27 May 2026
Three new members have been appointed to the Arts Council of New Zealand Toi Aotearoa. Ngataiharuru Taepa, Hinerangi Edwards ONZM, and Bill Moran MNZM, bring a wealth of experience across governance, community leadership, creative practice, and the wider arts sector.
Arts Council Chair Kent Gardner says the appointments will support the governance capability of the Council and reflect the diversity of experience needed to support the arts sector across Aotearoa.
“Each of these appointments brings a strong connection to communities, leadership, and the arts. Their knowledge and experience will contribute meaningfully to the Arts Council as it continues its work supporting the arts sector and creative communities,” says Kent.
The Council acknowledges and thanks outgoing members Bonita Bigham, Kura Moehau, and Robyn Hunt ONZM, for their leadership on the Council and support for the arts sector. Their terms conclude on 30 June 2026 with the new members commencing from 1 July, 2026.
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Ngataiharuru Taepa (Te Ātiawa, Te Arawa, Ngāti Ranginui, Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngati Koata) is a leading Māori visual artist known for his contemporary kōwhaiwhai work and commitment to revitalising Māori visual culture. His work is held in major national galleries, and he exhibits regularly in Aotearoa New Zealand and overseas. Alongside his artistic practice, he has held senior arts governance roles and brings experience in Māori arts leadership, education, and international Indigenous engagement.
Hinerangi Edwards ONZM (Taranaki Whānui, Te Arawa, Tauranga Moana, Samoa) is a governance leader and practitioner of traditional Māori knowledge systems. She is co-founder and executive director of AATEA Consultants Ltd and holds several board roles across the public and community sectors. Raised in Taranaki, Hinerangi lives in Te Wairoa with her husband and their five tamariki. She brings over 25 years of business ownership and governance experience to the board.
Bill Moran MNZM is a professional director with senior public sector experience, including former roles as Deputy Secretary at the New Zealand Treasury and Chair of the Three Lakes Cultural Trust. He has held chair and board roles across sport, government related organisations, and charities, including Sport New Zealand, New Zealand Football and Play it Strange. He brings strong experience in public service leadership, governance, and economic and social policy, and was made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2019 for services to the state, sport, and youth. Bill is currently an external member of the Arts Council’s Audit & Risk Committee.