Museums Aotearoa

05/01/2026

Happy New Year!!

As we welcome 2026, we’re looking ahead and standing firm in our commitment to protect Art History in Aotearoa.
Art History helps students understand culture, creativity, identity and our shared histories. It builds critical thinking, visual literacy and cultural understanding. These are skills that matter now more than ever.

In 2026, we’re continuing to call on the Government and the Ministry of Education to keep Art History as a standalone subject in secondary schools.

If this kaupapa matters to you, start the year by taking action:
✉️ Write to the Minister of Education and the Education and Workforce Select Committee
📣 Share why Art History matters to you
🎨 Support students, teachers and arts communities across the motu

New year. Same message. Art History belongs in our schools.

Check out our website for more information on how to get involved and support the campaign!

Join the movement to preserve Art History in education. Learn why it's essential for cultural literacy, critical thinking, and fostering creativity for students nationwide.

22/12/2025

All we want for Christmas is to keep Art History in the curriculum 🎄

This year, we’re calling on the Government and the Ministry of Education to keep Art History as a standalone subject in secondary schools. One simple way to help? Write them a Christmas card (or email) and ask them to do the same.

You can also download our campaign toolkit here: https://www.savearthistory.co.nz/campaign-toolkit

Here are some powerful words from students, teachers, and arts professionals involved in the campaign to help get you started.

19/12/2025

WATCH: On 1 December, Museums Aotearoa welcomed art history student Lily Foster to Pōneke to present her Save Art History petition to Parliament.

The petition was formally handed over to Labour MPs Rachel Boyack MP and Willow-Jean Prime.

A huge thank you and congratulations to Lily for her dedication and tireless work to protect Art History for future generations. 💛

12/12/2025

We’re looking for an outstanding Office and Membership Manager.

Members - this is your point person at MA so please share widely across your networks!

Responsible for office operations, finances, CRM and member support for Museums Aotearoa while assisting the CEO and coordinating key projects.

12/12/2025

We’re hiring! If you know someone ready to step up and lead our sector, send them our way!

The CEO of Museums Aotearoa, Te Tari o Ngā Whare Taonga o Te Motu, is the chief advocate for the public museum and gallery sector in New Zealand.

06/12/2025

Next shipment of shirts picked up! If you’re expecting your tee’s they’re enroute! 📦

01/12/2025

Today, Birkenhead College student Lily Foster (18) presented her petition to keep Art History in the Secondary Curriculum to Parliament.

We are so grateful to MPs Rachel Boyack MP Willow-Jean Prime and Barbara Edmonds MP who made us so welcome and took the time to talk through the value of the subject not only for students but also for the profession.

We look forward to sharing a video for all those who were unable to attend ahead of the petition’s formal presentation to parliament during the next house sitting session.

30/11/2025

Tonight is the final night to add your name.

So many students, teachers and supporters have told us how much Art History matters.

Let’s finish strong! Sign before the petition closes. 🖼️

28/11/2025

Only two more days to sign Lily’s petition! ✍️
Sign here: https://petitions.parliament.nz/a1acf19a-72ff-498f-09ed-08ddf9bd2432?lang=en

27/11/2025

Thanks for supporting Rachel Boyack MP! We’re looking forward to Monday!

Stuck at Nelson Airport thanks to fog! 🌫️

I’m wearing my ‘Save Art History’ T Shirt, to support student Lily Foster’s campaign to keep Art History as a senior subject. Lily has a petition, which she is presenting to me and Labour Education spokesperson Willow-Jean Prime at Parliament on Monday.

Sign the petition at https://petitions.parliament.nz/a1acf19a-72ff-498f-09ed-08ddf9bd2432

Learn more about the campaign at https://www.savearthistory.co.nz/home

26/11/2025

Monday roll call! Join Lily Foster at Parliament as we hand over the Art History petition. 11am at the Seddon Statue - bring your voice!

24/11/2025

6 days to go! 🖼️

Lily Foster is leading the call to protect Art History in Aotearoa and we’re right behind her.

Stand with us and fight for this subject. Sign the petition: Visit www.savearthistory.co.nz