20 November 2002 Media Statement

Re-appointments to culture and arts boards

Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage Helen Clark today announced the re-appointment of members to the boards of Te Papa, Creative New Zealand and the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra.

Current members Judith Binney, Glenys Coughlan and David Gascoigne have been re-appointed to the board of Te Papa, each for a further year from 1 July 2002 to 30 June 2003.

Peter Biggs has been re-appointed to Chair of the Creative New Zealand Arts Council for a further year from 1 July 2002 to 30 June 2003.

Current Chair of the board of the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra Sir Selywn Cushing has been re-appointed; and Dame Cath Tizard and Joe Pope have been re-appointed to their positions on the board. The re-appointments are for a further year from 1 August 2002 to 30 July 2003.

Helen Clark said she was delighted that these people have all agreed to continue to serve on our culture and arts boards.

“They bring an impressive range of skills and experience to their positions. Their ongoing commitment and contribution are greatly appreciated,” Helen Clark said.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Judith Binney

Professor Binney is a Professor of History at the University of Auckland. Her work has been extensively published, she is in demand as a guest lecturer, and she has acted as historical consultant to a diverse range of projects. She is the recipient of many academic awards, fellowships and prizes, and has published extensively, and was the editor of the New Zealand Journal of History from 1996 to 2001. She was first appointed as a member of the Board in August 1999.Her academic skills and considerable reputation continue to be of value to the Board.

Glenys Coughlan

Glenys Coughlan is CEO of NBPR, a full public relations consultancy. She leads a team of consultants in Auckland and Wellington with specializations in government and media relations, corporate and finance communications and brand and marketing communications. Ms Coughlan’s marketing and communication skills, especially in the areas of tourism, continue to be an asset to the Board.

David Gascoigne

David Gascoigne is a Corporate Lawyer & Company Director. He is a consultant to Minter Ellison Rudd Watts. Mr Gascoigne has been a member of the Board of Te Papa since 1996 and his legal skills and broad experience of cultural sector governance continue to be highly valuable assets to the Board. He also has extensive experience in the areas of marketing, programming and securing corporate sponsorship.

Peter Biggs

Peter Biggs is currently the Managing Director of the Clemenger BBDO advertising agency. He has eighteen years experience in public relations and advertising and is a well-known public speaker. He is highly regarded in his field and has received a number of industry awards. The agencies he has managed have also achieved notable success under his leadership. Mr Biggs was first appointed as Chair of the Council in July 1999 and since then has made a strong contribution to the Council.

Sir Selywn Cushing

Sir Selwyn Cushing has a strong interest in the performing arts and classical music, as well as extensive business experience. He has been a director of numerous state-owned and private companies, and has been chair of many of these; he therefore brings considerable commercial and leadership experience to the Board of the NZSO.

Dame Cath Tizard

Dame Catherine Tizard has extensive experience as a patron and member of numerous arts and community organisations, as well as in local government. This background, combined with experience gained during her tenure as Governor-General, has enabled her to play a valuable role in raising the NZSO’s profile nation-wide and in establishing strong links to its wider community. Dame Catherine was first appointed to the Board of the NZSO in 1996.

Joe Pope

Mr Pope was first appointed to the Board of the NZSO in 1996. Since then he has been extensively involved in negotiations with the Wellington City Council with plans for relocating the NZSO to the Michael Fowler Centre. Mr Pope’s marketing experience has been a particular asset to the NZSO as it has sought to improve its market profile and attract a wider audience to its concerts.

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