Our Management Team

Thérèse Angelo: Director

Thérèse has worked for the Air Force Museum since 1987 as Research Officer, Collections Manager and since July 2002 as the first civilian Director. Previous to this she had eight years experience as a librarian and archivist in the New Plymouth and Wanganui Public Libraries. She has the New Zealand Certificate in Library Studies and a Postgraduate Diploma in Museum Studies.

Thérèse served on the Council of the Archives & Records Association of New Zealand for 10 years including a term as President. She was made a Life Member of the Association in 2001. From 2003 until 2007 she served on the Board of Museums Aotearoa, the peak professional body for museums in New Zealand, and for the last two years held the position of chair. She was also the first qualified workplace assessor for the new Certificate in Museum Practice.

Squadron Leader Joss Adlam: Executive Officer

Squadron Leader Joss Adlam is the Executive Officer at the Museum and has held this position since October 2009. She is responsible for the facilities management, administration and support services to all elements of the Museum including collections, exhibitions, restoration and education.

Joss is a Human Resource Officer and has been serving in the RNZAF since 1991. She holds a Diploma in Business Studies. As the senior RNZAF officer in the Christchurch area, Joss also has the responsibility to act as a liaison person between local personnel and to undertake representational duties on behalf of the RNZAF.

David Watmuff: Collections Manager

David Watmuff is the Collections Manager at the Museum and has held this position for the past eight years. As the Collections Manager he is responsible for all collections and conservation-related policies, as well as curatorial, research and exhibition activities in the Museum. He holds a Master of Philosophy degree, a Graduate Diploma in Management Studies, and is an Associate Fellow of the NZ Institute of Management. He also holds the Postgraduate Diploma in Museum Studies from Massey University.

Dave Clearwater: Business Manager

Dave is primarily responsible for the marketing of the museum and management of the ‘Front of House’ team. This eclectic group are accountable for the generation of income for the museum and necessary support required by the many and various organisations that visit and use the Museum and its facilities. Income is generated through the shop, corporate functions, educational group visits, visiting groups and individual tourists. Dave brings with him public relations, marketing and large event organisation experience gleaned from his service in the NZ Army as the Drum major and then Director of Music of the Army Band.