Global museum community recognises Te Papa head

Kevin Dalzell leads a Palmerston North Search and Rescue team yesterday during the hunt for Dr Bennington. Photo / Mark Mitchell

News of Te Papa chief executive Seddon Bennington's death spread quickly through the museum world today, with tributes coming from around the globe.

Dr Bennington, 61, and family friend Marcella Jackson, 54, were found dead in snow in an exposed part of the Tararua Range north of Wellington today.

They went missing while tramping four days ago and had been the subject of extensive searches.

Te Papa acting chief executive and kaihautu Michelle Hippolite said the international museum world was a small and close-knit one, and Dr Bennington was well known.

"Seddon worked a lot with the Australian museums, and we've received messages from there," she told NZPA.

Other messages had come from as far away as the northern hemisphere.

"The museum world is a family that extends not just in New Zealand, but in Australia, the United States and Europe."

Those messages, plus many more from closer to home, were being compiled at Te Papa for the public to see.

"We will also have a memorial area where we'll have a photograph and a condolence book (for) those who wish to leave their messages of sympathy and condolence."

Te Papa board chairman John Judge was also quick to offer condolences and recognise Dr Bennington's stature.

"Seddon's contribution to New Zealand's cultural sector is significant, his international reputation is to be admired and he will be greatly missed by many people."

Dr Bennington was committed to Te Papa's unique bicultural framework and led by example through his speeches in te reo Maori and his participation in waiata, he said.

Mayors and MPs, including Arts Culture and Heritage Minister Christopher Finlayson, also expressed their sorrow today.

"He brought wide international experience and leadership to the role. He was well respected and will be sorely missed," Mr Finlayson said.

"My deepest sympathies go to his family and the staff and board of Te Papa, and to the family of Marcella Jackson."

Waitakere Mayor and Te Papa board member Bob Harvey said Dr Bennington's death came at a time when the museum was announcing one of the most successful years in its history.

"His leadership and vision have been the backbone of this museum," Mr Harvey said.

"Seddon's astute sense of what will be successful in a very complex and difficult field has made New Zealand's premier museum Te Papa a world leader and a showcase for our history and culture."|

Dr Bennington was chief executive of Te Papa for six years, and was previously a director of institutions such the Carnegie Science Centre in Pittsburgh and Scitech Discovery Centre in Perth.

Before going overseas he headed the Otago Early Settlers' Museum in Dunedin and Wellington's City Gallery.

- NZPA