Presenter

Cecelia Kumeroa, Te Atihaunui-a-Pāpārangi, holds a Bachelor of Fine Art from Quay School of Art and a Master of Computer Graphic Design from Whanganui School of Design. Formerly a lecturer in Visual Arts and Graphic Design, she is now Curator of Programmes and Engagement at Te Whare o Rehua Sarjeant Gallery. As a member of the Whanganui Kūaka Collective, she has presented collaborative art and science projects and workshops in Alaska and Norway, representing Whanganui Iwi and building relationships with other Indigenous peoples across the Arctic and Asia-Pacific regions.

Cecelia led Te Kāhui Toi o Tupoho in the co-design of Te Pātaka o Tā Te Atawhai Archie John Taiaroa with Ralph Roberts of Warren and Mahoney for the redevelopment of Te Whare o Rehua Sarjeant Gallery, following a decade of leadership as arts representative for Te Rūnanga o Tupoho, Whanganui Iwi. She worked as a designer and cultural lead for the award-winning project, which secured the city’s first Purple Pin and multiple Gold Pins at the 2025 Best Awards. She is currently an ambassador for Whanganui UNESCO City of Design, representing Te Rūnanga o Tupoho, while continuing her art and design practice.