Meet the Team

The Hundertwasser Art Centre is operated by a team of just over 25 staff. We are looking forward to hosting you at the Hundertwasser Art Centre with Wairau Māori Art Gallery.

If you would like to work with us or contact any of us directly, please email enquiries@hundertwasserartcentre.co.nz or call 09 430 4230.

Dr Joost de Bruin – Director

Joost is the Director of the Hundertwasser Art Centre. He is responsible for the overall strategic direction and operations of the Hundertwasser Art Centre, working with our partners and leading the team of Coordinators. He was previously Associate Professor in Media and Communication at Te Herenga Waka – Victoria University of Wellington and President of Dutch Communities NZ.

Louis Wells – Visitor Experience Coordinator

Louis is the Visitor Experience Coordinator of the Hundertwasser Art Centre. His role includes looking after the Visitor Experience Hosts to ensure we provide a memorable experience for each visitor. He excels at creating a welcoming environment for guests while delivering great service.

Mel Straka – Retail Coordinator

Mel looks after the retail team at the Hundertwasser Art Centre. Her role includes sourcing, designing and buying products for the MuseumShop and maintaining the online shop. She also looks after the Afforested Roof to ensure it remains in compliance with codes. She holds qualifications in the Arts (Psychology, Media and English) and Culinary Arts (Patisserie Chef).

Angela Rowe – Development and Engagement Coordinator

Angela focuses on building strong relationships with supporters, donors, businesses and partners, managing fundraising strategy and nurturing the Friends of the Hundertwasser Art Centre membership programme. She holds a Master of Fine Arts and is an Executive MBA candidate at Massey University. Angela works across partnerships, events and engagement to help create a welcoming and well-supported Hundertwasser Art Centre.

Natasha Avery – Tourism and Trade Coordinator

As Tourism and Trade Coordinator Natasha leads engagement with key domestic and international tourism partners to drive visitation and promote the Hundertwasser Art Centre as a must-see cultural destination. Her role focuses on building and maintaining strong relationships across the travel and tourism industry, monitoring market trends, and supporting the ongoing growth of the Hundertwasser Art Centre.

Jacinda Selman – Schools Programme Coordinator

Jacinda Tauroa Selman (Te Aeto, Ngāti Kahu ki Whangaroa, Ngāpuhi, Kaitahu) is our Schools Programme Coordinator and also takes care of Health and Safety at the Hundertwasser At Centre. She is an ex-classroom teacher who is passionate about creating rich experiences for students of all ages in exhibition spaces. When a group joins in conversation around an artwork, it begins to share its secrets!

Bridgit Day – Public Programme Coordinator

Bridgit’s role at the Hundertwasser Art Centre gives her the opportunity to meet with some of the many different groups and individuals who make up our Northland community. Getting to know you and your organisations is a key highlight for her. Either working together to collaborate on an event or simply supporting you in the background, Bridgit values these connections. Bridgit strongly believes that nature, creativity and community all have an important role to play in our wellbeing.

Luzaan Cuff – Marketing and Events Organiser

Luzaan supports marketing and events, assisting with event enquiries and helping events run smoothly. She liaises and works with both current and new volunteers, helping them feel welcomed, informed and connected to the work of the Hundertwasser Art Centre.

Andrew Garratt – Facilities Coordinator

Andrew looks after the Hundertwasser Art Centre building and facilities. In this role, he deals with a range of contractors who support the Centre.  He also installs the exhibitions indoors and outdoors. He has been heavily involved with the full development of the Hundertwasser Art Centre since 2012 when the building was still just an idea. He is a qualified engineer in the mechanical and highway engineering fields.

Maree Attwood – Finance and Office Coordinator

As Finance and Office Coordinator for the Whangārei Art Trust, which includes the Hundertwasser Art Centre and Whangārei Art Museum, Maree occupies a central role in the organisation. She keeps the finances balanced and the office well-organised. This allows the team to focus on what they do best!

Visitor Experience Hosts, Art Facilitators and Retail Assistants: Brenda Barclay, Beatrix Bergner, Michelle Campbell, Rosemary Cox, Prue East, Joanna Fieldes, Jessie Gansell, Lara Hartung, Aria Hirzel’Horn, Kate Hornblow, Savannah Jackson, Nicola Kamau, Anet Kuhla, Amy Lui, Elf Morse, Thomas Nixon, Petra Unkel.