Originally from Cologne, Aratoi’s newly appointed Director, Susanna Shadbolt visited New Zealand on holiday for two months in 2001. Falling in love with the place and the people, she moved here permanently shortly after 2002.

With experience in local, national, and international museums, a Master’s Degree (Hons) in Art History and Classical Archaeology, Postgraduate Diploma in Museum Studies, Certificates in Te Ara Reo Māori and Māori Visual Arts, and varying levels of proficiency in German, English, Te Reo Māori, Dutch, French, Latin, Susanna brings a vast array of skills and experience to the regional museum.

Exploring Cologne’s museums and galleries as a child on school excursions and being fascinated by their grand spaces and archeological objects was where Susanna’s passion for museums began. Heavily influenced by her father who was a master joiner and carpenter, Susanna said her eye was already finely tuned to beauty, skill, and craftsmanship. “A museum career was always something I wanted,” she said.

Studying Art History and Classical Archaeology at the University of Cologne, Susanna was very aware of the tight competition for museum jobs. “We were warned that only 2% of our class would get a job in the field.” The odds turned out to be even lower for Susannah, who is now the only one of her university peers working in the field.

In an effort to be competitive, and also to learn more about museums and the different jobs within, Susanna took on numerous volunteer roles and internships to compliment her study. “Securing the first job is the hardest,” Susanna said. She credits those volunteer positions and internships in landing her first paid job (Collections Manager at Te Manawa, Palmerston North).

Susanna has since held positions at Christchurch Museum as an Art Curator, and Massey University teaching Museum Studies. Initially joining Aratoi as Curator/Registrar, then taking on the Acting Director position in November last year, Susanna has had eight months to road-test the role before taking it on officially. What has she enjoyed so far about it? “The people. It’s a beautiful environment here. Everyone is so enthusiastic and positive. It is a very lively town and community.”

Barbara Roydhouse, Chair of the Aratoi Regional Trust Board, which made the appointment, says, “The Aratoi Regional Trust Board looks forward to working with Susanna Shadbolt, an extremely well-qualified museum professional, as well as a strategic thinker, and clear decision maker. Her work as Acting Director has been exemplary.”

Founded in 1969, Aratoi is the region’s largest museum and has a public-owned collection of about 4,000 items in four key areas: social history, textiles, taonga Māori, and art from the pre-historic to the contemporary.

With a staff of four, and open seven days a week, Susanna said, “We are a very versatile team that wear a lot of different hats, but we just couldn’t operate without our volunteers.” There are 57 volunteers at Aratoi, mostly retirees, she said. “I don’t think many young people volunteer any more.” A poignant observation given that Susanna’s professional career was born from volunteer roles.

Asked about the challenges of working in a community which such a heavy focus on sport and agriculture, Susanna said, “You’ve got to work with your audience. We tell stories about locals for locals, and try to challenge attitudes and broaden ideas at the same time.” Susanna highlighted the Peter Bush: Hard on the Heels rugby photography exhibition at Aratoi, which ran during the recent Lions tour. She said the exhibition brought in a big group of people that normally wouldn’t visit the museum.

Te Marae o Rongotaketake - Redressing our Kahungunu History is Aratoi’s current exhibition and runs until September 3. It is the largest exhibition of Ngati Kahungunu taonga ever on display, and fills the entire museum.

Upcoming exhibitions include Print Council Aotearoa NZ, Boundless – Printmaking Beyond the Frame, opening 15 September and runs until late November. It is currently on show at Pataka, Porirua. The Print Council has changed significantly from its early days, but it was the Wairarapa where it all began.

Elizabeth Thomson, opening on 8 December. Working closely with the artist, it will be a major survey exhibition curated by Gregory O'Brien.

Aratoi will also be hosting events as part of Wairarapa’s biennial Kokomai Creative Festival 13-22 October.