Otago Settlers Museum

As the opening of the redeveloped Toitu Otago Settlers Museum draws near, project managers yesterday handed over control of the final stage of the museum's $38.5 million redevelopment.

Ngai Tahu tangata whenua and runanga have made it clear they do not share the views of a Dunedin-based kaumatua concerning use of the word Toitu.

A maori kaumatua has expressed his aversion to the use of the word "Toitu" either preceding or placed above the main title of the Otago Settlers Museum.

Comments from Dunedin residents deemed as "ignorant" and "thinly veiled racism" were swept aside yesterday as Mayor Dave Cull used his casting vote to break a councillor deadlock on the addition of a Maori name to the Otago Settlers Museum's title.

Otago Museum officials are planning several measures, including adding a small conservatory near the ground floor cafe, to keep wind out of the building's foyer.

Condensation is the latest issue plaguing the locomotive display at the Otago Settlers Museum in Dunedin.

The Dunedin City Council should seek further community feedback before changing the Otago Settlers Museum's name, city councillor John Bezett says.

It would be "unfortunate" if some people thought the recommended new museum title "Toitu: Otago Settlers Museum" had partly bypassed the public consultation process, museum board chairwoman Dr Dorothy Page said yesterday.

When the Otago Settlers Museum reopens its doors this year after a $40 million redevelopment, it is likely to be under the new name Toitu: Otago Settlers Museum.

Despite significant community backing for the status quo, the Dunedin City Council should seriously consider changing the Otago Settlers Museum's name, city councillor Lee Vandervis says.