End of an era – Heritage legend retires
It’s the end of an era. Arrowtown’s long-time Lakes District Museum director David Clarke will likely go down in history himself as one of the longest serving in the job – almost 35 years. Clarke officially retired on April 26, after handing over the reins to former projects manager Jane Peasey in November last year. Awarded a well-deserved QSM – the Queen’s Service Medal for heritage preservation in 2022, you’d be hard pressed to find anyone more passionate about preserving the town’s history. Clarke’s raised millions for various heritage projects over the years and oversaw the recent $3.5m refurbishment and strengthening project. He's served on trusts that have helped spearhead restoration of Arrowtown Jail, Bullendale Power Plant, and the Miner’s Cottages. He’s led the charge on heritage education, the museum’s successful historic classroom reenactment bringing local history alive for kids from around the South Island for almost 30 years.
He's served on various heritage trusts, the Arrowtown Promotion Association for more than 30 years, six years as a Queenstown Lakes District councillor, chairing its planning committee, and presiding as an independent planning commissioner at resource consent hearings for 12 years. He also spearheaded the direction of Arrowtown’s historic zone.
Clarke has headed overseas with wife Wendy for six months travel and will then spend six months restoring their cottage at Ophir. He plans to write his memoirs and focus on his art, returning to Arrowtown where the couple want to “keep giving back”. Clarke says he’s had “a brilliant career”. “The job has been fascinating with never a dull moment. We have such a rich history here. I have met and worked with such incredible people along the way.” He’s loved his civic work too and enjoyed being on numerous groups achieving great results whether in heritage protection or promotion of arts and culture, always “working in the interests of my beloved district, especially Arrowtown”.
