Our people

Richard Benge MNZM

Executive Director Kaiwhakahaere Matua

Pronouns: he/him

Richard leads Arts Access Aotearoa, delivering its strategic plan, managing staff, and reporting to the board. Reflecting on his leadership in accessible arts, he wrote in 2024, “Art saved my life”. His previous roles include Cultural Affairs Specialist at the US Embassy in Wellington, Manager of Old St Paul’s, and an independent events and communications specialist. Richard is a certified Life Coach. Early career roles were in education and he holds a B.Ed in drama and English literature. He has led arts residencies in psychiatric hospitals and worked for arts access organisations in Australia.

Conor Twyford

Policy Principal Kaiārahi Kaupapa

Pronouns: she/her

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.

Caleb Gordon

Pronouns: he/him

Fundraising and Projects Coordinator Kairukuruku Kaupapa Kohi Putea

Caleb’s role is to support Arts Access Aotearoa’s vision through fundraising activities and projects. Working with the team, he helps build a community of supporters to champion the organisation’s work and increase the impact of its advocacy and collaborations. With over a decade of experience in galleries, libraries, museums, and community organising, he has a strong background in the arts sector. Caleb holds qualifications in art history, classical studies, film, and curatorship. He works Monday to Thursday.

Dawa Devereux

Business Administrator Kaipakihi

Pronouns: she/her

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.

Dev Singh

Finance Manager Kaiwhakahaere Putea

Pronouns: he/him

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 an 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.

Airini Gordon

Administration and Projects Assistant Kaiawhina Whakahaere a Mahi

Pronouns: she/her

Airini (Ngāi 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.

Stace Robertson

Lead Accessibility Advisor Kaiārahi a Toi Ōritetanga

Pronouns: he/him/they/them

Stace’s role is focuses on advising the arts sector on accessibility policies, advocating for increased access, and supporting inclusive practices. He is also the main point of contact for Taha Hotu Deaf and disabled Artist’s initiative. A practising artist working in painting and ceramics, he holds a BMA (Hons) in painting and sculpture from Wintec. Stace is a proud disabled person with strong connections in disability communities and a background in intersectional advocacy, community development and governance roles, supporting access and equity in a variety of settings. Stace works Monday to Thursday.

Katie Querin

Arts For All Activator Whakahohe a Toi Ōritetanga

Pronouns: she/her

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.

Neil Wallace

Kaiwhakahuri Hurihanga | Arts and Justice Advisor

Pronouns: he/him

Neil’s role is to advise Ara Poutama Aotearoa Department of Corrections on its arts and creativity programmes in prisons and Community Corrections sites. He has a background in arts leadership and governance roles, with experience supporting creative initiatives in a range of settings. Neil (Ngāti Irakehu, Kāti Kuri of Ngai Tahu) holds an Advanced Diploma in Art & Creativity and a degree in Creative Media. He works Monday to Thursday.

Phone: 027 263 6711

Fiona Sharp

Creative Spaces Network Development Advisor | Kaitohutohu Whanaketanga Kaupapa Toi

Pronouns: she/her

Fiona’s role is to coordinate professional development projects across the motu, supporting arts practitioners and organisations. She has worked for many years with rangatahi as a secondary school art teacher and Head of Faculty. With a colourful and creative background, she is a strong advocate for the arts as a vital part of self-discovery and community-building. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts and a Diploma in Secondary Teaching. Fiona works Monday to Thursday.

Jazz Lolesio

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

Pronouns: she/her

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. She also works to promote artists, programmes, and activities within the network. She has worked in music and events for 20 years, running her own independent radio station and charitable trust. Passionate about Polynesian culture and building communities, she holds a Diploma in Media Management and Media Production and has extensive experience in media, events, and the non-profit sector.

Phone: 021 886 675

Iona McNaughton

Communications Advisor | Kaitātari Whakawhitinga

Pronouns: she/her

Iona’s role includes writing, editing, promotions and advocacy. Working in a job-share role with Sophie, they manage Arts Access Aotearoa’s website, its social media platforms, and other communications initiatives. She holds a BA (Hons) in English Literature from Otago University, is a former journalist and a published children’s writer. She works Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday.

Sophie Macdonald

Communications Advisor | Kaitātari Whakawhitinga

Pronouns: she/her

Sophie’s role includes website management, digital comms, campaign development, and promotions working in a job-share role with Iona. She has a BSc in Geography and Postgraduate Diplomas in Publishing and in Design (Photography). With extensive experience in marketing and communications in Aotearoa and internationally, she also runs a photography business in her spare time. She works Tuesday to Thursday.