Street Maryan: Bishop Suter Art Gallery Governance Restructuring Bill — First Reading 
Street Maryan: Bishop Suter Art Gallery Governance Restructuring Bill — First Reading 
[Volume:646;Page:15774] 
Hon MARYAN STREET (Minister for ACC) 
: 
 I will take a short call in support of the Bishop Suter Art Gallery Governance Restructuring Bill. I sought the support of my Labour colleagues for this bill at the earliest opportunity because I believe that the Suter wants Nelsonians to become more involved in the way the gallery is run. I believe that Nelsonians want that as well. As a result the Labour Party is supporting this bill and is pleased to do so. We recognise the role of the Bishop Suter Art Gallery as the regional art museum for both the Nelson and Tasman regions. 
The interesting thing about this bill is that it is being promoted by a National Party MP. When we look at the explanatory note we see that it argues that vesting the assets and liabilities of the gallery in a council-controlled body will protect the collection of the art gallery. That sounds very sensible. However I think the House should dwell on that for a moment. Dr Smith is asking the House to support legislation that is premised on the idea that important regional assets are best held in public ownership. The Labour Party supports this legislation entirely but is somewhat surprised that the National Party does. It leaves us with some confusion about whether the National Party can make up its mind on where it stands on public ownership of important assets. 
The Suter is the third-oldest public art gallery in New Zealand and is a regional treasure. It was the first building in New Zealand to be constructed for the purpose of displaying art solely. It has been an intrinsic part of the cultural fabric of Nelson and of that aspect of Nelson’s environment and demeanour for which Nelson is so famous. The Suter is also known for its ceramic collections and has played a big part in locating Nelson’s reputation as an art centre which together with Nelson’s natural attractions has turned it into a mini tourist Mecca. It also houses John Gully and Sir Toss Woollaston collections which include unique portrayals of the Nelson region and landscapes. 
I too want to add my congratulations and thanks to those of Dr Smith to the Suter board for its constant care and promotion of the Suter Gallery. I was not long in town before I was approached by the Suter and asked to support this legislation and I was very very happy to do so. I congratulate all board members the people who have sustained and worked for the Suter Gallery over a long period of time and congratulate the board’s most recent and current director Julie Catchpole in addition to those people whom Dr Smith named for her care and cultivation of the Suter as it currently is. I have attended a number of openings and exhibitions in the Suter in the last 6 or 8 months. It truly is a regional treasure. 
I pay tribute to the Nelson City Council for its support. The gallery is a very important repository of significant New Zealand art collections as well as a magnet for the arts in Nelson and in the top of the South Island generally. I look forward to the gallery going into a council-controlled body that will be held in public ownership. I delight in that and am very pleased to support it. The Labour Party will support the bill without any fear of philosophical contradiction. Thank you Madam Assistant Speaker.