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Otago Museum will host the Sea Monster Exhibition from 10 December 2021, to 1 May, 2022. Photo: RNZ / Tim Brown
Museum and heritage leaders say they are caring for precious taonga but outside of Te Papa in Wellington, there is no government funding for this work.
They say they are also struggling with inflation, a downturn in visitors due to Covid and some museums cannot afford conservators or collections staff.
They say if funding is not addressed, collection pieces could fall into disrepair, galleries close or important education outreach to school children be stopped.
Ian Griffin is the Director of Tūhura Otago Museum, whose Conservation Manager has recently moved to another museum in London, and it cannot replace her, which will directly affect the care of national treasures.
Kathryn also talks with Adele Fitzpatrick, Chief Executive of Museums Aotearoa Te Tari o Ngā Whare Taonga o Te Motu, who says there is severe financial pressure on museums throughout the country.