We are delighted to confirm details about our next New Zealand Art Crime Research Trust Symposium, with thanks to our sponsor, Tompkins Wake, and our venue partner, Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki.
Saturday 19 September 2026
9.30am-4.30pm
Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki Auditorium, Corner of Wellesley Street East and Kitchener Street, Auckland CBD.
Conference fees:
Students $70.00
Early bird (register and pay by Sunday, 9 August 2026) $120.00
Full fee (from Monday, 10 August 2026) $135.00
Please register using this form..
Spread the word far and wide to make our one-day symposium a(nother) big and exciting event!
Announcing our keynote speaker!
We are delighted to announce Dr Melanie Pitken of University of Sydney as the keynote speaker for the Symposium.
“The Role of Museums in Managing Unprovenanced Antiquities:
Ethical Stewardship of Legacy Collections and Privately Held
Antiquities”
Dr Melanie Pitkin is Senior Curator of the Nicholson Collection of antiquities and archaeology at the Chau Chak Wing Museum at the University of Sydney. She has extensive experience working in museums in Australia and the United Kingdom, and providing support to colleagues at museums in Egypt.
Melanie holds a PhD in Egyptology and an honours degree in ancient history from Macquarie University, and a Masters in Museum Studies from the University of Sydney. She has published widely and curated numerous exhibitions.
First speaker confirmed!
We are excited to confirm our first speaker: Ben Ashley, Aon New Zealand.
“Art Crime, Real Costs: Inside the Insurance Response”
Ben Ashley is Principal Art & Collections Valuer at Aon New Zealand, where he leads the firm’s valuation and risk advisory service for private, institutional, corporate and local government collections. He provides valuations for insurance, financial reporting and market assessment, and advises clients on environmental, security and market risks to significant works. Ben also works closely with institutions and collectors on insurance placement and indemnity structures that support long-term stewardship and resilience. Before joining Aon in 2023, he spent seven years as Director of his own advisory firm, Ashley & Associates, and previously held senior specialist and management roles at Webb’s Auction House in Auckland. He is particularly recognised for guiding clients through complex loss scenarios, assessing loss of value and working with insurers and other stakeholders to achieve fair, well-documented claim outcomes.
And our second speaker is …
We are so pleased to announce Dr Diana Burton, Te Herenga Waka Victoria University of Wellington
“The stolen head: A case study in the costs of antiquities theft”
Victoria University Classics Museum holds a Roman portrait head purchased in 2003, and since found to be illegally dug up and smuggled out of Italy, which is the object of a repatriation agreement with Italy. Diana Burton, the curator, discusses the background around its return, and considers the costs and consequences for museum collections and for the study of antiquity.
We also welcome …
Conservator emeritus at Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki and artist, Sarah Hillary
“What impact might conservation have on the cost of art crime?”
During her 40-year career as a painting conservator at the Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki, Sarah Hillary has been involved in the treatment of two major artworks damaged by theft and contributed to the identification of a number of forgeries. There is no perfect treatment as compromises are inevitable and attempts to authenticate are rarely conclusive. The best outcomes are the result of research and collaboration. Hillary will discuss the impact of conservation decisions on the results of art crime during her career.
The New Zealand Art Crime Research Trust 