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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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.