Today marks a special milestone for Te Papa. Our beloved Hosts and Tour Guides are stepping into brand new uniforms – the latest evolution of what we’ve always called our “Fun Shirts”. Te Papa’s Tumu Whakarae Chief Executive Courtney Johnston reflects on the evolution of the museum’s iconic Host uniforms and what putting on that shirt means to her personally.
From Fun Shirts to sustainable style
When Te Papa opened its doors in 1998, everything about us was designed to be different. We were a new kind of museum: inclusive, popular, and yes – fun. Central to this vision were our Hosts, whose bright turquoise and terracotta shirts with bold yellow thumbprints literally announced “we’re here to help, and we’re approachable”.
Those original shirts were manufactured by Brooker-Spalding and designed by Saatchi & Saatchi. They were heavy cotton that felt like rugby jerseys, and they came in two meaningful colours: turquoise blue representing Ranginui and terracotta orange representing Papatūānuku.
I started my museum career as a Te Papa Host in 2000, and getting allocated my two shirts felt like a big deal. Putting on that uniform before each shift always flicked a switch – it put me in “host mode”. How could I make every visitor’s experience that day as good as it could be?
Natural evolution for natural fibres
Fast forward to 2025, and our new uniforms represent both continuity and change. The iconic thumbprint remains, but now it sits on spring-green shirts made from natural fibres by Wellington company Little Yellow Bird – no more polyester!
This shift to natural fibres reflects our Papatūānuku commitment to sustainability. Our Kaihautū Māori Co-Leader Dr Arapata Hakiwai puts it perfectly: “We are delighted to have a new uniform that reflects our commitment to sustainability. The natural fibres and refined design will keep our Hosts feeling great, so they can take the best possible care of our visitors”.
More than just a uniform change
This isn’t just about new clothes – it’s about honouring the incredible manaakitanga our Hosts provide every single day. These highly-trained professionals are the public face of Te Papa, known for their warm welcome, deep knowledge, and extraordinary care for our visitors.
The timing feels particularly special given our recent recognition as TripAdvisor’s #1 attraction in New Zealand and top 1% worldwide. To maintain our number one status in our first year of charging international visitors shows that our Hosts – in whatever uniform they wear – are absolutely smashing it.
Preserving our history
While we embrace this new chapter, we haven’t forgotten our roots. Examples of those original Fun Shirts are now part of our national collection, taking their rightful place in Aotearoa New Zealand and Te Papa’s history.
It’s been a long journey from those first heavy cotton shirts to today’s sustainable, refined design. But one thing remains constant: when our Hosts put on their uniform – whether it was turquoise, orange, blue, or now spring-green – they’re ready to make every visitor’s experience unforgettable.
That’s what I felt putting on my Host shirt over two decades ago, and I know our current Hosts feel the exact same pride today.
Learn more
Visiting Te Papa and meet our Host team
