11 Aug 2026
We're pleased to announce the appointment of Guy Horrocks to our board, the Arts Council. The Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage, Hon Paul Goldsmith, has appointed Guy for a three-year term which began on 5 August 2026.
Guy Horrocks is a New Zealand technology entrepreneur, director, startup advisor, and practising artist with more than 20 years' experience building digital and data-driven businesses in New Zealand and the United States. He co-founded Polar Bear Farm in 2007, widely regarded as the world's first commercial iPhone app company, and later founded Carnival Labs, which developed more than 100 apps for global brands including CNN, HBO, and DreamWorks.
He currently holds governance roles with NZME, KEA, NZ Mint, and Jade Software, and mentors high-growth startups.
Guy brings deep expertise in digital innovation, data commercialisation, AI, and emerging technologies, alongside strong connections to New Zealand's creative sector. We look forward to his contributions on the Council in the coming years.
The Arts Council wishes to acknowledge and thank outgoing Council member Hilary Poole, for her leadership on the Council and service to the arts. Hilary chaired the Council's Audit & Risk Committee and served as Acting Chair prior to our Chair Kent Gardner joining the board. We greatly appreciate her dedication and keen insights over many years.