I am an Associate Professor in Museum and Heritage Studies at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington. My research, teaching, writing, and advisory work focus on how organisations can create spaces and conditions for dialogue and shared meaning.

Across museums, heritage sites, cultural institutions, communities, and natural environments, I explore how meaningful encounters can strengthen relationships between people, cultures, heritage, places, and nature. My work investigates how dialogue, participation, and shared experiences contribute to understanding, belonging, and positive social and environmental change.

I am internationally recognised for my research on visitor studies, intercultural dialogue, museums, heritage, public engagement, and cultural diplomacy. I have worked with organisations around the world, including UNESCO, museums and heritage organisations, universities, and community partners. My publications include influential books and guides such as Cosmopolitan Ambassadors: International Exhibitions, Cultural Diplomacy and the Polycentral Museum, Intercultural Dialogue at Museums and Heritage Sites: A Guide to Theory and Practice, and The Visitor Studies Guide: Theory and Practice for Heritage Contexts.

My research spans museums, heritage sites, tourism and visitor experiences, public spaces, and natural environments. A central concern running through my work is how organisations can move beyond simply providing information to creating environments in which people can engage with different perspectives, develop shared meaning, and build meaningful relationships. Drawing on research, evaluation, and collaborative practice, I help organisations develop new approaches to visitor and community engagement, intercultural dialogue, heritage interpretation, participation, and human–nature relationships.

Teaching and supervision are central to my work. I teach in Museum and Heritage Studies and supervise postgraduate students working across museums, heritage, visitor studies, public engagement, cultural policy, and related fields. I am particularly interested in supporting the next generation of researchers and practitioners and strengthening connections between research and practice.