We convene an advisory group of arts sector leaders to inform our advocacy work and advance arts advocacy at a national level
Te Rōpū Mana Toi offer advice, insights and feedback on our advocacy, share their perspectives on challenges and opportunities within the arts sector, and connect us to the work of others.
Together, we're building toward a collective arts advocacy movement.
In 2024 we commissioned a report to look at Te Rōpū Mana Toi's impact over its first three years (January 2021 – January 2024).
- High level findings showed us that impact can be seen across the following areas:
- For the participating members there has been development of leadership capability and stronger relationships across disciplines;
- For Creative New Zealand, advocacy has become a higher priority and confidence has developed;
- For the wider arts sector there is the beginnings of a more energised, collective voice and access to more skills and tools;
- For wider society, the work of Te Rōpū Mana Toi is helping to build understanding about the value of arts, culture, creativity and ngā toi Māori — and their role in creating a world where all New Zealanders flourish.
You can learn more about the whakapapa, kaupapa and impact of Te Rōpū Mana Toi in the full report.
Download the full report (PDF. 2MB).
Karl Chitham, ONZM
Nga Puhi, Te Uriroroi
Karl is Head of Arts and Culture at Hutt City Council and Director of the Dowse Art Museum. He is also Co-Chair of CIRCUIT Aotearoa and a trustee of Wairau Māori Art Gallery.
Tānemahuta Gray
Ngāi Tahu, Rangitāne, Tainui/Waikato (whāngai)
Tānemahuta is a theatre director and trained in contemporary dance, ballet, kapa hake and mau raakau. He is Ngā Kaiwhakahaere on the Māori Advisory Board for Toi Whakaari and Kaupapa Māori tutor at the New Zealand School of Dance. Tānemahuta is the outgoing Kahukura/CEO of Taki Rua Productions.
Dr Jeremy Mayall
Jeremy is a composer, musician, artist, producer and researcher and the CEO of Creative Waikato.
Megan Peacock-Coyle
Megan is the Manager Arts & Culture at Heretaunga Hastings District Council and Co-Chair of Performing Arts Network of New Zealand.
Dolina Wehipeihana
Ngāti Tukorehe, Ngāti Raukawa
Dolina is a dancer, choreographer and theatre producer. She is the Kaiārahi Māori at PANNZ, General Manager of the Kia Mau Festival, Chair of the Atamira Dance Company and Co-Director of Betsy & Mana Productions.
Past members
Rosabel Tan
Rosabel is the Director of Satellites a freelance writer, a strategist and producer. She's also a Trustee of Silo Theatre and the Pantograph Punch, an Auckland Council Public Arts Advisory Panel member.
Kim Morton
With a background in community law and access to justice Kim now works in the field of arts and mental health as Director of Ōtautahi Creative Spaces.
Elise Sterback
Elise is PhD candidate with the Centre for Art and Social Transformation at the University of Auckland. She is a trustee at Te Taumata Toi-a-Iwi and the former Executive Director of the Basement Theatre.
Fonoti Pati Umaga, QSM
Pati is a musician and composer, a trustee of the Pacific Music Awards and known for his work as an advocate for both Pacific and Whaikaha/Disabled communities.
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