About Us

A modern translation of the word Kura is that of precious or prestigious. Kura refers to the red feathers that were worn by Rangitira (Māori Chiefs). These red feathers therefore became revered as being prestigious or precious.

Kura Gallery provides access for locals and international visitors to quality contemporary Māori and New Zealand art + design through well established & highly visible art spaces located in Wellington and Auckland. We value the authenticity of works from our Māori artists and operate as a licensed stockist for ‘Toi Iho’, the mark of authenticity and quality for Maori arts and crafts. Kura is owned and operated by Jude Dods and her son Ben Dods.

Kura Wellington Team

Jude Dods

Arts Director

Jude is a 7th generation New Zealander and affiliated to Papawai Marae, Wairarapa and Ngāi Tahu through her mother. Jude has a background in industrial design and art. She has lived and travelled extensively around the world and has first hand experience in recognising the value and importance of supporting indigenous arts. Jude opened her first gallery in Namibia, Africa, providing a space for local artists to sell their works and enabling opportunities for travellers to access authentic arts and crafts from the area. Jude opened her first Kura Gallery in Taupō 1998 with the same intention, recognising the lack of available gallery spaces for many of our talented and skilled artists to exhibit and promote their work.

Jude co-owned Kura Taupo with business partner Carol until 2000 when an opportunity to open another gallery in Wellington presented itself. Kura Taupo and Wellington kept the same name but the businesses was separated. Kura Auckland opened in December, 2002. Jude is a visionary and like the rest of the Kura team, very passionate about supporting the growth of Maori art and increasing the exposure of Maori and New Zealand art + design to locals and the international community.

Ben Dods

Business Director

Bachelor of Business – IT Major, Wellington. Associate Diploma in Mechanical Engineering. Ben joined Jude and the Kura fold in Wellington 2001.
He is the Business Manager for Kura Wellington and Auckland and is Kura’s number one problem solver and resourceful do-it-your-self master. He keeps the Kura whanau on target.

Sanne White – Ngā Puhi

Gallery Supervisor

Sanne does it all – from maintaining relationships with our artists and customers, to wrapping up your precious taonga, whether it be as a gift or travelling overseas. She plays a vital role in our team here at Kura, and her smile and giggles are contagious.

Jacquie Fee – Ngāti Haua, Ngāti Maniapoto

Gallery Assistant/ Social media content creator

A creative herself, Jacquie is a jeweller, singer, and lover of jazz, and brings her enthusiastic passion to her work in the gallery. Jacquie is great with our customers, always ready to help you find the perfect gift. You will find her in our Te Whanganui-a-Tara gallery throughout the week!

Francesca Gould – Waitaha, Kāti Mamoe, Kāi Tahu

Gallery Assistant/Social Media Content Creator

Francesca has always had a passion for art and the creative world. She is a recent graduate from Toi Rauwhārangi College of Creative Arts with a Bachelor of Design with Honours. Francesca originates from the Aoraki rohe – home to 412 Maori Rock art sites, the original art galleries of Aotearoa! She is responsible for Wellington Kura Gallery’s social media platforms, and you’ll see her in store on throughout most of the week.

Sian Kuka – Ngāi Te Rangi, Ngāti Ranginui

Gallery Assistant

Sian has been a wonderful member of our Kura Whānau for six years now. You will find her in the gallery throughout the week and ocasionally in the weekends- she is amazing with our customers and is sure to put a smile on your face!

Kura Auckland Team

Sera Clifton

Gallery Manager

Having relocated from Te Tairawhiti, where she spent 16 years raising her family and studying in various wananga, Sera joins the Kura Whanau to lead the team as Kaitiaki Taonga/Manager. Sera is a practicing multi media artist with a degree in contemporary Maori Visual Art (Toihoukura), has a background in retail gallery spaces and is a strong advocate for emerging toi Maori artists.