Monday 19 May 2025
Tātaki Auckland Unlimited confirms that Tom Irvine (Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei) will be Acting Director, Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki, working with the Gallery’s expert, experienced lead team and strong, established governance until a permanent replacement has been recruited.
Kirsten Lacy resigned her role as Director of the Gallery last month, coinciding with her sixth anniversary in the role. TAU thanks Kirsten for her commitment to the Gallery and Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland.
Tom Irvine is the Chief Executive Officer of Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, Whai Maia and is familiar with the Gallery, its kaimahi, supporters and wider community after serving as Gallery Deputy Director in 2021-2022. Tom is a respected Māori leader who brings strong operational and leadership experience to the acting role and will provide stability while we recruit for this significant role.
The recruitment process is underway, and will include a nationwide and international search, via New Zealand and overseas arts channels.
Kirsten Lacy continues working at the Gallery until 14 June 2025, to deliver key projects that she has been instrumental in bringing to fruition and support a thorough handover to the acting director.
-ENDS-
About Tātaki Auckland Unlimited and Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki
Tātaki Auckland Unlimited is Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland’s cultural and economic agency committed to making our region a desirable place to live, work, visit, invest and do business. Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki is one of the substantive cultural institutions that Tātaki Auckland Unlimited owns, operates and maintains for the benefit of Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland.