Join us as we open Te Muka Toi, Te Muka Tākata / The Creativity and Cultural Hui with this kaupapa, and explore how creativity can drive real economic and cultural outcomes.

This is a session about investment, impact, and long-term value featuring international and local speakers.

Together, we’ll explore how regions like Queenstown Lakes can transform creative momentum into long-term economic and cultural value.

RSVP here.

Confirmed Speakers & Panellists

Opening Address: Honourable Paul Goldsmith
 
Paul Goldsmith is the Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage, Minister of Justice, Minister for State Owned Enterprises, and Minister for Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations and will provide todays opening address.

 
Keynote Speaker: Ken Ikeda
 
Ken is the CEO of CAST, Community Arts Stabilization Trust and will be joining us virtually from California providing a keynote on cultural investment and creative infrastructure.

 
Panellist: Michelle Tabet
 
Joining virtually, Michelle is the Director at Left Bank Co, urban strategists in cultural planning, management, urban planning, design and architecture. With 15+ years of experience and a rigorous evidence-led process, Michelle empowers urban leaders to consider the long-term impact of the decisions they are making today.

 
Panellist: Dr. Alanya Rā
 
Dr Alanya Rā is the Director Social Investment at WSP in New Zealand, one of the world’s leading professional services firms, uniting their engineering, advisory and science-based expertise to shape communities to advance humanity.

 
Panellist: Olivia Egerton
 
Olivia is the founding Director of Te Atamira, Tāhuna Queenstown's arts and cultural centre, which opened in the heart of Whakatipu region in 2022.

 
Panellist: Philly de Lacy
 
Philly is the Chief Executive Officer of Screentime NZ Ltd who have delivered thousands of hours of production to audiences both locally and internationally.

 
Facilitator: Clare Irons
 
Clare helps build community and connection in her many roles, including Impact100 Wakatipu and as Podcast host at the Mountain Club.

 
 
With thanks to our supporters:

This event has been made possible by Queenstown Lakes District Council, Creative New Zealand, with special thanks to the Mountain Club for hosting us, and TomTom Productions for ensuring our speakers are seen and heard.