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.
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.
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.
We have four key goals to achieve our vision of ‘A thriving sector that is valued, championed and loved by the people of Aotearoa New Zealand’.
These goals are:
The Museums Aotearoa board are elected members responsible for governing the organisation. We have a co-governance model, and currently have seven board members.
Board member, Audit and Risk subcommittee chair
Ngapuhi, Te Aitanga a Hauiti, Nō ngā iwi o Muriwhenua
Co-chair, Board member
Co-chair, Board member
Ngāti Ruakawa Ki Te Tonga, Ngāti Kapu, Ngāti Ti Toa, Ngāti Tahu
Board member
Board member
Leanne Wickham is the Director of Whirinaki, Upper Hutt, New Zealand. Leanne has 20 years' experience in working in the heritage, art and performing arts industry working in institutions such as Capital E Event and Exhibition Centre for Children, Petone Settlers Museum, and The Dowse Art Museum as well as managing large scale outdoor art events. She has been Director of Whirinaki, a suburban arts centre, for ten years, successfully tripling audiences. Her role as Director ranges from fundraising and partnership development to overseeing the exhibition and event programmes, as well as audience development. She firmly believes that small/medium sized institutions can punch well above their weight. Her passion is developing exhibitions and events with cross-generational appeal, and which embed a sense of fun and engagement for adults. In 2019 Leanne presented on the importance of Play at MuseumNext in Syndey and in 2025 was a keynote speaker at Museum Connections in Paris where she delivered a session on ‘Engaging the Non-enaged Museum Visitor’. She has been on the Board of Museums Aotearoa since 2025.
Board member
Interim Chief Executive
Marketing and Membership Specialist
