The 2026 Bill Milbank Memorial Lecture
Proudly supported by Murray and Denise Lazelle
Karen Walker announced as presenter of the 2026 Bill Milbank Memorial Lecture
Te Whare o Rehua Sarjeant Gallery is delighted to announce Karen Walker, one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most influential and internationally recognised designers, will present the 2026 Bill Milbank Memorial Lecture at the Sarjeant Gallery on 4 November.
Renowned for her creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurial vision, Karen Walker has inspired audiences worldwide while championing New Zealand design.
Acclaimed fashion designer and cultural advocate Karen Walker is recognised for her distinctive aesthetic and entrepreneurial vision. She has built an internationally celebrated brand while maintaining a strong commitment to creativity, innovation, and cultural storytelling. Her work spans fashion, jewellery, eyewear, publishing, and advocacy, and includes cross-disciplinary collaborations with many high-profile brands including Resene, Disney, Sephora and Uniqlo.
The annual Bill Milbank Memorial Lecture honours the legacy of former Te Whare o Rehua Sarjeant Gallery Director, Bill Milbank QSO (1948-2023) whose wide-ranging interests are the source of inspiration for this programme. Milbank’s deep commitment to the arts, education and civic life helped shape Whanganui’s cultural landscape and his impact was felt nationally. Established to foster thoughtful discussion and inspire new ways of thinking, the annual lecture invites creative leaders to share insights from their fields of expertise and reflect on the role and value of creativity in our society today.
Sarjeant Gallery director Andrew Clifford said Walker’s appointment continues the lecture’s tradition of bringing exceptional thinkers and practitioners to Whanganui.
“Walker is one of New Zealand’s most significant creative leaders. Through her remarkable career she has demonstrated how imagination, resilience, and originality can transcend national boundaries and connect with audiences around the world. Her perspective on creativity, leadership, and working collaboratively will be both inspiring and thought-provoking.”
Alongside her achievements in fashion, Walker has been an outspoken supporter of New Zealand creativity and a champion of emerging talent, helping to elevate the profile of local design on an international stage.
The 2026 lecture will explore themes of creativity, entrepreneurship, cultural identity, and innovation in an increasingly interconnected world. Drawing on her experiences as a designer, business leader and creative collaborator, Walker will offer audiences her perspective on the opportunities and challenges facing contemporary creative practice.
This announcement reflects the Sarjeant Gallery’s ongoing commitment to presenting ambitious public programmes that engage audiences with leading voices from across the arts and cultural sector. Since its inception in 2024, the Bill Milbank Memorial Lecture has provided a platform for meaningful discussion and has become an anticipated event in the gallery’s annual calendar.
As New Zealand’s only UNESCO City of Design, Whanganui continues to strengthen its reputation as a centre for arts, culture, and design thinking. The Bill Milbank Memorial Lecture has established itself as an important opportunity for audiences to engage directly with influential figures whose work shapes national and international conversations.
Detail:
Karen Walker presents the 2026 Bill Milbank Memorial Lecture
Proudly supported by Murray and Denise Lazelle
Wednesday 4 November
5pm Doors open, 5.30pm Lecture.
Tickets: $50, 10% discount for Friends of the Sarjeant Gallery
Tickets: at the gallery or online at: https://shop.sarjeant.org.nz/collections/events/products/karen-walker-presents-the-2026-bill-milbank-memorial-lecture
Venue: Te Whare o Rehua Sarjeant Gallery, 4 Pukenamu Drive, Whanganui
Following the seated lecture, guests are invited to mingle and enjoy a complimentary glass of wine and nibbles. A cash bar will also be available for additional refreshments.
Media contact and enquiries:
For any further information please contact Jaki.Arthur@sarjeant.org.nz Te Whare o Rehua Sarjeant Gallery Communications Lead (027 5774923)
