Galbraith Zoological Collection formally opened

Last week, kaimahi and ākonga from the School of Environmental and Animal Sciences (EAS), and Unitec, Sonya Galbraith and her daughters, some of their children and other whānau, gathered at Buuilding 115 to formally open the ‘Galbraith Zoological Collection’ in memory of Associate Professor Mel Galbraith.

Welcoming everyone to the event, Associate Professor Laura Harvey thanked everyone for attending and spoke about Mel’s commitment to his profession.

“He was a passionate advocate for the natural world and an inspiration to us all. His commitment to advancing our understanding of the natural world, and his dedication to the causes outside of Unitec that he supported, of which there are many, have left a mark on many people, places and organizations.”

“Mel rarely spoke of his huge contribution to these causes – in fact, many people, myself included, had no idea just how wide his reach was, until hearing many people speak of his work at his funeral. This humble, quiet approach was Mel, through and through.

The Galbraith Zoological Collection started as a small insect collection, tucked away out of sight, but with Mel’s input, it has grown into a large collection that provides a valuable teaching and research resource for current and future students. It seems only fitting that we dedicate this collection to Mel and hope that the Galbraith Zoological Collection will continue to inspire and educate, serving as a living tribute to a remarkable individual who gave so much, yet did it all so quietly and humbly.”

Sonya unveiled the plaque, which fittingly had as a backdrop a sunset behind the lighthouse of Mel’s beloved restoration venue, Tiritirimatangi Island.

Sonya spoke, followed by Papa Hohepa and Hare Paniora who using Te Reo Maori offered karakia and wisdom on the occasion. Sonya’s daughter Maria also spoke and the Galbraith Daughters sang a waiata.

Prof Peter de Lange offered some words about Mel’s vision of peace and love of nature in Ta Re Moriori, noting Mel and he had planned to take him and Sonya to Taiko Camp, Rekohu in December 2023 to see where Mel had worked on tchiak / taiko (Pterodroma magentae) in the late 1970s. A journey which sadly was not to be.

Songs were sung, tears were shed but let us remember tears are not a weakness – we lost an esteemed friend, mentor, colleague and others a father and grandfather. We are grieving still but we are the stronger for this.

We know that Mel would be both embarrassed of the recognition, but also proud of this occasion. The collections he started are now his legacy to the future environmental scientists of Aotearoa.