The chief executive of Te Papa has resigned and will leave the national museum in the middle of next year.
Rick Ellis took up his role in November 2014.
Rick Ellis, Te Papa's new Chief Executive Photo: Te Papa
Te Papa board chairman Evan Williams said Mr Ellis was appointed for a three-year term, but would leave six months early for personal reasons.
"With his family based in Australia and the Cook Islands, Rick has opted to put family commitments first. Obviously we are very sad to lose him but as a board we respect his decision to focus on family at this time in his life."
Mr Williams said during his time at the museum, Mr Ellis had achieved all that the board had asked of him and more.
"Rick has taken Te Papa into new territory with the Mahuki innovation hub, the launch of a Te Papa foundation and the Hīnātore Learning lab."
He said Te Papa would begin recruiting a new chief executive immediately.
Mr Ellis said he had been immensely proud to lead Te Papa and it had achieved so much in the last few years.
"I know the organisation is in great shape to transition to the next leader who is lucky enough to take up the role," he said.
