Museums Aotearoa is the membership organisation for museums and galleries that care for and exhibit art and artifacts for the benefit of communities and our wider society.

We support the people who work in those institutions, caring for their unique collections and sharing and interpreting them with audiences.

Our vision is to see museums and galleries valued, championed and loved by the people of Aotearoa New Zealand.

Advocacy

Museums Aotearoa’s advocacy programme ensures the value the sector delivers is understood by central and local government and the communities we contribute to. Our position statements are our members views on particular issues affecting our sector. They’re developed through discussion with our members and subject matter experts to frame our perspective on issues. View our Position Statements here.

In Partnership with Te Tiriti

MA has a vital role and responsibility to guide and support our members in their respective journeys to becoming true partners with Tangata Whenua under the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi. Many cultural institutions in Aotearoa New Zealand care for taonga on the behalf of iwi and are actively engaged in repatriation of taonga or kōiwi.

Our strategy

We have four key goals to achieve our vision that 'New Zealanders have a thriving museum and gallery sector for generations to come.'

These goals are:

  • Connections — Whanaungatanga A connected and collaborative sector with strong networks that enable shared learning, collective action, and resilience.
  • Reputation — Whakamana A respected and credible sector whose excellence, impact, and value are visible and understood.
  • Advocacy — Kaitiakitanga A trusted, independent voice that represents collective interests and influences decisions affecting the sector.
  • Sustainability — Toitūtanga A resilient organisation with the capability, systems, and resources to deliver long-term value.

Documents

Our people

The Museums Aotearoa board are elected members responsible for governing the organisation. We have a co-governance model, and currently have seven board members.

Carolyn Roberts-Thompson

Ngapuhi, Te Aitanga a Hauiti, Nō ngā iwi o Muriwhenua

Co-chair, Board member

David Reeves

Co-chair, Board member

Jadene Huff

Ngāti Ruakawa Ki Te Tonga, Ngāti Kapu, Ngāti Ti Toa, Ngāti Tahu

Board member

Leanne Wickham

Board member

Anne Blyth

Board member

Izzy Hillman

Board member

Jaenine Parkinson

Chief Executive, Museums Aotearoa

Holly Erwin

Office and Membership Manager