Executive committee

The INNZ executive committee represents a wide range of interpretive experience and background and is responsible for running the network, organising the workshops and annual AGM.

Lynda Burns (Chair)

Lynda has worked in interpretation since the late 1970s, running her first guided programme at Tongariro National Park. She currently leads the Visitor Experience Team in Christchurch’s city parks and gardens. As a hangover from 15 years as an interpretation consultant and trainer she recently advised on a Panda Rescue Visitor Centre in China.

Teresa Fogarty (Treasurer)

A life-long fan of museums, I’ve spent over a decade gaining experience in a range of museum roles and currently hold the position of Visitor Experience Manager at the Otago Museum. I enjoy learning of all the different methods used to engage people in different ways, in different fields and at different sites. It’s great to be involved with INNZ, providing forums through which we can share and be inspired by innovative interpretation in all its forms.

Lara Simmons (Secretary)

As Interpreters, I believe we are advocates for meaning. I am currently working for Wellington City Council working to establish an Interpretation Strategy for our public places. I am passionate about finding innovative ways to create connections in our urban places through interpretation. I love to use my creativity and passion for education to develop immersive and personal experiences that use all our senses.

Wiebke Finkler

With a background in Science Communication, Filmmaking, and Marine Biology I’m interested in how to use strategic science communication for sustainable tourism management, conservation and human-wildlife interactions. I have a special interest in how video, when combined with community based social marketing approaches, can be used as a tool for change and social impact. I also run science communication and filmmaking workshops both in New Zealand and internationally.

Michelene Newton

I have been involved in interpretation all my life, but didn’t know it. I have always had a fascination for stories and am one of those people who take tours, reads signs and watches videos when I visit places. I love it when I see something new that challenges my way of thinking about things. I have worked for Auckland Botanic Gardens for 15 years and had the opportunity in managing visitor services to find ways to engage with our visitors, share our stories and connect people with plants. Learning from others, sharing knowledge, experiencing other storytellers and exploring new technology and tools to support our aims has been the journey we have taken at the Gardens. INNZ provides a network of a variety of interpreters from different fields and enables me to hear about both success stories within the interpretive field and learnings from activity that wasn’t so successful. This generosity of spirit and passion for interpretation makes the INNZ network an exciting group of people to connect with.