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 the Kaihautū, Director of Māori Strategy for Wheako Pōneke Experience Wellington, and the Mātanga Toi Māori for PANNZ. He has held roles as CEO & Artistic Director of Taki Rua Productions, and has choreographed and directed numerous high-profile events and productions including Māui - One Man Against The Gods, Tiki Taane Mahuta and Hatupatu | Kurungaituku - A Forbidden Love.
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 co-director at Tāwhiri, Kaiārahi Māori at PANNZ, and the former General Manager of the Kia Mau Festival. She is the Chair of the Atamira Dance Company and Co-Director of Betsy & Mana Productions.
Nina Oberg Humphries
Nina is a Cook Islands artist and co-founder of Tagata Moana Trust. She leads Fibre Gallery, the South Island’s first Pacific art gallery. Nina champions Pacific voices through arts, education, and community work, with an arts practice grounded in cultural identity and contemporary Pacific expression.
Meg Williams
Meg is the Chief Executive of World of Wearable Art (WOW) and creativity advocate. She previously served as Executive Director of Tāwhiri, overseeing major cultural events including the Aotearoa New Zealand Festival of the Arts and Wellington Jazz Festival, and was volunteer Chair of Toi o Taraika Arts Wellington.
Chis Tse
Chris is a writer and editor based in Te Whanganui a Tara, and the current New Zealand Poet Laureate.
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.
Gretchen LaRoche
Gretchen is the incoming Chief Executive of Creative New Zealand Toi Aotearoa and former Executive Director of the Court Theatre. She is the previous Chief Executive of Chamber Music New Zealand and the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra.
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