End October Newsletter
Mālō ni ki a koutou katoa,
We wish to thank Professor James Belich for his presentation on Saturday held in association with the Heritage Festival and hosted in Te Papa’s Soundings Theatre. James’s talk offered fascinating reflections on the way museums tell our stories as New Zealanders, blending wisdom, humour and personal insight while exploring the important role museums play in documenting and sharing our culture and communities. The lively audience discussion and thoughtful exchange of ideas made it a fitting celebration of the power of museums to connect us with our shared heritage.
Over the past two months, Friends of Te Papa have enjoyed a wonderful series of Director's Talks presented in partnership with our close neighbours, Circa Theatre. This collaboration has strengthened the longstanding connection between our organisations, bringing together lovers of theatre, storytelling and the arts for engaging conversations that extend beyond the stage. These talks give us a rare opportunity to step behind the curtain and hear directly from the creative minds shaping some of Wellington's most compelling theatre productions. To make an evening of it, attendees are warmly encouraged to head across to Circa Theatre following the talk to experience the production for themselves (bookings made through the Circa website). Attendees can show their event booking confirmation at Chouchou to enjoy a complimentary drink before the performance. This special offer is another example of the valued partnership between Friends of Te Papa and Circa Theatre, creating enriching experiences that connect audiences more deeply with the performing arts.
Director Talk 1: Earlier this season, acclaimed director Andrew Foster captivated our audience with his reflections on Uncle Vanya, sharing the inspirations, artistic choices and creative process behind his acclaimed production. His engaging storytelling offered fascinating context to Chekhov's classic work, deepening audiences' appreciation of both the play and the craft of bringing it to life on stage.
Director Talk 2: The series continues to generate enormous enthusiasm. Our upcoming Director's Talk featuring Miranda Harcourt and Stuart McKenzie, exploring Circa's powerful production of After God, has now completely sold out. Their discussion promises to be another memorable event, offering audiences a deeper understanding of the ideas, themes and creative vision behind one of the season's most talked-about productions.
Director Talk 3: Our latest Director's Talk shines a spotlight on Austen Found, the improvised Jane Austen musical that first charmed audiences at the New Zealand Improv Festival in 2008 and has since become a beloved theatrical phenomenon. Join acclaimed performers and directors Penny Ashton and Lori Dungey as they uncover the story behind the show's enduring success, sharing behind-the-scenes anecdotes, reflections on their long creative partnership, and insights into the unique art of creating Austen-inspired theatre without a script. Filled with wit, improvisation and Regency-inspired humour, this promises to be a lively and entertaining conversation. Read more here
Join us for the latest lecture in our popular Arts Society series, presented in association with the Wellington Arts Society. In The Japanese Garden in the West: 100 Years of Eastern Influence, distinguished lecturer Amanda Herries explores the enduring fascination Western gardeners have had with Japanese garden design. With their serenity, asymmetry and careful balance, Japanese gardens offered a striking alternative to traditional Western approaches, influencing garden styles across Europe and beyond for more than a century. Tracing the journey of Japanese plants, design principles and artistic ideas from the period of Japan's isolation through to the twentieth century, Amanda examines how these influences were adopted, adapted and celebrated in the West. Along the way, she poses an intriguing question: can a truly Japanese garden exist outside Japan, or do Western interpretations simply give it a Japanese voice?
The venue for this lecture has been changed, and it will now be held in the Te Huinga Venues, Level 3 of Te Papa. Read more here
The Friends of Te Papa are proud to be supporting the Wellington City Mission's Star Box Appeal this year. We will have Star Boxes available at The Japanese Garden: 100 Years of Eastern Influence on 15 November. The Star Box Appeal helps stock the Wellington City Mission's Christmas Toy Store and Social Supermarket, ensuring families facing hardship can provide both gifts for children and food for the Christmas table. A small donation can make a significant difference to whānau throughout the Wellington region. If you are attending, we encourage you to bring along a donation. Together, we can help make Christmas brighter for local families.
Join Mike Hannah and Scott Langdale for an inspiring exploration of how Te Māra a Tāne Zealandia has transformed Wellington's biodiversity during the past twenty-five years. This presentation tells the remarkable story of the world's first fully fenced urban ecosanctuary and its ambitious 500-year vision to restore a thriving pre-human ecosystem. Learn how native wildlife has returned to Wellington, how groundbreaking conservation programmes have flourished, and how initiatives such as Predator Free Wellington and Capital Kiwi have grown from Zealandia's success. Read more here
Hawera, Whanganui and Opera Tour 2027
Join Katrina Harding Travel and the Friends of Te Papa for a delightful four-day summer escape to the lower North Island, combining art, history, heritage, gardens, river journeys and exceptional local hospitality. From the tranquil surroundings of Tarapuhuri Bushy Park Homestead and the fascinating exhibits of the renowned Tawhiti Museum to a memorable cruise on the Whanganui River and guided visits to some of the region's leading cultural attractions, this tour offers a rich and varied experience. Along the way, enjoy gallery visits, unique heritage sites, colourful local markets, fine dining, and an evening of opera in Whanganui's historic Opera House. With comfortable accommodation, included meals, and plenty of opportunities to explore with fellow Friends, this promises to be a relaxed and rewarding journey through two of Aotearoa New Zealand's most interesting regions. Read more here
We have only 2 places left in the Champagne and Art at Normanby event so be very quick if you wish to attend! Read more here
Planning for 2027 is well underway, and we are delighted with what is taking shape. In the coming weeks, we will reveal the four lectures in our Arts Society programme, as well as a selection of special events and tours designed to inspire curiosity. We can't wait to share what's in store and are certain the programme will inspire and delight.
Oi manuia,
Rachael Brenton-Rule - Coordinator
(04) 381 7051/ 021 488 787
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