Welcoming more visitors and community focus key
The new director of the NZ Liberation Museum – Te Arawhata is looking forward to putting the museum firmly on the map as a destination in Europe – and meeting the Le Quesnoy locals.
Lizzie Wratislav, who was Manager of Interpretation at Tāmaki Paenga Hira Auckland War Memorial Museum, says after almost a year, the museum is well into its next phase of growth focused on making Te Arawhata a go-to destination.
“Te Arawhata is an incredibly powerful place to visit, and a key goal is further establishing the museum as New Zealand’s tūrangawaewae on the Western Front.
“Continuing the momentum the team has built up is essential and my mandate is to grow visitor numbers and create awareness about Te Arawhata among Kiwi travellers and the thousands of New Zealanders living in the UK and Europe.”
Expanding the team
As part of the museum’s growth, Jacob Siermans also joins the France-based team, from New Zealand, as Marketing and Operations Manager.
Both Lizzie and Jacob speak French which is key for working closely with the Le Quesnoy community, Mayor Marie-Sophie Lesne, and the local Town Hall.
Lizzie is an experienced museum professional who has worked in institutions across Aotearoa, and in London and Paris. She replaces out-going Director Josh Hansen who is returning to New Zealand in late September to pursue the next stage in his law career.
“My expertise and passion for innovative storytelling will further enhance the incredible visitor experience Wētā Workshop has created.
“I’m also very much looking forward to meeting the local Le Quesnoy people and learning more about the local history and culture.
“I’ve had such a warm welcome since arriving in the town. It’s not easy settling into life in another country but I’ve been greeted with so many kind words and offers of help. My family and I have been enjoying discovering the museum, the ramparts, the local shops and attractions. I don’t think it’ll take long for us to feel at home here.”
A long-time Francophile, in 2005 Lizzie undertook a year of full immersion in Switzerland as part of an AFS intercultural exchange. She then lived in Paris for two years where she completed a Master of Museology at the École du Louvre in 2011. Lizzie first visited Le Quesnoy in 2010 during the town’s annual Anzac Day commemorations.
A passion for French culture
Jacob takes on his new position after three years as a solicitor at one of New Zealand’s leading commercial property firms.
His passion for the French language and culture started at Auckland’s Westlake Boys’ High School, which led to an exchange with a Parisian lycée (secondary school) followed by a gap year teaching English at the school.
“It’s great to be back in France and to reconnect with the language, the people, and a place like Te Arawhata that brings two cultures that I love so much together.”
Jacob and his family also have a proud military history. He represented the Silverdale RSA on a tour of New South Wales which included marching in the Sydney ANZAC Parade.
“I have only been in Le Quesnoy a short time but seeing the responses and emotional connection visitors make when visiting the museum is very moving.
“It is a place of pilgrimage for people, where they can reflect on and dig deeper into New Zealand’s history as well as connecting with family members who played a part in the liberation of Le Quesnoy and fought on the Western Front.”
New Zealand Memorial Museum Trust – Le Quesnoy Chairperson, David McLean, says Lizzie and Jacob both bring enormous expertise and an incredible passion for Te Arawhata.
“Lizzie and Jacob’s complementary skills will be key to driving the museum’s next phase of growth and ensuring it is financially sustainable into the future.
“I know they are both very excited about becoming part of the Te Arawhata story and part of life in Le Quesnoy and the local community.”