New Zealand Portrait Gallery Appoints Brian Wood As Director

 The New Zealand Portrait Gallery Te Pūkenga Whakaata is pleased to announce the appointment of curator, writer, arts collector, and marketer Brian Wood as its new Director, effective 18 August 2025.

Wood succeeds outgoing Director Jaenine Parkinson, who has taken up the role of Head of Art at the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa. He is no stranger to the Gallery, having served as Acting Director during Parkinson’s parental leave in 2021.

Chair of the New Zealand Portrait Gallery Board, Dr. Alan Bollard, welcomed the appointment, saying:

“We are delighted to have Brian return to the Gallery. He made a strong impact during his time here and brings a rich and diverse skillset to the role. His background spans marketing, fundraising, curatorial work, public programmes and events. He has led teams of volunteers and managed a private art collection. These experiences, combined with his passion for portraiture, make him ideally suited to help the Gallery continue telling the stories of New Zealanders through art.”

Reflecting on his return, Wood said he is thrilled to step back into the Gallery:

It feels incredibly special to return—not just to a place I know and love, but to a role where I can help shape the Gallery’s future. Stepping into this role feels like coming home, but with a renewed sense of purpose and possibility. I had a fantastic experience in 2021 and achieved a lot during my time there. I’m looking forward to building on that momentum and continuing the strong exhibition programme. I deeply value the Gallery’s role as a storyteller of Aotearoa’s people.”

Originally from the Kāpiti Coast, Wood has lived and worked in Wellington, London, Melbourne, Dunedin, Auckland, and now South Wairarapa. He holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the School of Art at Otago Polytechnic and has held positions with The Dowse Art Museum, Te Omanga Hospice, Royal New Zealand Ballet, City Gallery Wellington, and Museums Wellington.

“Since finishing up my previous role with the Gallery, I’ve stayed closely connected to the arts and cultural sector—managing a performing arts company, serving as a trustee for an arts charity, reviewing funding applications, curating exhibitions, and even working in the wine industry. My time as Acting Director in 2021 was deeply meaningful—it strengthened my appreciation for the Gallery and its team. Returning now feels like both a continuation and a new beginning.”

Looking ahead, Wood has ambitious plans to grow the Gallery’s reach and impact:

“As we enter this next chapter, I want the Gallery to be a place where people see themselves reflected—not just in the portraits, but in our programming, exhibitions, and conversations. That means uplifting underrepresented voices, embracing diverse styles of portraiture, and nurturing emerging talent alongside our established artists.

“We’re also exploring ways to increase accessibility and engagement—through digital platforms, regional outreach, education initiatives, touring exhibitions, and vibrant in-Gallery events. I want the Gallery to be a living, evolving space—one that not only reflects New Zealand’s identity but helps shape, inspire, and challenge it.”

© Scoop Media