End September Newsletter
Talofa!
Join us on Sunday 11 October for the inaugural World Day of Friends of Museums, an international celebration recognising the important role Friends organisations play in supporting museums and connecting people with culture, history and learning. We invite all Friends members to enjoy a day of community and celebration, and to bring along anyone interested in becoming a member.
We're inviting young visitors to take part in our Photographer in the Museum competition. Bring a young person to Te Papa and encourage them to explore the museum, discover inspiring places and objects, and capture the details that spark creativity and imagination. More than a competition, it's an opportunity to see Te Papa through fresh eyes and share the unique perspectives of our community. All entries will be celebrated in a special photo album displayed in the Icon Room during the event.
Activities in the Icon Room will also include meeting Friends committee members, learning more about membership, and enjoying a special performance by the Faultline Chorus at 1pm. We are running three Back-of-House: Hidden Corners of the Museum tours, offering a rare glimpse into areas of Te Papa not normally open to the public. New members who join on the day will go into the draw to win a Te Papa Press book giveaway. Most importantly, this is a day to celebrate the people who make Friends of Te Papa such a welcoming community. We hope you'll join us, reconnect with familiar faces, meet new friends, and share your passion for museums. Learn more here
As spring unfolds and we move steadily towards summer, our events calendar for October and November is bursting with opportunities to be inspired. We are delighted to bring together a remarkable group of speakers, writers, artists, historians and conservation advocates whose work encourages us to see the world in new ways. Wherever your interests lie, there is something in this season's programme to ignite curiosity.
We begin October with a fascinating exploration of audio description in museums and galleries. Join us in Toi Art as Te Papa audio describer Judith Jones shares the creativity, philosophy, and practice behind this important form of interpretation. Audio description helps create meaningful experiences for blind and low-vision visitors by making artworks, objects, and exhibitions more accessible. Its benefits, however, extend beyond accessibility, encouraging all visitors to look more closely, notice finer details, and deepen their connection with what they encounter. Judith will explain how audio descriptions are developed, the principles that guide them, and their growing importance in inclusive museum practice. This thought-provoking presentation will offer fresh insights into how we experience art and culture. Learn more here
October also brings one of the highlights of our programme as we celebrate the Heritage Festival with a special presentation from Professor James Belich ONZM in the Soundings Theatre. Widely regarded as one of Aotearoa New Zealand's most influential and internationally respected historians, James has transformed our understanding of the country's past through his groundbreaking research and accessible storytelling. Having held significant academic positions both in New Zealand and overseas, his work has challenged long-held assumptions and prompted important conversations about identity, history and nationhood. His contribution to public history continues to influence how museums, educators and communities engage with the past. We are honoured to host Professor Belich and invite you to join us on 24 October for what promises to be a compelling lecture. Learn more here
Later in October, we are delighted to welcome acclaimed theatre-makers Miranda Harcourt and Stuart McKenzie for a conversation about their powerful new verbatim production, After God. Known for their commitment to authentic storytelling and bringing real voices to the stage, Miranda and Stuart have created a work that explores some of the most important questions facing individuals and communities today. They will take audiences behind the scenes of the production, sharing the interviews, ideas, and creative processes that shaped the work. Their discussion will offer unique insight into how real-life experiences are transformed into compelling theatre and how performance can help us better understand the world around us. To make the afternoon complete, book through Circa to see the production straight after the talk. Learn more here
November arrives quickly and with it comes the final trio of events for our 2026 season. First, we welcome author Bee Dawson, who will discuss her book, Lady Painters. Drawing on diaries, letters and historical journals, Bee has uncovered the remarkable stories of women artists whose creativity flourished despite the many social constraints of their time. Her research became both a literary and botanical treasure hunt, revealing lives of resilience and artistic achievement. Bee's presentation promises to bring these extraordinary women vividly to life. Learn more here
Our final lecture in the four-part series presented in association with the Wellington Arts Society features Amanda Herries, who will examine the fascinating story of the Public Catalogue Foundation Project in the United Kingdom. This ambitious initiative sought to create a comprehensive record of publicly owned artworks and make them accessible to wider audiences. What began with a measure of scepticism has evolved into an invaluable resource for researchers, educators, art historians and art lovers around the world. Enhanced through public participation and online engagement, the project demonstrates the transformative potential of digital access to cultural collections. Amanda's talk will explore both its origins and its enduring impact on the appreciation of art. Learn more here
We conclude the 2026 season with a celebration of Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne, one of Wellington’s most inspiring conservation success stories. Volunteer guide Mike Hannah and photographer Scott Langdale will reflect on Zealandia’s remarkable 25-year journey and its vision for the future. As the world’s first fully fenced urban ecosanctuary, Zealandia has played a vital role in restoring native wildlife to the Wellington region. Mike Hannah, former Associate Professor at Te Herenga Waka Victoria University of Wellington, brings deep expertise in environmental change and biodiversity, while Scott Langdale offers perspectives from conservation, sustainability, and photography. Together, they will explore Zealandia’s achievements, ongoing challenges, and its enduring impact on conservation and community. Learn more here
We look forward to welcoming you to these events and hope you will join us for what promises to be a memorable and inspiring spring season.
Tofa soifua,
Rachael Brenton-Rule - Coordinator
(04) 381 7051/ 021 488 787
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A message from the President
On behalf of the Friends of Te Papa, we extend our heartfelt thanks and warmest best wishes to Courtney Johnston as she concludes her tenure as Chief Executive and co-leader of Aotearoa New Zealand's national museum.
Since 2019, Courtney has been a steadfast champion of the Friends, recognising the vital role that our community of supporters plays in enriching the life of the museum. Her generosity of spirit, thoughtful leadership, and unwavering commitment to connecting people with art, culture, history, and science have been deeply valued by all of us. Throughout her leadership, the Friends have appreciated her encouragement, accessibility, and genuine support for our activities and members.
We wish her every success and happiness in the future, and we know her influence and contributions will continue to be felt for many years to come.
With warmest regards and appreciation,
Mazz Scannell
President
The Friends of Te Papa
Photo Credit: Mazz Scannell