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 and biographical information 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
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 information and contact details
Richard Benge MNZM, Executive Director | Kaiwhakahaere Matua
In 2024, responding to what motivates him to provide leadership in accessible arts, Richard wrote in an article that “Art saved my life". Richard is responsible for delivering Arts Access Aotearoa's strategic plan, managing the staff and reporting 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, Fundraising and Projects Coordinator
Caleb's role is to support Arts Access Aotearoa's vision through fundraising activity and projects. With the team, he is weaving together a community of supporters to champion Arts Access Aotearoa's work and increase the impact of its advocacy and collaborations. Caleb has more than a decade's experience working in galleries, libraries, museums and community organising. He has qualification in art history, classical studies, film and curatorship.
His regular days of work are 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
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's 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. In an article about accessibility in the performing arts in Aotearoa, published in the United States, Stace talks about the value in “being able to speak from experience”. Stace works Monday to Thursday.
Pronouns: he/him/they/them
E: afa@artsaccess.org.nz
Staff feature video - Stace Robertson
Arts For All
Katie Querin, Arts For All Activator | Whakahohe a Toi Ōritetanga
Katie is the first port of call for venues, organisations, festivals and practitioners wanting to become more accessible and inclusive in the arts. She also facilitates regional Arts For All hui across the mōtū. Previously Katie worked as a stage manager, tall ship sailor, and accessibility advisor, spearheading the development of several new accessible programmes. A writer and sculptor, Katie blends her lived experience as an autistic and disabled person into her mahi. She works Monday to Thursday and half day Friday.
Pronouns: she/her
E: afa@artsaccess.org.nz
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 works Monday to Thursday.
Pronouns: he/him
T: 027 263 6711
E: neil.wallace@artsaccess.org.nz
Creative spaces
Fiona Sharp, Creative Spaces Network Development Advisor
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.sharp@artsaccess.org.nz
Staff feature video: Fiona Sharp
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
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
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.
Pronouns: she/her
E: fundingsupport@artsaccess.org.nz
Communications
Iona McNaughton, Communications Advisor | Kaitātari Whakawhitinga
Iona’s role includes writing, editing, promotions and advocacy. Working in a job-share role, she manages Arts Access Aotearoa’s website, its social media platforms and other communications initiatives. 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, Thursday and Friday.
Pronouns: she/her
E: iona.mcnaughton@artsaccess.org.nz
Staff feature video: Iona McNaughton
Sophie Macdonald, Communications Advisor | Kaitātari Whakawhitinga
Working in a job-share role, Sophie works with Iona to manage Arts Access Aotearoa’s website, its social media platforms and other communications initiatives. 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
