New Zealand Festival Executive Director Sue Paterson is stepping down from the helm of Aotearoa’s biggest celebration of cutting-edge arts and culture after a successful seven years.

Today it was announced that this year’s Festival activity attracted over 180,000 ticket buyers and delivered over $100 million to the Wellington City economy thanks to the combined impact of the 2016 New Zealand Festival and the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, a huge spectacle which Sue was instrumental in securing for Wellington.

Sue’s association with the New Zealand Festival is a long one, her connections go back to when she was general manager for Auckland-based Limbs Dance Company, which was part of the 1986 Festival. She continued to work with the Festival while at Creative New Zealand in the early ‘90s to help fund New Zealand works and had a stint as the Festival’s marketing director for four years – delivering record-breaking attendances. 

As Executive Director Sue has successfully delivered four New Zealand Festivals, five Wellington Jazz Festivals (with the fifth opening on 8 June), four Lexus Song Quests and one-off events like the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo which was the biggest show in Westpac Stadium’s history.

A cultural leader who has spent three decades championing the arts in New Zealand, Sue has a particular passion for dance. She has been a significant force in shaping the art form in New Zealand – as leader of Limbs (1979-1986), General Manager of the Royal New Zealand Ballet company (1999-2006), and a trustee of the New Zealand School of Dance (1995-1998; 2006-2015). She was honoured for her services to the arts with a New Zealand Order of Merit in 2004.

“It’s pleasing to look back at what we have achieved for our audiences and for our city. I’d like to acknowledge the input of our artists, funders, sponsors, patrons, Culture Club supporters, audiences and our staff and crew – their support and passion ensures the Festival’s ongoing success. I hope that the organisation attracts a great new leader. Here’s to the next 30 years!” Sue said.

Applications are now open for the position of New Zealand Festival Executive Director and close on Monday 20 June.