Back after a little bit of a break, I wanted to put something in writing about Seddon Bennington, the Chief Executive of Te Papa who passed away in tragic circumstances last week.  I have known Seddon through work for the last six years, and have always found him to be a total professional, absolutely committed to his role as protector and promoter of our nation’s heritage.

Being the Chief Executive of Te Papa is not an easy job.  Everyone has an opinion on our national museum and how it should operate.  On top of that Seddon inherited a workplace that was not a particularly harmonious environment.  He worked hard to bring people together.  Not everything worked perfectly, but he was always sensitive, thoughtful and concerned for those around him.   He drove Te Papa to new standards in terms of hosting touring exhibitions and in upgrading, within budgetary constraints, the permanant collection.

He was a terrific ambassador the museum, and for our arts, culture and heritage in general.  The last time I saw him was at a recent exhibition opening, where we laughed about the inter-connected  lives of a Wellington MP and the Te Papa Chief Executive. Seddon was a presence at many Wellington community events, always supportive and always promoting the place, our place, that he led so well.

On a personal note, having  just recently lost my Father in sudden circumstances, I know that Seddon’s sons will be experiencing enormous grief, and tumult of emotions.  It is a tough time and my deepest sympathies go out to them, the rest of his family, and the friends and family of Marcella Jackson as well.  May they rest in peace.