Mid September Newsletter
Tēnā koutou katoa e ngā hoa o Te Papa,
Our recent programme has been a rich celebration of the close relationship Friends of Te Papa shares with the museum’s curators. Members have enjoyed a series of memorable and thoughtfully guided experiences.
In In Bloom, currently in Toi Art on Level 5, members explored an exhibition of paintings of the power of flower imagery as a mechanism for investigating paint, textures, moods, and expressive possibilities. The curator-led tour highlighted each artists’ skill and the emotional resonance held within each canvas. Our Nancy Adams talk and behind‑the‑scenes tour provided an intimate encounter with Te Papa’s botany collections. The tour moved from the exhibition Nancy Adams: The Art of Seaweed into collection spaces rarely seen by the public. Members viewed Adams’ original specimens and heard stories about her career, brought vividly to life through expert storytelling. Most recently, Slow Burn, invited members into a thought‑provoking exploration of human experience through a female lens. This powerful exhibition, rich with emotion and inquiry, was made even more meaningful through the curators’ insights into the ideas, histories, and creative processes behind the works.
We are truly grateful for the generosity shown by the curators in sharing their expertise with our members. Their ability to connect us with the people, practices, and cultural narratives behind the exhibitions is extraordinary.
We are delighted to highlight another example of the thoughtful ways the museum communicates the stories within its collections. Te Papa audio describer Judith Jones and curators from the art team are holding a session on the craft of audio description. This practice uses carefully chosen words to bring artworks to life. Audio description supports meaningful experiences for blind and low‑vision visitors, and enriches the way all of us look, helping us notice more, and connect more deeply with what we see. In this event, Judith will introduce how audio description is developed, the principles that guide it, and why it is such an important part of inclusive museum practice. We will then head up to Toi Art to experience newly written descriptions of artworks currently on display. Judith’s insight offers a fascinating look at another building block in how museums help us understand and appreciate their collections. Read more here
We are especially excited to celebrate World Day of Friends of Museums on 11 October, a day that recognises the vibrant communities that support museums around the world. Already, members are capturing wonderful images for our Photographer at the Museum competition, showcasing favourite places, objects, and moments from across the museum. These photographs reflect the personal connections people feel with Te Papa and the joy of seeing the museum through many different eyes. We also still have places available on our Hidden Corners of the Museum tours, offering a rare, guided look behind the scenes at the infrastructure that keeps this remarkable building running every day. Led by Te Papa’s expert team, these tours reveal the unseen spaces and systems that support everything visitors experience. Another reminder of the extraordinary work happening out of sight.
Lovers of theatre are warmly invited to two special Directors Talks created in partnership with Circa Theatre, offering Friends members an exclusive chance to step inside the creative engine rooms of two upcoming productions. These events are timed so you can move seamlessly from our conversation straight across the courtyard to Circa to experience the show immediately afterwards. A perfect pairing of insight and performance!
First, director Andrew Foster joins us to discuss his vision for Uncle Vanya, sharing how he approaches Chekhov’s timeless exploration of longing, humour, and human frailty. This Directors Talk offers a rare opportunity to hear about the interpretive choices, staging decisions, and emotional currents that shape this new production. For those who love classic theatre brought vividly to life, this is an unmissable event. Learn more here
Later in the season, we welcome Miranda Harcourt and Stuart McKenzie to speak about their bold new work After God. Known for their innovative practice and deep commitment to storytelling, they will guide us through the ideas, interviews, and creative processes that underpin this striking verbatim production. Their conversation offers an intimate look at how real voices become theatre, and how performance can illuminate the biggest questions we ask of ourselves and the world. Learn more here
There is still time to book for Dr Chris McKeown’s inspiring talk Beyond the Aperture: The Art of Paying Attention. Drawing on photography, neuroscience, and lived creative practice, Chris reflects on how art becomes a meeting place between maker and viewer. It can support wellbeing and deeper ways of seeing. This is a wonderful opportunity to hear from an award‑nominated photographer whose work spans landscapes, stars, portraiture, and the quiet moments that connect us to the world.
This October, in association with the Heritage Festival, it is our privilege to host Professor James Belich, ONZM. James is one of Aotearoa’s most influential and internationally recognised historians. Now based in Wellington, he has held major academic roles here and abroad. His influential publications, from Making Peoples and Paradise Reforged to The New Zealand Wars, Replenishing the Earth, and The World the Plague Made, have reshaped understanding of New Zealand’s past. He has received major honours, including the Prime Minister’s Award for Non‑Fiction and an Honorary D.Litt., and currently serves as President of the New Zealand Historical Association and a board member of Te Papa Tongarewa. His storytelling has transformed national conversations about identity, history, and the role museums play in shaping public memory. Learn more here
We are deeply grateful to all our speakers and curators. Their willingness to share knowledge, guide us behind the scenes, and open new ways of seeing enriches every experience we offer our members. And at the heart of it all are you, our Friends. It is your curiosity, presence, and enthusiasm that complete the learning and make this community flourish.
Ngā manaakitanga,
Rachael Brenton-Rule - Coordinator
(04) 381 7051/ 021 488 787
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Image Credit: Photo by Mel Waite 2023