The National Library auditorium in Wellington was full to capacity to hear Bill Macnaught’s farewell address. The audience included immediate past National Librarian, Penny Carnaby, and incoming National Librarian, Rachel Esson, in attendance along with the Hon Jan Tinetti, Minister of Internal Affairs and immediate past Minister Tracey Martin.
Bill talked about his long career, his personal highlights and challenges such as, facing budget cuts on day two in his role of National Librarian, the refit of the National Library and building collaborative partnerships both nationally and internationally. He touched on the weeding process currently underway, quoting Richard Ovenden:
Bill talked about his long career, his personal highlights and challenges such as, facing budget cuts on day two in his role of National Librarian, the refit of the National Library and building collaborative partnerships both nationally and internationally. He touched on the weeding process currently underway, quoting Richard Ovenden:
“Not everything can or should be kept … the idea that every document can be kept is economically unsustainable.”
Of course, COVID-19 got a mention in the way it fast-tracked many digitisation projects in New Zealand and around the world. Bill also gave shout-outs to the Ministers, David Zwartz, Te Puna Foundation, The New Zealand Libraries Partnership Programme, LIANZA, the teams at National Library and Alexander Turnbull Library and, of course, Rachel Esson – incoming National Librarian.
Bill spoke to Auckland colleagues and guests last week and Elizabeth Jones kindly supplied these photos below.
 Bill with Auckland Staff |  Bill with current LIANZA President, Anahera Morehu and Past LIANZA Presidents |
LIANZA thanks Bill for all his mahi in the library sector and wishes him the very best for the future. Keep your eyes peeled for an interview with Bill in the December issue of Library Life, due out before Christmas.
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