Reviews

Review: Co-Curating the Pacific

It was standing room only in the Reading Room on level 4 for the first of 2019’s programme of curator talks intended to share deep knowledge and expertise.

Read more |March 27, 2019

Whanganui: A Visit to the Regional Museum

At the Whanganui Regional Museum, we were warmly welcomed by Senior Curator Libby Sharpe, and Lisa Ruaka, Public Programmes Presenter. As a group with the expert guidance by Libby Sharpe and Lisa Ruaka, we explored the history of the museum and the exciting refurbishment and restoration work nearly completed.

Read more |March 15, 2019

Whanganui: St Paul’s Memorial Church, Putiki

A plain white church, neatly mown grass, a large totara and a pretty lychgate to walk through. There must be a good reason for us to be here, but there is little indication from the outside.

Read more |March 15, 2019

Pride 101 Review

Last night Mahuki, Te Papa’s innovation hub, welcomed Friends to explore Pride in Aotearoa with 3 fascinating guest speakers from the LGBTQIA+ community.

Read more |March 14, 2019

Whanganui Tour: Visit to Collegiate Chapel

Wanganui Collegiate Chapel opened in 1912 with a single nave and plain internal brick walls. A pupil from that time would hardly recognise it today.

Read more |March 7, 2019

Whanganui Tour: Visiting the Sarjeant on the Quay

Visiting the Sarjeant on the Quay we were met by a sparkling chandelier by many artists. While the Sarjeant Gallery is awaiting the redevelopment next year which will restore it to its important place in the city, its work continues in the building on the Quay.

Read more |March 7, 2019

Whanganui Tour: Royal Wanganui Opera House

This beautiful historical building first opened in 1900, and since celebrating its centenary has been restored and earthquake strengthened and now has a Category 1 listing from Heritage NZ.

Read more |March 7, 2019

Review: Mirrors and Torrents

‘Mirrors and Torrents’ was an apt name for Steven Desmond’s one hour tour of water features in historic gardens.  Through a beautifully photographed presentation ebbing and flowing over 2000 years we glimpsed the incredible travails designers and ornamental garden enthusiasts endured to harness the mercurial nature of water’s energy, strength and beauty.

Read more |March 5, 2019

Review: Paint & Wine Valentine’s Night

It was a night full of fun, intense concentration, and ending with the delight of being able to take their artistic work home for others to admire.

Read more |March 4, 2019

So This is What Chinese New Year is All About…

Last week, at a fully-booked event, Friends were privileged to be given insight to the traditions surrounding Chinese New Year. It was impossible not to get caught up in the warmth and enthusiasm of the 9 presenters (who were both locally based and from Xi’an), as they explained various aspects of the Chinese New Year.

Read more |February 15, 2019