The final Design and Innovation Meetup for 2024 is set for 20 November, and we have a real treat in store.

This month features Greg McManus, who is Director of Arts, Culture & Heritage for Tauranga City Council, and who is leading the development of the new Tauranga Museum, part of the Te Manawataki o Te Papa development in Tauranga’s City Centre.

Greg will be discussing some of the principles and concepts behind designing museum experiences, as well as sharing his career journey - including how he ended up here in Tauranga with the museum project! He’ll also give us a special preview of plans for the new museum and exhibition centre.

Greg has worked in NZ museums his entire working life, including stints as Director of Taitokerau (Gisborne) and Rotorua Museums. Before moving to Tauranga he completed a ten year term as Chief Executive of Waitangi National Trust where he led the development of the Treaty Grounds into a successful international visitor destination and the opening of two brand new museums in 2016 and 2020. He is passionate about creating meaningful and repeatable visitor experiences that change peoples’ understanding of the places they live in or are visiting. He believes museums are essential for every community and is thrilled to be leading the development of a new museum for Tauranga.

This is a unique opportunity to get up close and personal insights from someone who has done some amazing things around Aotearoa/NZ and is right in the middle of creating a major new attraction for Tauranga’s city centre.

There will plenty of chances to ask questions and discuss in depth and, as ever, to connect with like-minded creatives and innovators from around Tauranga and the Western Bay. Everyone is welcome, so grab some friends and come along!

Make sure you RSVP, and we’ll see you there.

When: Wednesday 20 November, 5PM to 7PM
Where: Priority One, 29 Grey St