27 Feb 2025
Creative New Zealand has welcomed the first cohort of the New Leaders Programme, part of For the arts.
The year-long programme supports new and emerging leaders in the arts to grow their skills and build peer support networks, leading to stronger and more sustainable arts communities and organisations.
The group includes 25 practitioners who have recently been appointed to senior positions within arts organisations. They’ll take part in an online programme with presenters who’ll focus on specific, practical aspects of leadership such as working with Boards, financial and strategic planning, and human resources.
Claire Murdoch, Senior Manager Arts Development, says the programme is a demonstrable example of Creative New Zealand’s focus on development by creating non-financial opportunities to better support and work with the arts community, something the arts sector has asked for.
“These leaders are so important to the arts ecosystem. They come to leadership via many pathways. They work within and represent different kinds of arts organisations and communities across Aotearoa.” Claire says.
Steph Walker’s path to being Executive Director of WORD Christchurch has been via producing and programming.
“Where I have led organisations, it's been a little by the seat of my pants, often with someone senior in the organisation guiding me. Sure, I have a whole bundle of skills and attributes, but the topics we are covering in the programme just aren't things you are readily offered affordable training in - PR engagement, for example.” Steph says.
That ‘seat of the pants’ feeling is one shared by Izzy Robinson, General Manager of Basement Theatre.
“No one ever sits you down and says, here's how to speak, here’s how to lead, here’s what confidence looks like in front of a crowd, here's how to stop your hand shaking while you’re reading from your notes… I'm always about speaking truth to power and so I’m hoping to get some lessons on how to do that safely”, Izzy says.
The first day of the programme was kanohi-i-te-kanohi at Creative New Zealand’s Pōneke office. That meant that the Chief Executive and Senior Managers were able to share their experiences of developing as leaders.
Steph Walker valued those first-hand narratives.
“Stephen Wainwright spoke frankly about his leadership journey, and one of his tips was to make sure you're surrounded by people who are different to you, with different views. I can't wait to learn and unlearn from all my peers, because no matter where you are in your experience or figuring out your own leadership style you can always grow and discover new ways of doing things,” she said.
The idea of embracing difference and recognising new ways of doing things resonated with Izzy Robinson too.
“I am very out and proud about my gender, about my neurodiversity. I'm diagnosed ADHD, undiagnosed Autistic, and I have always sought that representation in my leaders. My communication style and attitude are different from what I grew up being told was appropriate […] as a leader, I want to set the example that it can be done, and that it is possible for anyone” Izzy says.
Ruth Heath is Executive Director of the Wānaka Festival of Colour. Peer-to-peer learning is an element of the programme that really appeals to her.
“What I love about Creative New Zealand is its language of community, collegiality, and collaboration. We grow up in a culture that often prioritises competition, teaching us to be guarded and to chase individuality. But here, we can shed that skin and embrace the kaupapa of working together and carry that into our roles and festivals,” Ruth says.
Steph Walker is also excited by the peer-to-peer aspect of the programme, along with the idea that such connections are valuable.
“The permission to take time to learn and to be in a safe sharing space with my peers is huge. Most of the people in our cohort come from small organisations, with budgets and time tightly squeezed. Sure, there are workshops available covering the topics we're covering in this programme, but often these are priced out of our reach. It is a massive privilege to have access to this programme free as part of the mahi Creative New Zealand does,” she says.
Claire Murdoch was delighted with the participants’ responses to the first day of the programme.
“As leaders, they’re not just shaping their own careers but also influencing the future of the sector. Having a strong support system and quality mentorship makes a real difference in their ability to lead with confidence,” Claire says.
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