Museum Trust formed

A meeting of the Museum volunteers set in motion work by a group to look into the structure of the Museum; documenting the contents and valuations. In addition, examining the operations of the Museum, funding aspects and the relationship with the District Council.

Good progress has been made with a greater sense of urgency in the light of impending changes to the structure of local government.

Corporate structure
Advice received showed that incorporation as a charitable trust was the best route for the operation of the Museum. Accordingly, the Martinborough Colonial Museum Trust was established on 6 June 2012 under the Charitable Trusts Act 1957 with Peter Jenkins (appointed Chairperson), Derek Wilson, Richard Airey, Mate Higginson and Beth Curwen as Trustees.

Advantages of a charitable trust over an incorporated society are its simplicity and by registration by the Charities Commission, donations received can be tax deductible.

Purposes of the Trust
The purposes of the Trust as set out in the Deed are clear. They are:
1. Collect, conserve, house, display and deal with material pertaining to the colonial history of Martinborough;
2. Acquire, administer and maintain premises suitable
3. Promote education and an understanding of the colonial history of Martinborough
4. Raise funds and accept donations, gifts and bequests
5. Do all things incidental to the charitable purposes

Financial matters
The Museum’s finances are in good shape and the cost of the reorganisation is being kept to a minimum. Accounting and financial advice is being sought to set up a simple system.

Assessment and Review of the Museum
Contact has been made with people skilled in managing museums such as Martinborough people who have contacts, such as in Te Papa, to help them. This will be the start of a fully computerised inventory being set up drawing on the detailed hand-written records already in existence. All items will be digitally photographed and recorded. Fire protection and security and other such matters are also being attended to.

Current Operations
Little will outwardly change. Opening hours are expected be the same and the volunteers’ roster will operate as at present.