Interpretation Network of New Zealand (INNZ)

11/06/2026

Our Winter newsletter is out with top exhibition-making advice and our exclusive behind-the-scenes tour, Matariki interpretation events and a call for content from YOU!

In this newsletter:
- Exhibition making - Murphy people's on 'things to know before you press go'
- Last chance places for MOTAT's Collections Storehouse tour - an INNZ member/guest exclusive - Wednesday, 17 June 2026
- What's on this winter - exhibitions that bring together, people, taonga, taiao and toi across the motu this Matariki

Read it here:

Read top exhibition-making advice and more...

05/06/2026

Ever wondered how MOTAT cares for its vast collection of transport and technology? Join Director of Collections Alba Letts for a unique behind-the-scenes tour of the MOTAT Collections Storehouse, Penrose, Auckland — a space few ever see!

📅 Date: Wednesday 17 June⏰ 10am - 11am 25 people (strictly limited) 💰 $25 koha 👥 Ages 11+

This is a rare opportunity to discover the work that happens beyond the museum exhibition floor.

Book now: https://events.humanitix.com/motat-collections-storehouse-tour

18/05/2026

One week to go! Make sure you don't miss out on this webinar:
26 May 12-1 PM Helen of Troy meets the Bachelor: 3D printing of antiquities as a pedagogical tool.
Registration details below.

Join us for our latest webinar: 'Helen of Troy meets The Bachelor: 3D printing of antiquities as a pedagogical tool.'
Tuesday, 26 May 12pm-1pm. Registration below.

The webinar will be presented by Diana Burton, Associate Professor of Classics and the Curator of Te Herenga Waka Victoria University of Wellington’s Classics Museum.

Diana will discuss how the Museum and the School of Design collaborated to develop innovative ways for students and the public to engage with the Museum's artefacts through 3D printing techniques.

If you are:
•studying or working in interpretation/visitor experience
•interested in 3D printing
•an educator
•a Classics enthusiast.....or all of the above - join us!

Tuesday 26 May, 12-1pm
Zoom
Members FREE
Non-members $20 + .90 Humanitix fee
Students $10 + .60 Humanitix fee

Register here:
https://www.innz.org/webinar-diana-burton

National Services Te Paerangi Museums Aotearoa

18/05/2026

Join the NDF (National Digital Forum) webinar this WEDNESDAY 20 May 11.10am-12pm NZT on Designing Immersion: Rethinking How Cultural Institutions Use Experiential Media. How can immersive media become an interpretive tool rather than purely commercial spectacle?

Hear from Tom Cummins, Science World (Vancouver) and hosted by NZDF board member Rachael Davies.

Registration details below:

How can immersive media become an interpretive tool rather than purely commercial spectacle?  For our next NDF Online Session, Tom Cummins shares how Science World (Vancouver) adopted an experience‑first design approach during the post‑pandemic shift away from hands‑on interactives and

07/05/2026

Join us for our latest webinar: 'Helen of Troy meets The Bachelor: 3D printing of antiquities as a pedagogical tool.'
Tuesday, 26 May 12pm-1pm. Registration below.

The webinar will be presented by Diana Burton, Associate Professor of Classics and the Curator of Te Herenga Waka Victoria University of Wellington’s Classics Museum.

Diana will discuss how the Museum and the School of Design collaborated to develop innovative ways for students and the public to engage with the Museum's artefacts through 3D printing techniques.

If you are:
•studying or working in interpretation/visitor experience
•interested in 3D printing
•an educator
•a Classics enthusiast.....or all of the above - join us!

Tuesday 26 May, 12-1pm
Zoom
Members FREE
Non-members $20 + .90 Humanitix fee
Students $10 + .60 Humanitix fee

Register here:
https://www.innz.org/webinar-diana-burton

National Services Te Paerangi Museums Aotearoa

24/04/2026

Did you get out for some naturing this Conservation Week 20-24 April 2026? It's not too late. You can turn everyday work habits into actions for nature every day.

From joining a rubbish clean-up, planting, or log sightings of native species and invasive ones using the iNaturalist app. There's plenty more ideas on the DOC website: https://www.doc.govt.nz/news/events/conservation-week/

Our members are always naturing with many of the projects they work on outdoors amongst nature. Interested in joining INNZ?

Find out more about becoming a member on our website:https://www.innz.org/

09/04/2026

Find out in a recent article how Alysha Painter, Visitor Experience Lead at Te Nukuao Wellington Zoo and her team used a habitat upgrade to empower visitors to champion the natural world.

When visitors leave Te Nukuao Wellington Zoo, we want them to walk out the gate feeling excited, hopeful, and ready to do something positive for wildlife and wild places. By weaving conservation messages and practical actions throughout the zoo, we give people lots of different ways to make a difference, so they can choose what fits naturally into their everyday lives.

Read the full article here:
https://www.innz.org/thinkbeforeyoulike

Image: Asian Small-Clawed River Otters in their habitat at Te Nukuao Wellington Zoo cared for using the 5 Domains of Animal Welfare

01/04/2026

A new report from the Ministry for Culture & Heritage has revealed interesting statistics on creatives using digital tools like AI in their work.

- 65% use generative AI as part of creative process
- nearly half use these tools to support or refine ideas
- one in three use tools to produce art and creative work
- 14% to share their creations with a wider audience/make it accessible

Read the survey and findings on their website:
https://www.mch.govt.nz/news/new-zealand-creatives-embrace-digital-tools

18/03/2026

There’s something about Autumn, the cooler air, the changing light it's the perfect time to explore events that are happening.

You can take tamariki to the skies with interpretation about things that fly (and some that don't).

Check out the events here:
https://www.innz.org/whatsonautumn26

28/01/2026

Last chance to join this rarely offered Interpretation 101 workshop! Perfect for anyone starting out in museum, parks, or heritage interpretation.

Expect a relaxed, welcoming day full of practical examples and hands-on learning. Connect with colleagues from across the motu this raumati in Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington.

Recent participants from libraries, heritage sites, museums and parks used their own real-world projects to apply the skills. Topics were as diverse as Rita Angus, memorial trees, Great Walks, and air-force housing.

📅 Friday 27 February 2026 ⏰ 9:30am–5:00pm 📍 Wellington
Tickets from $190 to $250

Book now: https://events.humanitix.com/interpretation-101-innz-workshop-wellington

Image: Lynda Burns and participants at Tamaki Makaurau Auckland Interpretation 101