Local artist Rachael Garland takes on Whanganui museum role

Rachael Garland is the Whanganui Regional Museum's new events co-ordinator. PHOTO/BEVAN CONLEY

Rachael Garland is the new events co-ordinator for the Whanganui Regional Museum.

Ms Garland began her new role at the start of September, taking over from Riah King-Wall who is now Whanganui District Council's arts co-ordinator.

Ms Garland runs art studio Magpie - but she jumped at the chance to work at the museum.

"It's definitely a change of direction for me. But I've always loved the museum - there are so many treasures here. It's an amazing part of the community and I'm excited to begin promoting it," she said.

And she'll be busy, with plenty of events planned for the rest of the year.

"There seems to be a perception that the museum isn't up and running because we're not open at Queens Park," Ms Garland said.

"But that's not true. There are plenty of things happening at the Ridgway St site."

Starting in early October will be the school holiday programme, with plenty of activities for children of all ages.

"Then later in October we're having an epic Halloween night - taking what Riah started and moving it up a level," Ms Garland said.

She is also planning a programme of Christmas events, and is getting some collaborative programmes under way.

Ms Garland has already resurrected the museum's much-neglected Facebook page (search for Whanganui Regional Museum on Facebook), and has started a "Human of WRM" series which runs every Friday.