As Paula Gaelic has observed, museums serve not only as custodians of history but also as catalysts for shaping a promising future. At the helm of the Western Bay Museum in Katikati, Paula, a 60-year-old Pākehā woman, exemplifies a commitment to collaboration by working closely with Māori communities. Her leadership is marked by a dedication to fostering partnerships that guide the museum's strategic direction and unite diverse communities.

For the past thirteen years, I have been part of the Western Bay Museum, where I completed my Level 4 Museum Best Practice papers, providing me with a solid professional foundation.

Throughout my museum career, I have been fortunate to receive substantial support from Te Papa National Services Te Paerangi, which has offered me invaluable opportunities for professional development, expert knowledge exchange, additional training, guidance, and assistance. Recently colonial emphasis, into a more inclusive educational initiative that begins with taonga Māori and integrates a balanced representation of colonial histories.

Prior to entering the museum sector, I lacked awareness of many aspects of New Zealand's history. I was not educated about our shared history. We have much more to learn, I take pride in the progress I have made personally. It is encouraging to observe that many non-Māori individuals are also embarking on their own journeys of discovery regarding Māori history.

I firmly believe that a museum would be remiss if it did not engage in discussions about pre-European history. Historically, there has been a predominant focus on colonial narratives; however, this perspective shifted in the 1980s with the Te Māori exhibition, which marked a critical turning point for museums in Aotearoa.

The museum serves as a vital space for learning, sharing our collective history, and fostering community connections, where we can learn from one another in a safe and respectful environment.