Auckland Art Gallery appoints Tom Irvine as Deputy Director

Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki has appointed Tom Irvine to the position of Deputy Director, a role which sees Irvine responsibile for ensuring the operational needs of Auckland Art Gallery are met in respect to finance, HR, security, capital projects, maintenance and systems improvement.

Auckland Art Gallery Director, Kirsten Lacy notes “Tom brings to the Gallery a wealth of corporate, community and commercial expertise and experience. Moreover he is a respected leader in Tāmaki Makaurau with an impressive track record of delivering on strategic objectives. I am excited by the potential of what we will achieve together, side by side.

“Tom brings a fresh perspective and considerable mana to the Gallery’s leadership team. His contribution to Auckland Art Gallery’s operational management will undoubtably create long-standing impact. I couldn’t be more pleased with the appointment and look forward to working closely with him to create a prosperous future for the Gallery.”

As a respected Māori leader with strong Iwi and civic engagement experience, Irvine brings a deep love for Tāmaki Makaurau and its people.

Irvine adds “Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki provides such rich experiences for all the people of Tāmaki Makaurau, and I am looking forward to supporting the high standard of exhibitions, programmes, publications and more that the Gallery generates.”

Most recently, Irvine was at Auckland-based hapū Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei. In 2020, he had been appointed by Auckland Unlimited to Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki’s Advisory Committee.

“After being recently involved in supporting the Gallery in its framework surrounding Māori outcomes, I’m thrilled to take on a role to further the vision and values of Toi o Tāmaki,” says Irvine.

As Chief Operating Officer for Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, Irvine worked with the tribal development arm to support social, cultural and environmental development projects, as well as promote community and stakeholder relationships.

Auckland Unlimited’s Chief Executive, Nick Hill commented “I’m delighted to support the appointment of Tom Irvine as incoming Deputy Director, Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki

“Tom’s personal leadership, operational management expertise and standing with mana whenua will be huge assets to the Gallery and Auckland Unlimited.”

Irvine will be stepping down from his current commitments and commencing his role as Deputy Director on 5th July 2021.