Phil Edgar appointed Deputy Chief Executive, Collections, Knowledge, and Communities
Ko Phil Edgar te rangatira i whakakī te tūranga o te Deputy Chief Executive – Collections, Knowledge and Communities. Kei te tino harikoa mātou o Te Papa no te mea ka nui ōna pūkenga, ōna wheako, tōna mātauranga.
Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa has appointed Phil Edgar as Deputy Chief Executive, Collections, Knowledge, and Communities.
Phil Edgar, 2026. Photo by Michael O'Neill. Te Papa
With 25 years of experience at Te Papa and a Master of Arts in Anthropology from the University of Otago, Phil brings a deep understanding of collections, research, and public engagement, alongside extensive museum leadership experience.
Te Papa Chief Executive | Tumu Whakarae Courtney Johnston and Kaihautū | Māori Co-leader Dr Arapata Hakiwai are pleased to be making this appointment from within the Te Papa whare.
"Phil has made an enormous contribution to the museum over the past 25 years, and his experience, leadership, and the respect he has earned across the organisation make him exceptionally well placed for this role,” says Ms Johnston.
“There's real value in being able to make an internal appointment, reflecting the strength of leadership within Te Papa."
Dr Hakiwai believes Phil's extensive experience and collaborative approach will serve Te Papa well.
"Phil understands the importance of our collections, our relationships, and our responsibilities as a bicultural museum. He brings curiosity, collegiality and a strong commitment to mana taonga and working alongside communities," says Dr Hakiwai.
Over his 25-year career at Te Papa, Phil has held leadership roles across collections, access, and digital innovation, helping transform the way people engage with the national collection through digitisation programmes, Collections Online, and major collection management systems.
As Head of Natural History since 2019, Phil has led biodiversity research, cross-disciplinary collaboration and iwi engagement, and has played a key leadership role in the development of Te Papa's Biodiversity Research Centre, currently being constructed in Upper Hutt.
For the past 12 months Phil has been the museum’s acting Director, Collections, and Research, following the retirement of Dr Dean Peterson.
“I have learned so much from the talented and committed people in this directorate, past and present, and I feel incredibly privileged to take on this role permanently,” says Phil.
“Te Papa has been my professional home for more than two decades and I'm excited to continue supporting the work that cares for collections, grows knowledge, strengthens relationships with communities, and helps more people connect with the taonga and stories entrusted to us.”
Media contact Heather Byrne | 029 601 0120 | heather.byrne@tepapa.govt.nz