Each year the College of Creative Arts brings an internationally significant photographic historian, theorist or artist to Wellington to deliver the annual Peter Turner Memorial Lecture.

The lecture has been established in the memory of the late Peter Turner—photographic historian, curator, author, editor, publisher and teacher. Associated with the memorial lecture is a Masters scholarship in Peter Turner’s name in documentary photography at Whiti o Rehua School of Art, Massey University.

The scholarship and memorial lecture series were launched in 2008 and are supported by a funds appeal. Donations to the fund may be made to the Massey University Foundation.

Massey University’s Whiti o Rehua School of Art, in partnership with Te Papa Tongarewa is delighted to announce the 2024 Peter Turner Memorial Lecture.

Anthony Luvera has been at the forefront of socially engaged photography for over twenty years. Working in concert with people who are marginalised, overly spoken for, and misrepresented, his practice is built on dialogue, trust, participation, and co-creation. Through long-term collaborative projects, often embedded within the support services of health and social care organisations, Anthony’s work addresses issues such as homelessness, housing justice, and queer representation. His exhibitions take place in the public realm as often as they are seen in galleries or museums. His publications have been distributed freely to residents across cities, and sent directly to local and national policymakers in support of efforts to campaign for improvements to public services. For the 2024 Peter Turner Memorial Lecture, Anthony will present a survey of past and recent projects, sharing his observations on some of the critical questions and creative strategies he uses in his practice, reflecting on working with photography, collaboration, and social action.

Free entry, however bookings are advised. Doors open at 6.15pm, Lecture at 6.30pm.

This year’s lecture is proudly sponsored by Splendid Photo in Te Whanganui-a-tara Wellington and Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, and is presented as the start of the Photobook/NZ festival, 8 - 11 August. Please see www.photobooknz.com/programme for details and links to book their events over the weekend.

Lily-Rose, 3; Rachael, 20 from Families Living in Temporary Accommodation by Anthony Luvera.

Rosanna Raymond presented the Massey University Peter Turner Memorial Lecture in 2017, in association with Te Papa Tongarewa.

Guest lecturers

2023—Lissa Mitchell
2022—Fiona Clark
2021—Yvonne Todd
2020—Cristina de Middel
2019—Dr Yasufumi Nakamori
2018—Jem Southam
2017—Rosanna Raymond
2016—Susan Bright
2015—Paul Seawright
2014—Robin Hammond (alumnus)
2013—Geoffrey Batchen
2012—William Yang 
2011—Cathie Opie 
2010—Thomas Ruff  
2009—Anne Marsh  
2008—Helen Ennis

In 2012, 2013 and 2023 an accompanying day symposium was held with international and New Zealand speakers.