Listen Now: 
Maori experience is to the fore in the make-up of the new Arts Council.
Culture and Heritage Minister Chris Finlayson says he has gone for a balance between members of the previous entities and new blood.
The single Arts Council will be responsible for policy, strategy and funding allocation, taking over responsibilities previously split between the Arts Council, the Arts Board, Te Waka Toi and the Pacific Arts Committee.
It’s chaired by diplomat Richard Grant, who was chair of the outgoing body.
At least four of the 13-member body are required to have knowledge of Maori Arts, te ao Maori and tikanga Maori.
They include former Ngai Tahu Development Corporation senior manager Suzanne Ellison, outgoing Te Waka Toi chair Darrin Haimona of Ngati Haua, heritage and conservation expert Rose Evans of Te Atiawa, and Te Hiku Media general manager Peter-Lucas Jones of Te Aupouri.
Also included is Te Runanga o Ngati Awa culture and heritage manager Wayne Marriott, who led the redevelopment of the Whakatane and Nelson museums and the development of Tuhoe Uru Tamatea’s new library, archives and heritage space.
.
Copyright © 2014, UMA Broadcasting Ltd
RELATED NEWS
