The cry of the Kākā beak hastens the awakening of the heavens and earth
Our history
Established in 2004, Te Wai Ngutu Kākā is a not-for-profit contemporary art and design gallery based at Auckland University of Technology, Tāmaki Makaurau. It operates three gallery spaces on the City Campus within the School of Art and Design, and an additional outdoor projection space which operates nightly on St Paul Street.
The Gallery is dedicated to the development of contemporary art and design through a curated programme of exhibitions, events, symposia and publications focused both locally and internationally. Te Wai Ngutu Kākā embraces one of the primary instructions for universities in the New Zealand Education Act (1989), that they ‘accept a role as critic and conscience of society.’ Through our programmes we also interrogate the proposition that the arts have a particular capacity to speak critically about society.
Our team is staffed by Stephen Cleland (Curator and Manager), Eddie Clemens (Gallery Technician), Mitchell McGrath (Gallery Assistant), and Nat Tozer (Operations Administrator).
Our name
Our new name connects two concepts: a ‘wai’ (stream/waterway) and the ngutu kākā, a native plant characterised by its distinctive flowers that resemble the ngutu (beak) of the kākā (an endangered New Zealand parrot). Like it’s endangered namesake, ngutu kākā plants are rarely seen in the wild, yet historically they are believed to have flourished in the vicinity of the gallery in proximity to many puna wai (springs) which run along the ridge line to this day.
The Gallery operated as ST PAUL St from 2004-2023. Its new title evokes a deeper connection to natural ecosystem where the Gallery resides, which existed for thousands of years prior to European settlement. For further information please refer to the exhibition guide for the 2023 identity launch exhibition.
Team
Stephen Cleland
Stephen Cleland joined Te Wai Ngutu Kākā in 2023. An experienced curator and writer, Cleland has previously held key curatorial and leadership roles at several leading art institutions across Aotearoa New Zealand, including Tauranga Art Gallery (2021-2023), Te Pātaka Toi Adam Art Gallery (2015-2020), Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki (2014-2015), The Physics Room, and Te Tuhi.
Nat Tozer
Nat Tozer is an artist and arts administrator. She brings experience to her role through her exhibition history, and roles in various artist run initiatives and arts organisations. She is currently the Founder and Curator at mothermother ARI, the Treasurer at Artspace Aotearoa, and Director at LOT23 Media who specialise in producing moving-image art forms for visual artists representing Aotearoa internationally.
Eddie Clemens
Eddie Clemens is a highly experienced exhibition designer and manager who has led and facilitated numerous installations over the past decade.
A leading contemporary sculptor, Clemens’ solo practice has been presented in high-profile public and private galleries across Aotearoa and internationally. His works are held in public collections across Aotearoa, including Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki, Christchurch Art Gallery, The Chartwell Collection, and Victoria University of Wellington. He recently completed two major sculpture commissions, Cognitive Reorientation (Dodge Monaco 1977) for the inaugural Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial (2024-25), and Fibre Optic Colonnade Car Wash (2025-), a permanent installation in Shed 21, 28 Waterloo Quay, commissioned by the Wellington Sculpture Trust.
Mitch McGrath
Mitchell McGrath is a designer based in Tāmaki Makaurau. His work explores notions of spatial perception and how imaging techniques can be used to create embodied materiality in spaces, objects and experiences. Having earned an MDes at Auckland University of Technology, his expanded practice continues to investigate material experiences and how these transform from one medium to another. He is currently a Gallery Assistant at Te Wai Ngutu Kākā Gallery, where he delves into the many facets of exhibition making.
“Volunteering was a great way to learn how the gallery works and connect with artists in Aotearoa.”
Volunteering
We’re currently accepting expressions of interest to join a cohort of 12 volunteers for each semester.
The commitment is a weekly two shift from either 10am - 12:30pm, 12:30 - 3pm or 3 - 5pm, between Tuesdays and Fridays.
In exchange you’ll gain hands-on experience with gallery operations and administration, and the opportunity to build relationships with artists, our team, arts professionals and with each other as a cohort. Training, induction and on-going support will be provided.
If you are interested please submit an application via the link below:
FAQ
Te Wai Ngutu Kākā is free to visit daily and is located on 40 and 27 St Paul
Street, Tāmaki Makaurau. Looking for more information? Get in touch with us here.
Where are you located?
Where are you located?
Te Wai Ngutu Kākā Galleries are in the heart of AUT’s city campus in Auckland CBD.
Gallery 1 and 2
Occupy Level 1 (Ground Floor) of the School of Art and Design (WM) Building at 40 St Paul Street.
Gallery 3
Is located directly across the road inn the entrance foyer of the WE Building Level 3 (Street Level) at 27 St Paul Street.
For further information see our Visitor Page.
When are you open?
When are you open?
Gallery 1 and 2
10 am — 5 pm Tuesday to Friday
12 pm — 4 pm Saturday
Closed Sunday, Monday, Public Holidays, and during exhibition changeovers.
Gallery 3
Please check individual exhibitions for hours.
Is your venue accessible?
Is your venue accessible?
Yes! All our galleries and amenities are at street level, with automatic doors and ramps providing comfortable wheelchair access. If you need further assistance please contact the gallery in advance of your visit.
How to get here?
How to get here?
Our gallery is nestled in the heart of AUT’s city campus, a short 5 minute walk from Queen Street, Auckland Central.
Street Parking is available on St Paul Street and the surrounding inner city streets. However as parking is in high demand during the university semesters, we also recommend The Wilson Street Parking Building, which is located very close to the Gallery at 56 Wakefield Street.
The Gallery is a 15 minute walk from Britomart Station, and many other bus routes include stops close to the Gallery. Please visit Auckland Transport for the most up to date information on public transport options to the Gallery.
By Foot: Te Wai Ngutu Kāka Gallery is a short 5 min walk from Auckland Art Gallery Toi O Tamaki.
