Contact us

We welcome your interest in Arts Access Aotearoa's work. Please contact us for more information, and if you have any questions or comments. Staff contact details are listed below. For general enquiries, contact Arts Access Aotearoa on 04 802 4349 or info@artsaccess.org.nz.

How to get in touch

Physical address: Level 3, Toi Pōneke, 61-63 Abel Smith Street, Wellington 6141


Postal address:
PO Box 9828, Wellington, 6141, New Zealand

T: +64 4 802 4349

E: info@artsaccess.org.nz

National Relay Service: choose your preferred service and ask for Arts Access Aotearoa 04 802 4349

Office access

The office of Arts Access Aotearoa is on the third floor of Toi Pōneke Arts Centre at 61-63 Abel Smith St, Wellington.

There is a metered carpark behind the building, which may have parking. Wheelchair access is via a ramp to ground level and the reception area of Toi Pōneke. You can then take a lift or the stairs to the third floor, where we are situated.

There is an accessible toilet on the ground level. Please ask at the reception if you have any queries or you can call us on 04 802 4349. 


Staff contact details

Richard Benge MNZM, Executive Director | Kaiwhakahaere Matua

Richard is responsible for delivering the strategic plan. He manages the staff and reports to the board of trustees. His previous roles include Cultural Affairs Specialist at the United States Embassy in Wellington; Manager of heritage icon Old St Paul’s; and an independent events and communications specialist. After completing a B.Ed degree from Victoria College Rusden (now Deakin University Melbourne), majoring in drama and English literature, Richard worked as a high school teacher, then for Arts Access Victoria as an artist-in-residence in psychiatric hospitals and for Access Arts Queensland.
Pronouns: he/him
E: richard.benge@artsaccess.org.nz

Staff feature video: Richard Benge

Conor Twyford, Policy Principal | Kaiārahi Kaupapa 

Conor has had a long and varied career working in strategy, campaigns, policy and management in the community and voluntary sectors. She works part-time for Arts Access Aotearoa on these and other related areas. Conor has a passion for the arts and looks forward to one day opening her gallery in Pukerua Bay, where she lives with her 18-year-old twin sons and their cat, Biko. She is also undertaking a PhD about sustaining youth activism on climate change.
Pronouns: she/her
E: conor.twyford@artsaccess.org.nz

Caleb Gordon, Projects Coordinator | Kairuruku a Toi

Caleb's role is to support Arts Access Aotearoa's vision by co-ordinating the four Cultural Sector Regeneration Fund projects and the 2023 Arts Access Aotearoa Fellowships programme. Caleb has a BA degree and post graduate diploma in art curatorship, and has worked in libraries, galleries and museums. Most recently he worked at Experience Wellington, where his focus was on events and visitor experience. He works Monday to Thursday.
Pronouns: he/him
E: caleb.gordon@artsaccess.org.nz

Administration

Dawa Devereux, Business Administrator | Kaipakihi

Dawa is responsible for the day-to-day running of Arts Access Aotearoa’s office, supporting the Executive Director and Board of Trustees and delivering the fundraising programme. Before joining the Arts Access Aotearoa team, her work has included office administrator and programme co-ordinator roles. Dawa has a BA degree majoring in theatre from Victoria University of Wellington. She has designed and built costumes and operated the sound desk for a number of Wellington shows.
Pronouns: she/her
E: dawa.devereux@artsaccess.org.nz

Dev Singh, Finance Manager | Kaiwhakahaere Putea

Dev is responsible for managing the finances of Arts Access Aotearoa. This includes producing annual budgets, monthly financial results, monitoring of expenditure, payment of creditors and payroll, as well as other projects. Dev has a BCom degree and a LLB degree. He is a full member of the New Zealand Australia Institute of Chartered Accountants. Dev has more than 20 years’ post-graduate experience in finance. Dev works on Tuesdays.
Pronouns: he/him
E: dev.singh@artsaccess.org.nz

Cae Heke, Cultural Administrator | Kaimanaaki

Cae (Ngāpuhi, Waikato/Tainui) is Arts Access Aotearoa's recently appointed Kaimanaaki. This is a dual role that looks to care for all facets of the organisation, including assisting Business Manager Dawa Devereux. Cae oversees and advises on Reo Māori, Tikanga and Mātauranga Māori concepts. She is cyclic and holistic in her approach and creates a space to foster cultural connections and community. Cae is a practising musician and toi Māori practitioner, with a background in design, facilitation and administration. She works Monday to Thursday.

Pronouns: she/her
E: cae.heke@artsaccess.org.nz

Airini Gordon, Administration and Projects Assistant | Kaiawhina Whakahaere a Mahi

Airini (Ngai Tahu, Te Arawa) is responsible for updating the database and assisting with other projects. She volunteered with Arts Access Aotearoa for four years before joining the team in 2020. Airini has held a number of other volunteer roles, and has studied business administration and Māori at university level. She is a member of Wellington Batucada, a samba drumming group of more than 100 members. Airini works Wednesdays and Fridays.

Pronouns: she/her
E: airini.gordon@artsaccess.org.nz

Access and inclusion

Stace Robertson, Lead Accessibility Advisor | Kaiārahi a Toi Ōritetanga

Stace Robertson

In this role, Stace is leading two Cultural Sector Regeneration Fund projects. His strategic work on access and inclusion includes advising the arts sector on accessibility policies and advocating for increased access. Stace is a practising artist, working in painting and ceramics. He has a BMA (hons) majoring in painting and sculpture from Wintec, and has a background in advocacy and community development. As a disabled person, Stace has strong connections in disability communities and is passionate about access and equity. Stace works Monday to Thursday.

Pronouns: he/him/they/they/them 
E: afa@artsaccess.org.nz

Staff feature video - Stace Robertson

Milly Hampton, Arts For All Activator | Whakahohe a Toi Ōritetanga

In their role as Arts For All Activator, Milly is the first port of call for arts venues, organisations, festivals and practitioners wanting to become more accessible and inclusive in the arts. Milly also facilitates regional Arts For All hui across the mōtū. Milly comes from a background in libraries and community arts, and is a practising artist working in textiles and illustration. They work Monday to Thursday.

Pronouns: they/them
E: afa@artsaccess.org.nz
Staff feature video: Milly Hampton

Arts in Corrections

Neil Wallace, Arts In Corrections Advisor | Kaiārahi A Toi Ara Poutama

Neil’s  role is to advise Ara Poutama Aotearoa Department of Corrections about its arts and creativity programmes in prisons and Community Corrections sites. Neil (Ngati Irakehu, Kati Kuri, Kai Tahu) has a background in arts leadership and governance roles. He has an Advanced Diploma in Art & Creativity and a degree in creative media. Neil also lectures in professional portfolio and exhibition studies at Ucol – Te Pūkenga.  He works Monday to Thursday.
Pronouns: he/him
T:
027 263 6711
E: neil.wallace@artsaccess.org.nz

Andy Glanville, Arts in Corrections Activator | Whakahohe a Toi Ara Poutama

Andy is leading a Cultural Sector Regeneration Fund project to develop resources that support guide artists wishing to facilitate arts programmes in prisons. Andy has a background in alternative education, museum education and public programmes. He is passionate about art education and has delivered art programmes in Aotearoa, the United States and South Korea. He is a practicing artist and has also worked in the art departments of motion pictures. Andy works Monday to Wednesday.
Pronouns: he/him
E: andy.glanville@artsaccess.org.nz

Creative spaces

Kate Hiatt, Creative Spaces Growth Funding Advisor | Kaiārahi Kohi Moni

Kate's role is to support the Creative Spaces Initiative, which provides critical funding for the creative spaces sector. Kate has extensive experience in the performing arts sector – as a performer, a creator and in a range of administration roles. She has also worked in the health, community development and philanthropic sectors. She was the Community Engagement and Grants Manager for Wellington Community Trust for seven years. She has an MA in Arts Management. Kate works Monday to Thursday. 
Pronouns: she/her
E: kate.hiatt@artsaccess.org.nz

Staff video video: Kate Hiatt

Fiona Waitere, Creative Spaces Projects Coordinator | Kairuruku a toi Kaupapa

Fiona’s role is to coordinate professional development projects across the motu. Fiona has worked for many years with rangatahi as a secondary school art teacher and Head of Faculty. She has a colourful and creative background as an advocate for all things arts- based and champions the arts as an integral aspect of self-discovery and of weaving a community together. Fiona holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts and a Diploma in Secondary Teaching. Fiona works Monday to Thursday.
Pronouns: she/her
E: fiona.waitere@artsaccess.org.nz

Staff feature video: Fiona Waitere

Jazz Lolesio

Arts Access Activator Auckland | Whakahohe a Toi Putanga ki Tāmaki Makaurau

Jazz's role is to engage the Creative Spaces Network in Tāmaki Makaurau, promoting the value of participation in the arts, and providing training opportunities that support staff development and promote their artists, programmes and activities. Jazz has been working in music and events for 20 years, running her own independent radio station and charitable trust. She is passionate about Polynesian culture, and creating different platforms and communities. Jazz has a Diploma in Media Management and Media Production, and has extensive knowledge in media, events and the non-for-profit sector.
Pronouns: she/her
T: 021 886 675
E: jazz.lolesio@artsaccess.org.nz

Hannah Dahlke, Creative Spaces Senior Funding Advisor | Kaiārahi Kohi Moni

Hannah’s role is to support the Creative Spaces Initiative, which provides critical funding for the creative spaces sector. Hannah has a MA in Creative and Performing Arts majoring in Dance Studies from the University of Auckland. She has worked extensively in arts administration in both Aotearoa and the United States over the past 15 years, including as a Grants Specialist for the Washington State Arts Commission. Hannah works Monday to Thursday. Hannah is taking maternity leave from 15 June 2023.
Pronouns: she/her
E: fundingsupport@artsaccess.org.nz

Communications

Iona McNaughton, Communications Manager | Kaiwhakahaere Whakawhitiwhiti Kōrero

Iona’s role includes writing, editing, promotions and advocacy. She manages Arts Access Aotearoa’s website and its social media platforms. She joined Arts Access Aotearoa in 2008 following a 15-year career as a journalist and then working at Creative New Zealand from 1997 to 2005. She has a BA (Hons) in English Literature from Otago University, and is also a published children’s writer and former editor. Iona works Tuesday to Friday.
Pronouns: she/her
E: iona.mcnaughton@artsaccess.org.nz 

Staff feature video: Iona McNaughton

Sophie Macdonald, Communications Assistant | Kaitautoko Whakarite

Sophie’s role is to support Iona and the wider Arts Access Aotearoa team with communications initiatives, social media and website content management. Sophie has a BSc in Geography and a Postgraduate Diploma in Publishing. She has worked extensively in marketing and communications roles both in Aotearoa and internationally. She runs a photography business in her spare time. Sophie works Tuesday to Thursday.
Pronouns: she/her
E: sophie.macdonald@artsaccess.org.nz

 

 

Our funders

+ Text Size -