Tony Preston retires from Council

11 April 2006

Statement from Christchurch City Council chief executive Dr Lesley McTurk:

Tony Preston has advised me that he has decided to retire in May from his position as Director of the Christchurch Art Gallery.  His decision to retire early has been influenced by concern for his parents’ health, and his wish to spend more time with them in Australia.

This comes after more than a decade of working for Christchurch City Council, first in upgrading the Robert McDougall Art Gallery, and then initiating the new Gallery project, which he led to a remarkably successful conclusion with its opening in May, 2003. 

Our nationally and internationally awarded Art Gallery is a tribute to his unstinting efforts, and the support of the Canterbury community.

On behalf of the Council, and the community of Christchurch, I would like to record our appreciation of Tony’s major contribution to the cultural life of this city and, indeed, to the arts nationally during his successful term as Director.

We wish him every success.

Dr Lesley McTurk
Chief Executive

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