About the New Zealand Egyptology Society
The New Zealand Egyptological Society Incorporated aims to promote, support and engage with ancient Egyptian culture and archaeology associated with any connection to Aotearoa New Zealand, as well modern Egypt and the Egyptian people. We provide a forum to facilitate education and discussions about the origin, history, dispersion and development of ancient Egyptian culture and language from the earliest times until the end of the Roman Empire.
• Education and Knowledge Sharing: Making Egyptology and archaeology accessible to both academics and the wider public.
• Community and Inclusivity: Welcoming everyone, from experts to enthusiasts, to learn and share their passion.
• Cultural Respect, Honouring both ancient and modern Egyptian culture and traditions.
• Exploration and Discovery: Leading expeditions that go beyond typical tourist paths, offering unique experiences and firsthand learning.
• Academic Advancement: Advocating for the inclusion of Egyptology in New Zealand universities and supporting higher studies in archaeology and ancient history.
• Leadership Development: Cultivating the next generation of Egyptologists, researchers, and cultural ambassadors.
• Integrity and Preservation: Promoting responsible study, ethical travel, and respect for heritage sites.
1. Community Building: Create a vibrant society of members who are passionate about Egyptology, archaeology, and cultural studies.
2. Education and Awareness: Host lectures, workshops, publications, and digital resources to expand knowledge of ancient Egypt and its global significance.
3. Expeditions and Study Tours: Organize unique journeys to Egypt and other regions of archaeological importance, providing participants with access to sites, experts, and experiences beyond conventional tourism.
4. Academic Advocacy: Collaborate with universities and institutions to establish Egyptology as a recognized field of study in New Zealand at undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
5. Partnerships: Build connections with international Egyptological institutes, museums, and scholars to foster exchange programs and collaborative research.
6. Future Leaders: Inspire and support young scholars and students to pursue careers in archaeology, history, and cultural heritage management.
7. Cultural Exchange: Encourage appreciation not only for ancient Egypt but also for modern Egyptian traditions, arts, and society.
8. Research and Publication: Provide a platform for members to publish and share research, discoveries, and insights with both academic and public audiences.
9. Public Engagement: Organize cultural events such as exhibitions, Egyptian Days, film screenings, and discussions to make Egypt’s ancient civilization come alive in New Zealand.
10. Heritage Preservation: Advocate for the protection of archaeological sites and promote awareness of responsible tourism and cultural respect.
Our Story
“Organized __ expeditions in Egypt since ___”
“Published __ journal articles / books”
“Trained __ students / volunteers”
“Collaborated with __ Egyptian universities / museums”
“Launched __ public lectures across NZ”
Membership & Support
Jennifer Hellum is senior lecturer in Egyptology at the University of Auckland. Her specialties are the hieroglyphic language, Egyptian religion, and Orientalism in Egyptology. She has excavated at Abu Sha’ar (Red Sea coast), the Giza Plateau, Mendes (Egyptian Delta), and Abydos in Middle Egypt. She loves Egypt and the Egyptians, ancient and modern.
Vice-President
Caleb Hamilton holds a PhD from Monash University and other degrees from the University of Auckland. His research has focussed on foreign interactions during the Early Dynastic Period, with recent interests in decolonisation in Egyptology and academia. His other interests include New Zealand archaeology, history, and cultural heritage and wider conservation for taonga tuku ihu within Te Ao Māori.
Elizabeth Eltze graduated with a PhD in Ancient History, focused on Nubiology, from the University of Auckland in 2019. She is passionate about African history and continues to research and teach ancient Egyptian and ancient Sudanese history, and modern African history, with a focus on northeast Africa. Her other passions are books, cats, and championing equity for traditionally under-represented groups.
Nicky has been studying the ancient world since her bachelor’s degree in the 1990s – particularly Greek history. She is currently completing her PhD, working on the description of physical objects and phenomena in the Egyptian logos of Herodotus’ Histories. The use of the senses and the expression of that use in prose history is her main area of interest. She also dabbles in aesthetics and early Greek philosophy.
Joseph Main has been studying Ancient Egypt since his childhood, from doing Classics in college to undergrad and up to his Master’s degree at the University of Auckland. He is currently with Auckland War Memorial Museum Tāmaki Paenga Hira as the Membership Coordinator and also teaches ancient medical history with the University of Auckland. In his spare time, he likes gaming and seeking out new restaurants and food trucks with his wife.
Raed Elkabbany is passionate about connecting the world to modern and ancient Egyptian culture. He facilitates excellent experiences in Egypt through his role as Managing Director (NZ) with Vantage Travel International. Raed supports the local Egyptian community through connection with the Egyptian consulate, locally-based New Zealand organised Egyptian cultural experiences, and any opportunity to promote and strengthen the bond between these two unique cultures.
Steph graduated with her Masters in Ancient History from the University of Auckland in 2016, focussing on Ethics in Egyptian texts. She is passionate about Egyptian literature, especially wisdom literature. She is a part-time primary school teacher, and is an Adjunct Fellow with the New Zealand Initiative, where she contributes to developing research-informed policy advice for Education in New Zealand. She is also passionate about food, her growing collection of houseplants, and her puppy Arthur.
Anna received a PhD in Ancient History from the University of Auckland in 2022. Her areas of interest include the religious texts and beliefs of the Egyptian Old Kingdom, especially the Pyramid Texts. Her other interests include turning her apartment into a houseplant jungle and falling in love with every dog she meets.
I completed with my Master of Arts in Ancient History in 2019 from at Waipapa Taumata Rau – the University of Auckland. I am interested in Egyptology, geography, nineteenth century New Zealand, and how colonialism and imperialism is interwoven among them. I am currently learning Mandarin Chinese and writing a book about Tararū, a small-town north of my hometown, Thames, while exploring doctoral opportunities.
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FAQs
Yes. NZES periodically arranges guided study tours to Egypt, led by professional Egyptologists. Each tour focuses on specific archaeological sites and provides behind-the-scenes access to ongoing research.
