MCT farewell Mr Nixon after 16 months service with the ministry

07/08/2026 – Honiara, Solomon Islands: Staffs of the Ministry of Culture (MCT) and Tourism, together with Tourism Solomons, on 05^th Wednesday August, hosted a farewell function to honour Mr. Nick Nixon, a New Zealander, who served with the ministry for the past 16 months.

Nick joined the ministry through the Volunteer Service Abroad (VSA), and during his assignment, he had made significant contribution to the museum services in Solomon Islands.

His work was instrumental in the successful opening of the Nambawan Haus Museum, as well as valuable skills and knowledge rendered to museum staff, helping to strengthen professional capacity within the Museum Division of the ministry.

Nick began work at the national museum in Honiara, where he conducted staff trainings and supported efforts to improve the presentation and organization of the museum.

His work focus, later shifted to Tulagi, where he played key roles in curating the Nambawan Haus Museum and overseeing the development of its exhibition, together with Millicent Design and Kastom Keepers – a local professional interior design company.

They formed a formidable combination that culminated to the delivery of one of the best museums in the country.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Mr. Bunyan Sivoro thanked, Nick for his outstanding service and invaluable contribution to the ministry, particularly to the Museum Division.

“We are grateful to have Nick for generously sharing his expertise with us. His knowledge and dedication greatly strengthened some of our flagship projects, especially the Nambawan Haus Museum project,” Mr Sivoro said.

Supervising Director of the Museum Division under MCT, Mr. Lawrence Kiko said, while farewelling Nick, it also a celebration of friendship, partnership and professional relationship built during his time with the ministry.

He said Nick has inspired our museum staff with invaluable ideas, guidance and encouragement that will continue to benefit their work for years to come.

Mr. Nick Nixon also expressed heartfelt thanks to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, partners and individuals for their support throughout his assignment. He also thanked the New Zealand government, through the VSA for opportunity to serve in Solomon Islands.

Reflecting on his time in the country, Nick was proud to have contributed to the establishment of the Nambawan Haus Museum, describing it as one of the highlights of his career.

He also valued the opportunity to share his expertise with staff at the National Museum and to build lasting professional relationships across the ministry.

The Ministry of Culture and Tourism sincerely thanked Mr. Nick Nixon for his dedicated service and looks forward to opportunities to work with him again in the future.

Staffs of Ministry of Culture and Tourism and Tourism Solomons during the farewell function.

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Mr. Bunyan Sivoro presents a gift to Mr. Nick Nixon.

A Museum staff, Patricia Vaegi George presents a gift to Mr. Nick Nixon.