Zui: Hello Sunshine! Planning engaging museum programming for memorable summer experiences
Summer programming in museums and galleries is a powerful way to attract new visitors and strengthen existing community connections. This zui will offer practical advice on selecting and preparing summer exhibitions, including effective marketing and engaging public programmes.
Thu 13 Nov 2025, 12.00pm–1.00pm
Online
Free to attend
Thoughtful summer programming can enhance community wellbeing by providing inclusive, enjoyable experiences for all. Planning ahead can maximise commercial and retail opportunities—such as themed merchandise, special events, and partnerships.
With good preparation and a little imagination, your institution can deliver memorable and meaningful summer experiences.
Speakers include:
Stephanie Moore, Curator, Picton Heritage and Whaling Museum
Stephanie has previously worked across visitor services, financial administration, and exhibition support. She holds a Bachelor of Japanese Language and recently completed a Certificate in Oral History through the National Library of New Zealand. As the new Curator of the Museum Stephanie’s aspirations are to combine her business expertise, cultural understanding, and storytelling skills to preserve Picton's maritime and land-based heritage while engaging diverse audiences.
Charlie Buchan, Marketing Manager, Tūhura Otago Museum
Chris leads advertising, social media, PR, and activations, looking for for creative ways to maximise impact, even on tight exhibition budgets. The museums Marketing team focuses on innovative collaborations with local businesses, memorable activations, and marketing strategies that keep the museum agile, responsive to trends, and a central hub for the community.
Rachel MacJeff, Events Manager, Tūhura Otago Museum
Rachel organises and delivers hundreds of events annually for diverse audiences. Her and her team develops unique, engaging experiences, often outside the museum’s regular hours, and collaborates with local institutions to create events that activate exhibitions, bring in new audiences, and strengthen community connections.
Rebecca Cox, Manager, Mercury Bay Museum
Rebecca leads the HMS Buffalo Re-examination Project which was formed in 2021, and has won several awards. Rebecca also works in partnership with the Department of Conservation, Waikato Regional Council and other local organisations to help promote the stories of the area and to protect and preserve our history. Rebecca works closely with several of the local schools to create and deliver education programmes that meet the needs of the learners. Rebecca has a New Zealand Certificate in Museum Practice. She is a member of the Directors of Smaller Museums group and committee member for Te Pu Tiaki Mana Taonga.