Jessica Hatfield

Kia ora, I’m Jessica Hatfield, Senior Events Coordinator at Tūhura Otago Museum. I’m proud to say I’m Dunedin born and bred. While I once thought I’d leave in my early 20s, I’ve come to love this city more with every passing year.

After a short stint at university, I found my feet at Otago Polytechnic, studying a Bachelor of Applied Management with a major in Event Management. I earned distinction for my research into what motivates tertiary students to attend charity events—an area that still shapes how I think about community engagement. I also gained hospitality and cooking qualifications through Service IQ, which have been unexpectedly handy in my events career.

I’ve always worked in hospitality, so transitioning into events was a natural move. I never imagined my first big role would be in a museum, but it turned out to be a brilliant place to start.

What I love most is working with such a wide range of people—from curators and educators to external clients and performers. There’s always something new to learn and someone fascinating to meet. It’s an incredibly creative and collaborative environment.

As Senior Events Coordinator, no two days are the same. One night, I might be wrangling excited children at a pyjama party, and the next I’m running a formal corporate dinner or wedding reception.

My job involves managing everything from client communications and bookings to on-the-day logistics, set-up, and pack-down. I love seeing an event come to life—especially when it’s a private event like a wedding or school ball. It’s a real privilege to be part of moments people will remember forever.

People might not realise how many interesting guests we host for public talks and special events. I’ve had the chance to meet some incredible thinkers, creatives, and storytellers—there’s never a dull moment.

I’ve got a soft spot for People of the World, especially the ceramics, swords, and vintage matchboxes. But one piece that really stands out is Sweet As by Madeleine Child in the New Zealand ceramics collection. It’s bold, a bit cheeky, and I feel like it would fit perfectly in my lounge at home.

At the heart of it, my job is about bringing people together. Whether it’s for fun, for learning, or to celebrate something special, I’m proud to help create those experiences here at the Museum.