Why work at Creative New Zealand?

At Creative New Zealand we believe our staff are our biggest asset. We invest in our people to develop their skills, and take pride in delivering great service to our clients in the arts sector.

Whilst we come from a variety of backgrounds and life experiences, the thing that unites us is our respect for one another, our desire to work hard, and our passion for what we do.

Read a bit more about some of the people who work here.

• Snježana Lipovac, Finance Manager
• John McDavitt, Policy Development
• Jon Tamihere, Project Manager - Festival of Pacific Arts 2012

Snjezana Lipovac, Finance Manager

I joined Creative New Zealand as Finance Manager in March 2010. My role is to ensure the finances of the Arts Council are managed effectively and efficiently to support our goals. I am responsible for the finance and accounting methods, practices and procedures of the organisation.

Coming from the ‘corporate world’, I was amazed to see that Creative New Zealand staff are treated with appreciation for who they are and what they bring to this organisation. I am able to express and be myself every day. I enjoy working here because I have the opportunity to add value, use initiative and work with people on all levels. Creative New Zealand also provides me with opportunities to develop my skills so I can better support the goals of the organisation.

At Creative New Zealand, the advice I give is valued and the people around me are passionate about their work, which makes it a supportive and enjoyable working environment. I am surrounded by great people from a broad range of backgrounds and experiences, which guarantees interesting conversations over the homemade morning teas. I feel very lucky to be working here.

John McDavitt, Policy Development

I’ve worked at Creative New Zealand since 1999, initially developing arts partnerships with other government departments like the Department of Conservation and the Ministry of Research, Science and Technology. During my time at Creative New Zealand I’ve also worked as an Assistant Arts Adviser, Theatre and Dance Adviser and, most recently, have been working in strategy and policy development.

My background is in theatre, graduating from the NZ Drama School in 1978. I worked as an actor from 1979–86 appearing in more than 30 professional productions throughout New Zealand. After a stint of studying arts management in Adelaide I was Director of Playmarket from 1988–1998.

Creative New Zealand has provided me with a unique opportunity to apply my knowledge and experience in a way that continues to challenge and extend me. In the last three years I’ve researched and worked on the redevelopment of project funding, developing and implementing a touring strategy for New Zealand, and have been involved in the recent review of Recurrently Funded Organisations. The work is challenging, the people positive and committed and the pay regular (unlike that for a freelance actor).

Jon Tamihere, Project Manager – Festival of Pacific Arts 2012

Mihi:  Korihi te manu, takiri mai i te ata, Ka ao, ka ao, ka awatea. Tihei Mauriora!

Ko Hikurangi taku maunga, Ko Waiapu taku awa, Ko Horouta taku waka, Porourangi te tangata, Ko Te whanau o Ue Pohatu te hapu, Ngati Porou te iwi.

Ko David taku matua, Ko John taku tipuna, Ko ia te tama o Aperahama,. Ko Jon Tamihere ahau. Kia ora tatou.

I am contracted to Creative New Zealand as Project Manager for the Festival of Pacific Arts - to be held in the Solomon Islands in 2012. As Project Manager, I am tasked with ensuring our Maori and Pacific artists and associated arts professionals connect their talents to showcase Aotearoa’s unique Pacific art and culture and uphold mana Maori, manaakitanga.  The festival aims to enable a true sharing of culture between countries from the entire Pacific region - and my role is to make that dream a reality.

Working with Creative New Zealand is something of 'hand in glove' for me. I have been involved in the arts since childhood. Coming from a theatre and dance background, I moved into events at a young age and haven’t looked back. I bring more than 18 years of experience in event and tour management, creative consultancy, production, team building, advertising and arts promotion, and communications.

Event project management requires the attention-to-detail of a brain surgeon, the planning of a military strategist, the flexibility of a gymnast, the patience of a saint, the innovation of a scientific genius, the empathy of a poet, and the coordination of a juggler. And ... I love it.
I believe a truly memorable and invigorating creative project is the fruit of a great working partnership and this is an ethos shared by the team at Creative New Zealand. Kia u ki te wairua o toi. Hold the creative spirit.