Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga has announced the appointment of Dean Whiting MNZM as its new Chief Executive.
Mr Whiting (pictured) will move from his current position as Deputy Chief Executive Kaihautū Māori. Mr Whiting has been the Acting CEO since the completion of tenure of former CE, Andrew Coleman, last year.
As a long-serving staff member of Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga, Mr Whiting has led programmes supporting the protection, conservation, and celebration of Aotearoa New Zealand’s heritage places, taonga and cultural landscapes.
In 2023, Mr Whiting was made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) for services to Māori Arts, recognising his significant contribution to Māori arts revitalisation and preservation. His work has included hands on leadership of the Māori Built Heritage Programme of Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga, and wide-ranging support and advice to Māori communities across the motu.
“Dean’s appointment marks an important next step for Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga,” said Board Chair, Dame Jo Brosnahan.
“His deep experience, proven leadership and clear strategic focus give the Board great confidence as we enter a new phase of strengthening partnerships, supporting our people, and delivering on our long-term heritage responsibilities.”
Mr Whiting has also served on the Boards of the Arts Council of New Zealand, the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) and worked as a project conservator for the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa. He is currently chair of the Tohu Whenua heritage tourism programme and leading the governance oversight of seismic strengthening and adaptive reuse of Turnbull House in Wellington.
Deputy Chair of the Board and Chair of the Māori Heritage Council, Edward Ellison, welcomed the appointment.
“The legacy of Te Māori – the landmark international exhibition – lives on in this moment,” he said.
“Dean was part of the original cohort of conservators whose training was made possible by Te Māori, and he carries that whakapapa of heritage revitalisation into this role. It is deeply fitting that Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga is now led by someone shaped by that moment.”
