online shop     |     shopping cart
About usNews & MediaHistoryAnnual ReportThe Voyager story

Voyager New Zealand Maritime Museum is the new name for New Zealand’s national maritime museum.  

The name ‘Voyager’ was chosen because so much of New Zealand's evolution as a nation is founded on pioneering voyages of discovery - the explorative spirit of our seafaring nation.

In addition to a new name, Voyager’s visual identity also incorporates a bold and creative new mark with an image portal which creates a family of interchangeable marks - each telling its own story of maritime adventure and discovery.
 

  Voyager's core mark


Voyager's mark variations



Although it’s the most visible aspect, the museum’s new name is simply the beginning of an overarching Voyager strategy which will guide the museum towards fulfilling its potential as one of Auckland and New Zealand’s most important cultural institutions.  

A key focus for the museum has been increasing the relevancy of the rest of museum experience to meet the modern expectations that people now have for museums.

From an exhibitions perspective, the type of interactive, technology-rich experience that will be central to the Blue Water Black Magic exhibition will be increasingly replicated throughout the remainder of the museum, as part of the strategy to create more engaging, more appealing exhibitions with broad public appeal.

Other aspects of the Voyager strategy include a ‘black out’ of the museum’s significant building assets to give a better reflection of the size and scale of the experience on offer, the replacement of all external signage, a new arrival experience for visitors in our redesigned front of house facility, and an entirely new range of modern and stylish Voyager merchandise.

 
Hidden Treasure
Geoff Suvalko is a designer, strategist and advisor to Voyager New Zealand Maritime Museum. Geoff is a well known identity within the design industry, having lead many branding and design programs for clients such as Air New Zealand, DB Breweries and New Zealand Trade & Enterprise with his work having won numerous design awards both here in New Zealand as internationally. Geoff has also consulted on behalf of ‘Better By Design’ across many export orientated New Zealand organisations with a goal of increasing performance through design philosophy and process. Geoff is currently completing his Masters in Design at the world respected ‘Institute of Design’ in Chicago focussing on Design innovation. 

"As a nation we have a wealth of stories that don't get to see the light of day. Stories that are vital in helping us form a stronger sense of national identity. I'm currently studying here in the United States and have visited this country many times and each time I consistently get inspired by how important their history is to them. The heroes, the events, the places. Whether its walking the island of Alcatraz, being transported back in time at Plymouth plantation or walking the brick historic road in Boston - engaging experiences that with many others help forge and foster this nations pride in its identity.

New Zealand has similar stories that just need a place to be heard and felt. ‘Voyager’ is about a place that has the ability to engage people with stories of endeavor that they may never of known about. Not just about artifacts but the stories these objects or treasures represent. This was my motivation - to help the museum team to develop an approach to tell a different kind of story to the locals and visitors to Auckland. A stronger name that promises much more, a visual identity that stands tall and an evolving visitor experience that calls people from all walks of life."