Puawai Cairns

Puawai Cairns has a diverse range of work experience, primarily in the museum and arts sectors. Puawai began their career in 2001 as an Education Advisor and Research Coordinator at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa. In 2003, they joined the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa as a Concept Developer. Puawai then worked at Tar Baby Talent Ltd. as the Owner and Creative Director. From 2007 to 2011, they worked at Creative New Zealand as a Policy and Projects Advisor for Māori Arts. Returning to the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa in 2011, they held various roles including Curator, Senior Curator, and Head of Mātauranga Māori. Puawai'smost recent position is the Director of Audience and Insights.

From 1996 to 2001, Puawai Cairns attended The University of Waikato where they pursued a Master of Arts degree with First Class Honours. Puawai'sfield of study focused on Screen and Media / English. Notably, they became the first Māori graduate to achieve an MA in English from Waikato University.