Museums Aotearoa Leaders' Summit Christchurch 2025
Keep checking back as we load more information: Updated 13 August.
Museums Aotearoa Leaders’ Summit 2025
Ōtautahi Christchurch | 13–14 October
Early bird pricing closes 14 August
Join directors, senior leaders and changemakers from across Aotearoa for two days of strategic thinking, connection and inspiration.
Hosted by the Air Force Museum of NZ and supported by Canterbury Museum and Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū, this year’s Summit is designed to help you raise your gaze — beyond day-to-day demands — and focus on the big-picture issues shaping our future.
Expect inspiring speakers, panel discussions, and the chance to explore behind-the-scenes at the Air Force Museum — including a possible visit to their newly acquired Hercules — this is your chance to step out of the everyday and into collective thinking about the future of our sector.
Don’t miss the Monday evening dinner — the unofficial highlight of the summit.
Pricing
- Member Early Bird: $250 (until 14 August)
- Member Standard: $320
- Non-member: $600
- Optional dinner: approx. $80
Secure your place now — spaces are limited!
Register here
Leaders’ Forum line-up announced
The Museums Aotearoa Leaders’ Forum in Ōtautahi Christchurch on 13-14 October is set to bring together a cast of inspiring speakers, each reflecting on their personal professional journey and its relevance for our increasingly networked sector.
Not sure whether you ‘qualify’ as a leader? Kick that imposter syndrome to the curb and seek out the endorsement of your Director. Our schedule includes professional development opportunities for leaders at all levels.
We are delighted to announce Creative New Zealand Chief Executive, former Court Theatre Executive Director, and former Chamber Music New Zealand and Christchurch Symphony Orchestra CEO Gretchen La Roche as our keynote speaker.
Gretchen will speak about how to hold space in arts leadership, how to lead through crisis and how to innovate and provoke collaboration.
We are also excited to have Janelle Riki-Waaka (Tainui Awhiro, Ngāti Hauiti) from Riki Consultancy as our emcee and as a workshop facilitator.
Janelle brings over 14 years of expertise across leadership, strategy, and governance. Her superpower? A fearless ability to provoke new thinking - all delivered with aroha and authenticity.
We are also thrilled to welcome back MA Partner and friend of Miharo Jenni Giblin from Funding HQ. Jenni will take us through how we might all make hay while the sun is shining this summer.
Agenda
Day 1 - Monday 13 October 9am for 10am start
9am - Coffee, mix and mingle
10am - Welcome
10.30am - Keynote address, Creative New Zealand CEO Gretchen La Roche
11.30am - Cultural Governance Workshop with Riki Consultancy
12.30pm - Lunch and networking (onsite)
1.30pm - Panel Discussion - Collection Management in 2025
2.30pm - Tour of the Airforce Museum
3.15pm - Afternoon tea
3.30pm - Making hay while the sun is shining: Fundraising tips with Jenni Giblin from Funding HQ
4.30pm- Wrap-up, networking and drinks
7pm - Dinner
Day 2 - Tuesday 14 October
8.30am - Coffee and networking
9am - Welcome and sector forward look
9.15am - Ethical dilemmas decoded - Discussion led by David Reeves and Victoria Esson
10am - Workshop: Campaigning on a shoestring with guest speaker Kate Oktay
11am - Crisis Communications Panel Discussion
12pm - Lunch and networking
1pm - Site visit to the Canterbury Museum storage facility in Hornby
3pm - Close
Accommodation Offer
Wigram Hotel are offering Air Force Museum guests and attendees a 15% discount off advertised room rates.
Login here to access discount code here or visit Mīharo events to view code. If you are a non-member, just email MA to get the code!
Don't forget that NSTP have travel grants you may be eligible to apply for.
Check details here
MA Summit Cancellation Policy here
Gretchen La Roche
CE Creative New Zealand
Gretchen is an experienced arts leader and a trained musician. Her return to Creative New Zealand as Tumu Whakarae is her third role with the agency, after starting as a Programme Adviser (then Senior Programme Adviser) in 2006 and returning as Senior Manager Arts Development Services in 2022. She was also an inaugural member of the advisory group Te Roopu Mana Toi. Most recently, Gretchen was Executive Director of The Court Theatre as the rebuilt theatre opened in Ōtautahi. She has previously served as CE of Chamber Music New Zealand, and as CEO of the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra after joining the orchestra as Artistic Director. Gretchen is from Te Tairawhiti. After several roles based in Te Wai Pounamu, she is now based in Tāmaki Makaurau.
Janelle Riki-Waaka
Tainui Awhiro, Ngāti Hauiti
Kaihautū / Director, Riki Consultancy
Janelle is one of two Kaihautū (Directors) of Riki Consultancy, working alongside her brother Nathan. A dynamic and experienced leader, she brings over 14 years of expertise across leadership, strategy, and governance. Janelle is a powerful keynote speaker, skilled coach, and engaging emcee - known for her ability to inspire, challenge, and connect with a wide range of audiences. Her passion for te Tiriti o Waitangi education and her sharp strategic thinking make her a trusted guide for clients and communities navigating transformational change. When she’s not deep in kaupapa Māori or leading courageous kōrero in boardrooms, you’ll find her screaming the house down in support of her favourite rugby league teams or trying to look like she's somewhat coordinated in her newest pastime - reformer Pilates! Janelle’s superpower? The perfect blend of warmth, insight, and a fearless ability to provoke new thinking - all delivered with aroha and authenticity.
