President’s Column: September 2026

One of the great strengths of Friends of Te Papa is the sense of community that membership creates. While our events, lectures, tours, and special programmes are important, they are ultimately a means of bringing people together through a shared interest in culture, history, science, and the stories that shape Aotearoa New Zealand.

Our membership strategy continues to focus on building and sustaining this community. We want every member to feel connected, valued, and inspired. We are committed to attracting new members while also ensuring that existing members continue to find friendship, learning, and enjoyment through their involvement with Friends.

A particularly rewarding aspect of our work is the way Friends helps bring Te Papa beyond the museum's walls and into the living rooms and communities of our members. Through our programmes and activities, we create opportunities for people to engage with Te Papa's ideas, collections, and expertise wherever they live. The conversations sparked at our events often continue well beyond the museum, enriching homes, neighbourhoods, and communities throughout the country.

None of this would be possible without the excellent relationship we enjoy with Te Papa. Our partnership is built on mutual respect, collaboration, and a shared commitment to connecting people with the knowledge, creativity, and treasures held by the museum. Te Papa's leadership and staff continue to be generous supporters of Friends, helping us provide unique opportunities and memorable experiences for our members.

As we look ahead, we remain focused on growing our membership, strengthening our community, and ensuring that Friends of Te Papa continues to play an important role in connecting New Zealanders with their national museum. Together, we are helping to extend Te Papa's reach far beyond its physical home, creating a vibrant community of supporters who carry its stories and values into their everyday lives.

Kindest regards,

Mazz