Win/win for Opotiki Museum
Opotiki Museum Manager Dorothy-Anne (Dot) Wilson is looking forward to receiving next month’s power bill.
“The cost of overheads is always a worry for volunteer-run organisations but we are expecting a significant reduction in our future energy costs.”
The anticipated savings are due to the installation of new energy-efficient exhibition lighting funded by the Eastern Bay Energy Trust.
Trust Manager Rawinia Kamau says the Opotiki Heritage and Agricultural Society received $38,000 for new specialist track and LED lighting units, and emergency evacuation lights.
“The distribution came from our Community Development grant pool which supports organisations and projects that have a positive impact in our area. Not only do the new lights greatly improve the way the Museum can present its displays to the community, their use will also result in energy efficiency, which is an identified goal for the Trust.”
Dot says that the original exhibition lighting was adequate when the Museum opened, but since then many more archives and objects have gone on display, and lighting technology had improved. “The new lights are up to the standard required to enable us to exhibit precious collection items, without compromising their preservation, and we couldn’t be happier.”
The upgrading of the emergency exit lights was also ‘desperately needed’ and has enabled the renewal of the fire safety certificate for the premises.
ENDS
Photo caption: New lights bring life to exhibitions.