ABOUT US

Te Uru is a home for contemporary culture that is fresh, relevant, empowering and essential to the wellbeing of our communities. With our unique perspective, located in the forested outskirts of Tāmaki Makaurau, Te Uru is a regional contemporary gallery with an international programme that reflects our place in Aotearoa and the wider Moana region, connecting new ideas and different practices with local and global networks.

As a destination gallery, Te Uru operates from an award-winning building in scenic Titirangi that attracts local, regional, national and international visitors. We originally opened in 1986 as the Waitemata City Arts and Cultural Centre, later known as Lopdell House Gallery, sited in the historic Lopdell House building and en route to Auckland’s famous west coast beaches. In 2014, after an extensive redevelopment programme, we reopened as Te Uru in our new purpose-built facilities that are part of the refurbished Lopdell Precinct, offering extraordinary exhibitions, dramatic architecture and spectacular views of the surrounding area.

TE URU

Our name, Te Uru, makes reference to Te Hau a Uru, the wind that blows from the west, a powerful characteristic of the region and an important story for local iwi, Te Kawerau ā Maki, who have bestowed us with this new kaupapa. The west wind shares the messages and vision of the people that live in the west, brings change, sets direction and influences Auckland City from its mountainous perch atop Te Wao Nui o Tiriwa – the Waitākere Ranges. Te Uru will be a source of information and ideas that will project across the region – a fitting framework for a contemporary gallery. The new name was launched at a special members’ meeting in April 2014.

OUR MISSION

With our unique perspective, located in the forested outskirts of Tāmaki Makaurau, Te Uru is the region’s leading contemporary gallery with an international programme that reflects our place in Aotearoa and the wider Moana region, connecting new ideas and different practices with local and global networks. We recognise Māori as Tangata Whenua and Te Kawerau ā Maki as Mana Whenua in our rohe. We are dedicated to advancing our role within Te Tiriti o Waitangi, which strengthens our activities and relationships, both internally and externally.

VALUES

We have five values that provide a kaupapa to guide us in achieving excellence and making the gallery a trusted and valued member of the community: aroha, whanaungatanga, kaiārahi, auaha and kaitiakitanga

SAFE SPACES

Te Uru welcomes diversity. We are committed to manaakitanga and providing a safe environment for everyone. Our full Safe Spaces statement can be found here.

Te Uru is also a supporting member of Safe Space Alliance, an organisation which aims to help identify, navigate and create safe spaces for LGBTQI+ communities.