Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki has appointed Zara Stanhope as its new director, the institution announced through its parent organization Tātaki Auckland Unlimited. Stanhope returns to the gallery after previously serving as its principal curator and head of programs from 2013 to 2017.

In her new role, Stanhope will oversee the gallery’s collection and exhibitions, while shaping its strategic direction. Chief executive of Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, Nick Hill, expressed enthusiasm for her return, stating in a press release: “We look forward to Zara shaping the next chapter of the Gallery’s future. With experience leading strategy and programming and knowledge of art . . . she is well placed to expand the reach of the Gallery’s extensive collection and share New Zealand stories with more communities.”

In a career spanning over 30 years, Stanhope has held leadership roles at the Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA) in Brisbane and the Heide Museum of Art in Melbourne. She most recently served as a director of Cultural Enterprises at New Plymouth District Council, where she oversaw the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery/Len Lye Centre and Puke Ariki museum. In 2019, she curated New Zealand’s presentation at the 58th Venice Biennale, and led the Asia Pacific Triennials at QAGOMA in 2018 and 2021.

In a statement, Stanhope said: “It’s an honor to rejoin the dedicated team at Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki and Tātaki Auckland Unlimited to begin the next phase of how the Gallery can offer value locally, nationally, and internationally, while building upon the exciting forward program of exhibitions, educational activities and art-related events.”

Stanhope will assume the role on March 2, 2026, succeeding Kirsten Lacy, who resigned earlier this year after a six-year tenure.

Iain Cocks is an editorial intern at ArtAsiaPacific.