Panel Discussion
Chaired by Gill Greer and panelists include Tanya Ruka, Maddie Brooks Gillespie, Dr Kiren Thathiah, Dr Pushpa Wood, and Julie Haggie
6:50 – 7:50pm (exhibition opening will run from 5:45pm – 8:15pm)
Thursday 8th May
The Gallery
Free
Dr Gill Greer, Tanya Ruka, Maddie Brooks Gillespie (L-R)
Dr Kiren Thathiah, Dr Pushpa Wood, Julie Haggie (L-R)
This panel gathers a remarkable group of artists, and academics. Rooted in creative practice, scholarship, and lived experience, each speaker brings a perspective that challenges dominant narratives and illuminates alternative ways of seeing, knowing, and belonging. Together, they explore how voice, vision, and artistic expression become powerful tools for personal and collective change.
This panel is in response to the exhibition - The Female Gaze and How It Shapes Our World by Ashraf Pirnia and Pedram Pirnia. This exhibition explores how art fuels identity, amplifies voice and sparks transformation both personal and collective.
Chaired by Dr Gill Greer – CBE, MNZM, PhD, D.lit.
The speakers include:
Tanya Ruka – PhD Candidate, Lecturer in Design, Mātauranga Māori
Maddie Brooks Gillespie – Artist and Curator
Dr Kiren Thathiah – Artist and Academic
Dr Pushpa Wood – Capability Leader
Julie Haggie – CEO, Transparency International NZ
We are honoured to welcome these speakers to the conversation and grateful for the depth of insight they bring. Their collective voices remind us that art is never just art—it is a form of resistance, a tool for justice, and a force for change. This kōrero is part of a wider journey to centre imagination in our shared futures, where stories are seen, heard, and felt.
Live music performed by Rameka Tamaki
Come for the art. Stay for the conversation. Leave changed.
Speakers’ Biographies
Panel Chair - Dr Gill Greer
Dr Gill Greer, CBE, MNZM, PhD, D.Lit. is a distinguished advocate for women’s rights and human rights, with a lifelong commitment to advancing gender equality. Formerly Director-General of the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF), she led work across 160 countries and played a key role in the development of the Declaration of Sexual Rights and numerous UN delegations. She also served as Chief Executive of New Zealand Family Planning, and later as CEO of Volunteer Service Abroad and the National Council of Women. Dr Greer began her career as a teacher and writer, and later held senior leadership roles at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington, including Assistant Vice-Chancellor and Director of Student Services. She was awarded a Doctor of Literature (D.Lit.) by the university in recognition of her contributions.
Named one of the "100 most inspiring people who have delivered for women and girls," she continues to speak, mentor, and facilitate conversations on human rights, gender, and climate justice.
Maddie Brooks Gillespie
Maddie Brooks Gillespie is an emerging curator and academic based in Te Whanganui-a-Tara. She is currently completing her Master’s in the Tāhuhu Kōrero Toi Art History programme at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington. Her curatorial practice is grounded in the interdisciplinary field of environmental humanities, with particular attention to memory, history, place, and performance in contemporary art. In 2024, Maddie was appointed the New Zealand Portrait Gallery Te Pūkenga Whakaata Liz Stringer Curatorial Intern. Her work reflects a deep commitment to critical thinking, research-driven curating, and the role of art in responding to ecological and cultural narratives.
Dr Pushpa Wood
Dr Pushpa Wood is the Director of the NZ Financial Education and Research Centre at Massey University. Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for her contributions to financial literacy becoming the first person in New Zealand to be recognised in both fields, and the first Indian woman to receive such a distinction. Dr Wood has worked extensively across the education and industry sectors, leading initiatives to strengthen adult and financial literacy. Her leadership has shaped national standards through her advisory work with the New Zealand Qualifications Authority, contributing to women’s empowerment, and financial literacy unit standards. A leading academic in financial capability, she is recognised for developing tools and training programmes to support educators in the field. Her research focuses on financial literacy, workforce development, and empowering women through financial independence.
Tanya Ruka
Tanya Ruka (Ngāti Pakau, Ngāpuhi) is a designer, researcher, and contemporary artist specialising in communication design and social innovation. She is Programme Lead for Design for Social Innovation at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington, where her work engages Indigenous methodologies, speculative design, and AI-driven futures. Tanya’s research centres on decolonial world-building, environmental regeneration, and Indigenous data sovereignty. As a practising artist, her work is held in both private and public collections across Aotearoa and internationally, reflecting a deep commitment to art as a vehicle for systemic change and cultural resurgence.
Kiren Thathiah
Professor Kiren Thathiah is an artist, academic, teacher, and writer with a distinguished career in the fields of art, education, and policy development. Originally from South Africa, his artistic work has been widely exhibited internationally, and features in major public collections. One of University of Pretoria’s 100 most significant artists Professor Thathiah has served on the boards of the South African National Gallery, the Iziko Museums of Cape Town, and the National Arts Council. His academic and creative work explores technology, education, art, social transformation, and cross-cultural narratives. His contributions to national arts policy include international research into funding models for the South African National Arts Council. A published novelist and poet, he now lives in Wellington and continues to support community development.
Julie Haggie
Julie Haggie is Chief Executive of Transparency International New Zealand (TINZ), the national chapter of a global movement dedicated to promoting transparency, integrity, and accountability in public life. Since her appointment in 2018, she has led strategic initiatives across public sector ethics, political integrity, business accountability, and regional collaboration, particularly with Pacific partners. Julie brings over 25 years of senior leadership experience across regulatory and industry bodies, including in home support services and the veterinary profession, following an early career in secondary education. At TINZ, she facilitates research, advocacy, and education projects on behalf of the board, working closely with expert volunteers.
The Female Gaze and How It Shapes Our World
8 May - 30 May
This May, Toi Pōneke Gallery presents a compelling mother-son exhibition that reclaims vision and voice through the powerful mediums of painting and photography. Featuring the evocative work of Ashraf Pirnia and Pedram Pirnia, this showcase dives into deep introspection and feminist resistance, amplifying silenced voices and uncovering layers of identity, truth, and transformation.
