From the director
Adrienne (AD) Schierning
Nei ra te mihi ki te mana whenua o Te Wao nui a Tiriwa, Te Kawerau ā Maki
Te Uru plays a vital role in the art ecology of Tāmaki Makaurau, which extends to Aotearoa and beyond. We offer a diverse and dynamic programme of exhibitions and events that seek to enrich our community and contribute to discourses in art. I feel privileged to work within a dedicated team at Te Uru to deliver ambitious programming.
Te Uru delivers thought-provoking exhibitions that foster artistic development and connectivity. We are committed to international and intergenerational dialogues, shining light on overlooked artists, and offering new lenses onto practices in order to extend historical accounts. Working with both established and emerging practitioners, Te Uru’s programme includes surveys, solo, dialogue, and group exhibitions that embrace exciting developments in artistic practice and provide opportunities for new and deeper readings. Our commitment to education throughout the Gallery's programming ensures that these efforts can be accessed and enjoyed by all.
Te Uru’s ambitious programming strives to situate local practices within regional and global contexts. We support artistic and curatorial exchange by connecting artists and curators from Aotearoa with international practitioners and institutions. Part of this drive is illustrated through our international dialogue exhibitions and curator exchange programmes. Fundamental to this contextualising is our ongoing commitment to Te Ao Māori and celebrating the unique cultural heritage of Aotearoa in the many rich ways we connect with community within this country and abroad.
Art is such an important part of any community and I feel very proud of the work we do in this regard, delivering high-quality exhibitions while finding fresh and relevant ways to connect with and engage audiences. Regular visitation from school and community groups is of key importance to us, and brings the whole team great joy. Te Uru is a site of reflection intended for everyone.
Operating within an award-winning building in Titirangi, gateway to the West Coast beaches, Te Uru is a special site, uniquely placed to contribute significantly to the development of the art in Aotearoa.
Our people
Our people
Adrienne (AD) Schierning
Kaitohu | Director
Adrienne (AD) Schierning has over 25 years’ experience across the arts sector. Originally from Hinuera, she completed undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in Fine Arts at Elam, University of Auckland. She was awarded a Goethe Institute Scholarship in Berlin and has also studied conversational Māori. Her career began as an artist and she has exhibited at many prestigious galleries in Aotearoa and internationally, with works held in several public collections. Her practice focused on community and social projects, which created a pathway to working in the arts. Starting in the public sector, Schierning worked for Studio One Toi Tu, Papakura Art Gallery, and Tautai Pacific Arts Trust. She subsequently managed a commercial gallery before joining Webb’s Auction House as the Head of Art in 2019. After overseeing four years of incredible growth at Webb’s, she returned to the public sector as Kaitohu Director at Te Uru in 2023.
Emmy Seccombe
Kaiwhakahaere Rātonga Pakihi | Business Services Manager
Emmy Seccombe is the Business Services Manager at Te Uru. With extensive experience in arts administration gained over 30 years in the sector, Emmy manages the financial and legislative areas of our operation, providing executive support to the Director. Living in Titirangi, Emmy has been with the Gallery for 14 years, since its inception as Lopdell House Gallery. Emmy subsequently oversaw the Gallery’s temporary off-site facility in New Lynn before returning to Titirangi on completion of our much-loved purpose-built gallery in 2014 where Te Uru now operates from. Emmy is passionate about the impacts of artistic programming on community, and sharing the best of culture from the region with wide audiences.
James Gatt
Kaitiaki | Curator
James Gatt joined Te Uru in 2023 as Kaitiaki Curator and leads curatorial to develop and deliver the Gallery’s robust and diverse exhibition programme. James is a curator and writer from Gadigal Nura Sydney with over 10 years’ experience working in public and private galleries. He has curated numerous survey exhibitions with leading artists from Aotearoa and Australia including Bill Culbert, Daniel Mudie Cunningham, Elizabeth Pulie, and Ava Seymour, as well as solo and group exhibitions with important artists from the region. His writing and interviews with artists have been published widely in art periodicals, catalogues, and monographs, and he has edited numerous publications including Elizabeth Pulie: Reader (2022), furl (2023); kafay larday (2022–2023); Daniel Mudie Cunnigham: Are You There? (2023); and Gretchen Albrecht: Liquid States (2024). James holds a Masters in Curating and Bachelor of Fine Arts (Hons) from the University of New South Wales.
Hester Rowan
Kaiāwhina Whakāturanga | Assistant Curator
Hester Rowan joined Te Uru as Kaiāwhina Whakāturanga Assistant Curator in 2023. She plays a central role in the development and delivery of Te Uru’s exhibition programme and manages the Learning Centre Gallery. Her recent curatorial projects include Fred Graham: Toi Whakaata / Reflections and Don Binney: Drawing the Waitākere Coast. Prior to this role, Hester worked at a number of galleries in the Waikato, as well as at Waikato Museum Te Whare Taonga o Waikato. In 2020, Hester was the curatorial intern at EYE Museum in Amsterdam. She holds an MA in Museum Studies from the University of Amsterdam and a BA in Art History and English Literature from Te Herenga Waka Victoria University of Wellington.
Adrienne Millwood
Kaiwhakahaere Mātauranga | Education Manager
Adrienne Millwood is Kaiwhakahaere Mātauranga Education Manager at Te Uru, where she oversees the development and delivery of art programmes for children and adults in the pokapū akoranga learning centre. Since joining Te Uru in 2024, Adrienne has focused on developing accessible and engaging creative learning experiences. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology, Bachelor of Fine Arts (Hons), and a Graduate Diploma in Teaching, combining her artistic background with a strong foundation in education. Adrienne previously worked with diverse groups of professionals and students across the education sector. Her educational approach fosters collaborative, inclusive environments that encourage risk-taking, experimentation, and the individual creative voice.
Abbey Lyman
Kaiāwhina Kaiako | Education Assistant
Abbey Lyman is an artist and educator who joined the Te Uru education team in 2023. She has rich experience in art education, having tutored life drawing at Auckland University of Technology and Toi o Tāmaki Auckland Art Gallery. Additionally, Abbey has hands-on experience in the day-to-day operations of art galleries. As Kaiāwhina Kaiako Education Assistant at Te Uru, Abbey plays a key role in designing and delivering workshops for diverse participants. Her educational approach emphasises a balance between foundational knowledge and creative freedom. Abbey holds a Masters in Visual Arts from Auckland University of Technology.
Jake Yoshioka Braid
Ringa Hangarau | Technician
Jake Yoshioka is Tohunga Hangarau Technician at Te Uru. He works closely with the curatorial team to bring artists’ ideas to life, ensuring exhibitions are presented to the highest possible standards. Before joining Te Uru, Jake worked making bespoke picture frames in Tauranga. He also has four years’ fine art installation experience across private homes and commercial galleries. Jake moved to Tāmaki Makaurau with his wife in early 2023 and has been with the Gallery since September 2024.
Sam O'Brien
Kairuruku Hokohoko | Retail Manager
Sam O’Brien joined the Te Uru team in 2023 as Kairuruku Hokohoko Retail Manager. She is the friendly face of the Gallery, managing the Te Uru Store and leading the front of house team. Sam is passionate about making all visitors feel welcome and engaged in what Te Uru has to offer. She believes in opening dialogues that broaden visitors' perceptions of contemporary art. Sam brings a wealth of art and retail experience to her role. She holds a Masters of Fine Arts from Whitecliffe College and has painted murals for schools and charity organisations. Previously, she worked as a visual merchandiser and ran her own floristry business.
Arabella Deane
Kaiwhakatauira Whakanikoniko | Designer
Arabella Deane joined Te Uru in 2023 to lead design and marketing as Kaiwhakatauira Whakanikoniko Designer. After she received her Bachelor of Design (Hons) from Toi Rauwhārangi College of Creative Arts, Arabella gained experience in both digital and print design, as well as online marketing. She brings these skills to her role at Te Uru, promoting programming and events to a wide audience. Arabella is particularly interested in how visitors can engage with digital, print, and environmental design to navigate, interpret, and connect with exhibitions.
Our Governance
Mark Allen
Chairperson
Mark Allen is proudly from Te Uru o Tāmaki Makaurau, living in Te Henga Bethells Beach with his partner Janet Cole. Raised in Laingholm, he acted at Titirangi Theatre and tramped in the Waitakere Ranges. Whilst building their house and raising 3 boys, Mark was also the Chief at Bethell’s Valley brigade. He worked in local government for over 40 years in Auckland City, Footscray Council in Melbourne, Waitakere City Council and Auckland Council. He held a variety of leadership roles in community development, arts, leisure, strategy, wellbeing collaboration, planning, and local board advice. He was CE at Community Waitakere from 2018 to 2023. In 2019 he was elected to Waitakere Ranges Local Board and Waitakere Licensing Trust and was appointed a Director of The Trusts in 2022. Mark has extensive experience in community governance and as a contract facilitator. He is currently on the Board of Te Uru Contemporary Gallery and Pest Free Waitakere Ranges Alliance among others. He is passionate about the west, local decision-making and community activity.
Claudia Jowitt
Secretary
Claudia Jowitt is an artist based in Tāmaki Makaurau of Pākeha and iTaukei (Fijian) heritage. She holds a Master of Fine Arts from Elam School of Fine Arts, University of Auckland, a Bachelor of Art and Design (Hons) and Bachelor of Visual Arts from Auckland University of Technology, School of Art and Design, and studied at Carnegie Mellon University, College of Fine Arts in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Jowitt has been exhibiting nationally and internationally since first completing her undergraduate degree in 2009. She currently tutors at Auckland University of Technology in Bachelor of Visual Arts at, worked in commercial galleries and working as a collaborator/co-manager at Moana Fresh, a Pasifika artist lead initiative. Regulations Advisory Group by Manatū Taonga, the Ministry of Culture & Heritage. She is passionate about facilitating increased representation of Moana Nui a Kiwa in the arts sector.
Milly Hewat
Elected member
With extensive experience in creative communications, PR, and marketing, Milly brings a unique ability to elevate the visibility of arts organisations and foster meaningful connections between galleries, audiences, and stakeholders. Her background in strategic communications spans 15+ years, including leadership roles at top agencies and co-directing Someday Studios, where she has successfully worked with significant art, design, and architecture businesses. She offers valuable insight into developing and executing strategies that enhance public engagement, secure partnerships, and expand support networks. Raised in an art-centric environment, Milly deeply understands the cultural significance of visual arts, which drives her commitment to promoting the arts in the public sphere. Milly’s expertise in stakeholder management, fundraising, and securing sponsorships will contribute to the gallery’s long-term sustainability and growth, helping it thrive in a challenging environment while making the arts more accessible to diverse audiences.
Linda Potauaine
Elected member
Linda embodies a remarkable blend of community service and leadership, enriching the organisation with her diverse background and enthusiasm. Originally from Northland and raised on a farm, she has spent nearly 25 years in West Auckland with her husband, Semisi, a celebrated Tongan artist and architect whose work is recognised globally. Together, they have nurtured two wonderful children, Jackson (22) and Arlia (17). With over three decades of experience in business, Linda has successfully owned and managed hairdressing salons and served as a director in her family's architecture and art design firm. Her recent tenure with VisionwestCommunity Trust has honed her skills in public relations and marketing. Linda's academic achievements, including her bachelor’s degree obtained later in life, reflect her commitment and perseverance. As a proud iwi member of Ngai te Rangi and a dedicated Rotarian, Linda values cultural identity and community engagement. Linda serves as the representative for the Waitakere Ranges Local Board. Her appointment to the board highlights her commitment to promoting artistic expression and enhancing community connections. With her extensive experience in community service, leadership, and the arts, Linda is well-equipped to make substantial contributions to the gallery's mission and to help create a vibrant cultural environment.
Toss Grumley
Treasurer
Toss Grumley is the key Business Advisor at Grumley+Company and is a prominent figure in New Zealand’s business sector. Grumley’s credentials include an MBA from the Warwick Business School in the UK and he is currently a director and shareholder in multiple industry leading businesses. His proactive and innovative approach benefits business owners, and he generously shares his wisdom through contributions to national business media. Grumley is a trusted advisor renowned for providing expert advice, strategic planning, and structural insight to New Zealand businesses, offering a unique blend of clarity, confidence, and structure.
The gallery
1930–2014
Lopdell House began in 1930 as Hotel Titirangi. Designed by Shortland Street architects Bloomfield and Partners, the building was originally envisaged by the main shareholder to have four stories, colonnades and courtyards. Upon completion, a less embellished hotel was opened on 20 November 1930 by former Prime Minister Gordon Coates. The Hotel failed to gain a liquor licence and was soon dubbed ‘the pub with no beer’.
The Hotel encountered many difficulties throughout its history including low patronage, lack of a liquor licence, and the Depression. In the late 1930s, with a slight increase of traffic, a nightclub was opened and operated by Aotearoa personality of the time Nero (Mr Silver). The club featured singing, supper, music and dancing. Unfortunately, this was short-lived, with the club going out of business during World War II.
In 1942 the building was passed on to the Department of Education to use as a School for the Deaf, beginning the premises’ 40 year association with education. Later, in 1960, the building was renamed ‘Lopdell House’ after the Superintendent of Education, becoming the first centre for Teachers-in-service training. The building was vacated in 1982 and purchased a year later by Waitemata City Council to become the Waitemata City Arts Centre in 1986, managed by Lopdell House Society.
Lopdell House Society continued to operate an art centre (renamed the Waitakere Arts and Cultural Centre and then Lopdell House Gallery) from Lopdell House until 2012, when the building was closed for earthquake strengthening, refurbishment and the construction of a new, purpose-built gallery building next door, which opened in 2014 as Te Uru.
The Lopdell House Development Trust was established in 2002 to address the need to upgrade and extend Lopdell House in order to meet new building code, accessibility and museum standards. The hearing process for resource consent for this development was rigorous, with all possible points of view aired before being granted. To fund the $18.735 million construction budget for the refurbishment and gallery development, Lopdell House Development Trust secured funding from Auckland Council, ASB Community Trust, The Trusts Community Foundation, Sky City and Lottery Significant Projects Fund.
In 2004, Mitchell & Stout Architects were commissioned to produce concept drawings for the redevelopment of Lopdell House. Independent consultants have advised on gallery design, geotechnical conditions and seismic upgrading of the present building. A full site survey was carried out and boreholes drilled to assess site conditions. The brief was driven in part by the needs of the community and in part by the potential and limitations of the existing building and site.
Mitchell & Stout were responsible for transforming the former BNZ building into Tauranga Art Gallery. They were awarded an Architecture Award for the Waikato/Bay of Plenty region in the Public Architecture category for this project. In 2014, they represented New Zealand in the Venice Architecture Biennale.
From 2012–2014, Lopdell House Gallery ran offsite and outreach programmes from temporary premises in nearby New Lynn.
The refurbishment and earthquake strengthening of Lopdell House was completed in March 2014. More than 1500 people attended a public open day on 1 March. Te Uru administration still resides in Lopdell House.
On completion of the new building, Lopdell House Gallery was renamed Te Uru Waitākere Contemporary Gallery and opened to the public on Saturday 1 November 2014. The new building includes a purpose-built workshop and storage spaces, an education area, five galleries, and gallery shop.
With this increased capacity, Te Uru is able to provide world-class art experiences, supported by the Waitakere Ranges Local Board of Auckland Council.
Support Te Uru
Te Uru Waitākere Contemporary Gallery Incorporated is a registered charity. The support we receive from our community makes our vibrant programme possible. There are many different ways to support the gallery and be a part of Te Uru including through volunteering, becoming a member, or joining our benefactors collective.
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