Staff 

Arts Access Aotearoa is governed by a board of trustees. Richard Benge is the Executive Director Kaiwhakahaere Matua and Lynley Hutton is the Chair.

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 followed by Arts Access Victoria as an artist-in-residence in psychiatric hospitals and for Access Arts Queensland.

Pronouns: he/him
T:+64 4 802 4349
E: richard.benge@artsaccess.org.nz

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
T: +64 4 802 4349
E: dawa.devereux@artsaccess.org.nz

Dev Singh, Finance Manager | Kaiwhakahaere Putea

Dev is responsible for managing the finances of Arts Access Aotearoa. His role includes producing annual budgets, monthly financial results, monitoring of expenditure, payment of creditors and payroll, as well as other projects. Dev has a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Otago and a Bachelor of Law degree from the Victoria University of Wellington. 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.

Pronouns: he/him
T: +64 4 802 4349
E: dev.singh@artsaccess.org.nz

Stace Robertson, Access, Inclusion and Participation Advisor | Kaiārahi a Toi

Stace is the first port of call for arts venues, organisations, festivals and practitioners wanting to become more accessible and inclusive in the arts. Stace is a practising artist, working in various mediums and is currently exploring ceramics. Stace has a BMA (hons) majoring in painting and sculpture from Wintec. In 2016, he was awarded a Vodafone New Zealand Fellowship for a resource project that became All of Us, Minority Identities and Inclusion in Aotearoa New Zealand. As a disabled person, Stace has strong connections in disability communities and is passionate about access. He has a background in advocacy and community development. Stace works Monday to Thursday.

Pronouns: he/him/they/they/them 
T: +64 4 802 4349
E: afa@artsaccess.org.nz

Staff feature video - Stace Robertson

Milly Hampton, Acting Arts in Corrections Advisor | Kaiārahi A Toi Ara Poutama and Advisory Programme Assistant | Kaiawhina Whakahaere Mahi

In their role as Acting Arts in Corrections Advisor, Milly is delivering the Arts in Corrections Advisory Service and advocating for the arts as a tool supporting prisoner rehabilitation and reintegration. They also assist Stace Robertson to develop his networks. They come from a background in public and government libraries, and community arts administration. Milly is a practising artist working in printmaking, textiles and illustration, and has run numerous art workshops throughout the community in Pōneke. Milly works Monday to Thursday.

Pronouns: they/them
T: +64 4 802 4349
E: afa@artsaccess.org.nz
E: aic@artsaccess.org.nz

Staff feature video - Milly Hampton

Kate Hiatt, Creative Spaces Advisor and Team Leader | Kaiārahi a Toi Whakawātea Tangata

Kate’s role is to support and connect creative spaces around New Zealand, strengthening their resilience and capability, and championing the value they bring to the people and communities they support. 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
T: +64 4 802 4349
E: kate.hiatt@artsaccess.org.nz

Staff video video - Kate Hiatt

Fiona Waitere, Project Administrator, Creative Spaces Professional Development Programme | Kaupapa Kaimahi

Fiona’s role is to support Kate Hiatt with providing professional development to creative spaces 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, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.

Pronouns: she/her
T: +64 4 802 4349
E: fiona.waitere@artsaccess.org.nz

Hannah Dahlke, Creative Spaces 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.

Pronouns: she/her
T: 027 216 5816
E: fundingsupport@artsaccess.org.nz

Lucy Marinkovich, Creative Spaces Funding Advisor | Kaiārahi Kohi Moni

Lucy’s role is to support the Creative Spaces Initiative, which provides critical funding for the creative spaces sector. Lucy has worked extensively in the arts as both a creator and performer, as well as in education, administration and advocacy roles. An Arts Foundation Te Tumu Toi awarded artist, Lucy is the Artistic Director of dance theatre company Borderline Arts Ensemble and founder of community dance programme InMotion Dancing with Parkinsons. Lucy works Monday to Thursday. This is a maternity leave role. 

Pronouns: she/her
T: +64 4 802 4349
E: fundingsupport@artsaccess.org.nz

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

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 (Honours) in English Literature from Otago University, and is also a published children’s writer and former editor. In 2009, Iona co-wrote, project managed and edited Arts For All, a practical guide about providing access to the arts to disabled and Deaf people, and its revised editions in 2014 and 2020. Iona works Tuesday to Friday.

Pronouns: she/her
T: +64 4 802 4349
E: iona.mcnaughton@artsaccess.org.nz 

Staff feature video - Iona McNaughton

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, working one day a week. Airini has held a number of other volunteer roles. Airini has studied business administration and Maori 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
T: +64 4 802 4349
E: airini.gordon@artsaccess.org.nz