Latest news with #RuthHeath
Otago Daily Times
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Otago Daily Times
New director from over the hill
Incoming Te Atamira director Ruth Heath, left, is taking over from Olivia Egerton on August 4. PHOTO: DAVID OAKLEY A champion of Wanaka's arts sector will now be putting her energies into Queenstown's lively arts and cultural scene. Ruth Heath, executive director of the Southern Lakes Arts Festival Trust, which delivers the popular Wanaka Festival of Colour and Aspiring Conversations, has been appointed the new director of local arts and cultural hub, Te Atamira. She takes over on August 4 from influential founding director Olivia Egerton, who has put the Remarkables Park centre on the national radar since setting it up three years ago. Heath has accumulated a depth of experience in arts leadership, community engagement and festival organisation, and has a strong belief in the power of the arts to connect, uplift and strengthen communities. Te Atamira co-chair Kevin Bouchier says they're impressed by her ability to extend access to the arts, develop and grow new audiences and deliver a dynamic programme reflecting the community. Heath is part of Creative New Zealand's new new-leaders programme, is on the board of Wanaka's Mount Aspiring College and is co-owner of Wanaka's The People's Bread Co. Bouchier says Heath's commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi, tikanga and manaakitanga also resonated with the board. "We are excited for what lies ahead under Ruth's leadership and invite our community, artists, partners and friends to join us in extending a warm welcome and our full support." Heath says she's delighted to be joining "a special team at a special place". Te Atamira is an exciting creative hub, and I look forward to working with artists, partners and the people of the Whakatipu to continue the beautiful mahi Olivia and the team have begun — shaping a place that inspires, reflects and supports the rich arts and cultural life of this region, for all of the community."
Scoop
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Te Atamira Announces New Director
Following a six-month search which received a high calibre of applicants from across Aotearoa New Zealand and internationally, we are delighted to announce that Ruth Heath will be the new Director of Te Atamira, from Monday 4 August. Ruth Heath brings a depth of experience in arts leadership, community engagement, and festival presentation. She has worked across Te Waipounamu South Island in roles spanning creative direction, producing, governance, community development, education, and events. Her cross-sector experience is grounded in a strong belief in the transformative power of the arts to connect, uplift, and strengthen communities. Ruth is currently Executive Director of the Southern Lakes Arts Festival Trust, home to the much-loved Wānaka Festival of Colour | Te Kaupeka Rau and Aspiring Conversations. Known for her thoughtful and collaborative leadership style, Ruth is committed to creating platforms for diverse voices and creative exploration. Te Atamira Board Co-Chair Kevin Bouchier says the Board was deeply impressed by Ruth's proven ability to expand community access to the arts, develop and grow new audiences and deliver a dynamic programme that is unique and reflects the community. Recently recognised by Creative New Zealand's New Leaders programme, Ruth's commitment to the Queenstown Lakes District community is demonstrated through her roles as a Board Member at Mount Aspiring College and business owner of The People's Bread Co in Wānaka. 'Ruth's strong commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi, tikanga, and manaakitanga - principles that sit at the heart of Te Atamira's values - particularly resonated with us. On behalf of the Board and team, we are excited for what lies ahead under Ruth's leadership and invite our community, artists, partners and friends to join us in extending a warm welcome and our full support,' says Bouchier. 'I'm delighted to be joining a special team at a special place. Te Atamira is an exciting creative hub, and I look forward to working with artists, partners, and the people of the Whakatipu to continue the beautiful mahi Olivia and the team have begun - shaping a space that inspires, reflects and supports the rich arts and cultural life of this region, for all of the community,' says Ruth Heath. Ruth is part of the inaugural cohort of Creative New Zealand's New Leaders Programme, alongside 25 arts leaders from across Aotearoa. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Canterbury and a Certificate in Creativity from The Learning Connexion – School of Creativity and Art. Ruth is based in Wānaka where she lives with her husband Jeremy and their four children.
