Commemorating Kate Coolahan

Dr Catherine Coolahan ONZM 1930-2025

Kate Coolahan was an inaugural member of the Wellington Zonta Club when it was formed in May 1969 and in 2010 became an Honorary Member. Kate had a range of jobs in art including working for department stores and the Dominion Museum. She worked as a freelance designer and taught design at Wellington Polytechnic. She was noted for her print work and exhibited at the Auckland City Art Gallery and internationally. Collections of her works are held at Te Papa, National Library of New Zealand, Auckland Art Gallery, Christchurch Art Gallery, British Museum and the Serjeant Gallery, Whanganui.

Kate has received well deserved recognition for her work. She was a two-time recipient of a QEII Arts Council Award. In 2003 she was awarded an honorary doctorate by Massey University. She was appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the 2007 Queen's Birthday Honours, for services to the arts.