Te Arawa, Ngāti Whakaue, Ngāti Pikiao

Intern at:

With a deep passion for Māori arts and a strong commitment to learning and embracing Te Reo Māori me ōna Tikanga, I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to Aronui Arts Festival and further develop my skills in this enriching cultural context. This role offers a unique opportunity for me to connect with my roots in Rotorua and I am eager to make meaningful connections and establish strong ties within the community.

Over the past 15 years, I have worked in various roles within the NZ fashion industry including producer, backstage manager, and event manager. Additionally, I have contributed to events such as FIFA with Auckland Council, the NZ Fashion Festival, Breast Cancer Cure, and various other festivals and concerts. I am also an actress and have worked on screen and in theatre since I was a teenager, adding another dimension to my experience in the arts.

During this internship, I aspire to enhance my skills in logistical planning, funding applications, and event budgeting within a Māori festival context. I am particularly excited to help facilitate a drone show, which will be a first for me. It is an honour to join the Aronui Arts Festival whānau, and I am excited to see where this internship will take me.