Kaumātua
Te Aturangi Nepia-Clamp welcoming delegates to Ngā Wāhi Auaha Creative Spaces Conference 2024.
Te Aturangi Nepia-Clamp, Tairāwhiti: of Ngāti Ruapani, Ngāti Porou, Rongowhakaata, Kahungunu and English descent. He has more than 40 years’ experience in promoting and delivering art projects, pioneering new thinking particularly in Māori art in public places, and making art available for all.
Te Aturangi is a master carver, sculptor, and waka hourua builder and navigator. Among his many achievements, he co-ordinated the Waka Project for the official millennium dawn ceremony at Tairāwhiti. He is also a cultural arts consultant with a deep understanding of Māori tikanga.
He served as an Arts Access Aotearoa trustee from 2017 to 2024.
Patron
Her Excellency, The Right Honourable Dame Cindy Kiro GNZM, QSO, Governor-General of New Zealand (Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Hine, Ngāti Kahu and British descent) has a longstanding commitment to social equity and supporting under-represented communities.
Her dedication to inclusion and accessibility aligns closely with the values of Arts Access Aotearoa. She has held leadership roles in academia, public health and social development, advocating for the rights of children, young people and marginalised communities.
As Patron, she supports the organisation's vision of a society where all people in Aotearoa can access and participate in the arts.
Trustees
Victoria Crockford
Chair • Queenstown
Vic is a Director at Heft Communications and Advisory and Director of the Coalition to End Women’s Homelessness. She holds a Certificate in Conflict Resolution from the International Peace and Security Institute and a BA (Hons) in International Relations from Victoria University. A lifelong supporter of dance, theatre, choir and screen arts, Vic brings extensive governance and communications expertise to the board, alongside lived experience of Retinitis Pigmentosa, a progressive degenerative eye condition.
Hone Fletcher
Hawke's Bay
Of Ngāti Kahu, Te Paatu ki Kauhanga, Ngāpuhi and Ngāti Rehia descent, Hone is Principal Advisor, Ropu Toi Ora at Ara Poutama Aotearoa. He joined Hawke’s Bay Regional Prison in 2015 following a career in education, counselling, addiction and mental health services. Hone and colleague Lawrence Ereatara received the Arts Access Accolade in 2021 for their work supporting creativity in prisons. He also has more than 40 years’ experience as a professional musician.
Rebecca McDonald PLY
Auckland
Rebecca is an Account Director at All is for All, a disability-led social change and communications agency focused on accessibility and inclusion. A Paralympian, she represented New Zealand at the London 2012 and Rio 2016 Paralympic Games, winning bronze in the women’s S7 100m backstroke. Rebecca also serves on the Sport Integrity Commission – Te Kahu Raunui and brings expertise in communications, leadership and disability advocacy.
Dr Samuele Paolo De Stefani
Wellington
Samuele is Head of Audience Insights at Te Papa Tongarewa and has extensive experience in audience research, evaluation and cultural participation. A social scientist and museum professional, he has worked with organisations including the New Zealand Portrait Gallery and Performance Arcade. He holds a PhD in Museum and Heritage Studies, along with qualifications in economics, management and arts and cultural heritage. Samuele is passionate about making cultural experiences accessible to all.
Robyn Scott
Wellington
Robyn is a respected leader in the philanthropic, government and community sectors. She served as Executive Director of the J R McKenzie Trust for eight years and has championed approaches that strengthen equity, participation and community wellbeing. Robyn is a former Chief Executive of Philanthropy New Zealand and Age Concern NZ and has held several governance and ministerial advisory roles. She co-authored The Philanthropic Landscape – Shifting Culture and Power through Mana Enhancing Partnerships and began her career as a teacher and Head of Music.
Wendy Youens
Auckland
Wendy is Executive Director of NZ On Screen and AudioCulture. She has extensive experience in strategic leadership, governance and organisational change across the arts, media and accessibility sectors. Former Chief Executive of Able, she led significant growth in accessibility services for Deaf, blind and low vision New Zealanders. A former Chair of Basement Theatre, Wendy is committed to supporting independent artists and creating a more accessible, inclusive and representative arts sector.
Shenagh Gleisner
Wellington
Shenagh has considerable governance, public sector leadership and risk management experience, gained through senior executive and consulting roles. She has a longstanding commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and to improving opportunities for people who face barriers to participation. A strong supporter of the arts, Shenagh believes creative expression builds confidence, wellbeing and social connection while offering new perspectives on society. She brings strategic thinking, evidence-based decision-making and collaborative leadership to her role.
In memoriam
Wiremu Kaua ONZM JP
Moe moe ra, to matou kaumātua aroha nui. Arts Access Aotearoa mourns the passing of our beloved Kaumātua, The Venerable Wiremu Kaua ONZM, JP (Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāti Horowai, Rongowhakaata, Rakaipaaka, Te Aitanga Hauiti) on 9 December 2023. We will miss you deeply. However, your wisdom and aroha for Arts Access Aotearoa Putanga Toi ki Aotearoa will guide us still.
Read about Bill's immense contributions
Dame Rosie Horton DNZM QSO QSM
Rosie Horton DNZM, QSO, QSM was the Patron of the Arts Access Accolade until her death on 14 May 2023. Arts Access Aotearoa remembers her kindness and encouragement.
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Mel Smith CNZM
Mel Smith CNZM was our Founding Chair and Patron until he died on 28 May 2022. Arts Access Aotearoa is deeply indebted to his service, support and encouragement of our organisation.
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