UPDATE: The funeral service for Te Papa Chief Executive Dr Seddon Bennington will be held on Rongomaraeroa, Te Papa’s marae on Wednesday 22 July at 1pm. Rongomaraeroa will be closed to the public during this time.

UPDATE: The funeral service for Te Papa Chief Executive Dr Seddon Bennington will be held on Rongomaraeroa, Te Papa’s marae on Wednesday 22 July at 1pm. Rongomaraeroa will be closed to the public during this time.

Dr Bennington’s casket will be brought onto the marae on Tuesday 21 July at 4pm.  Those wishing to pay their respects will be able to do so until 10pm that night.  Dr Bennington will remain on the marae overnight until the conclusion of the funeral service on Wednesday.

The family of Dr Bennington wish to thank the Levin Police and the search and rescue teams involved in the recovery operations. Dr Bennington and his tramping companion Marcella Jackson died in the Tararua Ranges last week.

Te Papa staff have received condolences from the public and cultural sector colleagues in New Zealand and overseas.

A memorial to Te Papa Chief Executive Dr Seddon Bennington is on Level 2 of Te Papa, opposite the waharoa. It consists of a written tribute and condolence book accompanied by a portrait and flowers.

The tribute will also be reproduced on Te Papa’s blog to allow those unable to come in to the Museum to share their condolences via the comments function, or by emailing condolences@tepapa.govt.nz.’

Te Papa’s Board Chairman John Judge said Dr Bennington’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.

“We are deeply saddened by the news of our friend and colleague’s death and offer our sincere and heartfelt condolences to his family and that of Ms Jackson,” Mr Judge said.

Dr Bennington was appointed chief executive at Te Papa in January 2003, and was previously the Director of institutions including the Carnegie Science Centre in Pittsburgh, and Scitech Discovery Centre in Perth. Prior to going overseas, he headed the Otago Early Settlers’ Museum in Dunedin, and Wellington’s City Gallery.

While Chief Executive of Te Papa, Dr Bennington continued to push the boundaries of museum excellence, such as the highly successful multi-media experience OurSpace and the long-term art exhibition on Level 5 Toi Te Papa Art of the Nation, Mr Judge said.

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.

Kaihautu Michelle Hippolite would step into the role of Acting Chief Executive.

“Michelle and Seddon have worked together as a tremendous team and I know that Michelle will be working with everyone at Te Papa to see the team through this tragic time,” he said.

Arts Culture and Heritage Minister Christopher Finlayson expressed his sorrow and said Dr Bennington served Te Papa and the people of New Zealand well over his seven years as chief executive.

“He brought wide international experience and leadership to the role. He was well respected and will be sorely missed.”

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

Wellington Mayor Kerry Prendergast paid tribute to Dr Bennington this afternoon.

“My deepest sympathy goes out to the family, friends and colleagues of Seddon and his tramping partner. Our thoughts are with them at this very sad time.

“Seddon did a wonderful job as CEO of our national museum. He took it from its very early days when it was so new and different to a facility with an international reputation and world-class exhibitions and staff.

“He worked hard to keep Te Papa ahead of the game and to make a real contribution to both the city and New Zealand in terms of preserving our history and celebrating our culture.

“Seddon will be greatly missed for both his professional and personal qualities. His death is a huge loss for Te Papa and Wellington City and again, I offer my sincere condolences to his family, friends, Te Papa staff and all who knew and loved him.”

Auckland Museum Director Dr Vanda Vitali expressed shock and great sadness following the news.

“It’s with a heavy heart I learned today of the death of Seddon Bennington. Seddon’s contribution to New Zealand’s cultural standing in the world has been significant. As museum directors we had a close working relationship, and Auckland Museum and Te Papa have particularly strong ties.

"Right now my thoughts are with Seddon’s family and colleagues, as are the thoughts of all staff at Auckland Museum, many of whom have come here from Te Papa. We are in touch with staff there to provide any support we can,” says Dr Vitali.

• Add a Tribute

Use the comment box below to post a tribute to Dr Seddon Bennington.