed to providing a place for New Zealanders on the Western Front. Without the support of our partners, the New Zealand Liberation Museum would not exist.
David McLean, Chair of the New Zealand Memorial Museum Trust, says the enthusiasm and passion of our supporters have brought to the project was key to its success.
“There have been many people behind the realisation of our beautiful museum and Sir Brendan, Jude and Wayne are central to it. They are true ambassadors for Te Arawhata and the whole team congratulate them on their King’s Birthday Honours – it’s very well deserved.”