CHANGE OF LEADERSHIP AT WHANGAREI ART MUSEUM TRUST

Whangarei Art Museum Trust has today announced the resignation of Grant Faber as Trustee and Chairman.

The Trust, which is a Council Controlled Organisation but which operates independently, is currently building the $29m HUNDERTWASSER ART CENTRE with Wairau Māori Art Gallery in Whangarei.

“This decision came after much consideration. With increasing commitments to the Outward Bound Trust, where I currently serve as Vice Chairman, the workload across both roles has become unsustainable”, Grant Faber said.

Mr Faber had served on the seven member WAMT board for six years, four of which as Chairman.

“I look back over the time I have served on the board and see a period of significant achievement. Working alongside a truly passionate supporter network, staff and fellow trustees, WAMT has been able to increase public engagement in the arts and has doubled visitor numbers to the Whangarei Art Museum galleries”, Mr Faber said.

“The Hundertwasser Art Centre construction funds have been raised and construction is progressing on schedule. The transition of Whangarei Art Museum from a small regional gallery to a major five-gallery international art precinct is well under way.”

Current WAMT Deputy Chairman Thomas Biss will take over the role from Grant Faber. Mr Biss is a director at a prominent Whangarei legal practice.

“Seeing us through the successful fundraising process to now actually be building the Hundertwasser Art Centre is a great contribution and as a board we thank Grant for his service”, Mr Biss said.

“I look forward to picking up the baton and seeing this unique and remarkable project through to completion.”