In a plot twist many wouldn't have seen coming - Creative New Zealand (CNZ) has announced the oft-discussed Chief Executive role has been filled by the candidate much of the sector had wanted all along.

The Arts Council has declared that Gretchen La Roche will take over from Stephen Wainwright in mid-2025, interestingly working out of its Auckland office rather than the traditional Wellington base. 

It's a move most thought had been removed from the table when La Roche left CNZ earlier this year to lead The Court Theatre.

In her first interview since accepting the position, The Big Idea asked La Roche what changed for her to throw her hat back in the ring?

She responded "Being back at The Court has been a joy, but I realised I’d regret not taking the opportunity to apply for the role of Chief Executive at CNZ.

"Working together with the staff and board of The Court, we’ve also made excellent - and quicker than expected - progress stabilising the organisation and establishing its future direction. That, together with the extension to the recruitment process, meant the timing felt better."

La Roche reveals she's been "absolutely blown away" with the response to Wednesday's (4 December) announcement, and knows she'll have her work cut out for her in her new position.

She told The Big Idea "Many challenges for the creative sector continue largely unchanged and so a big part of my focus will be on looking at new and different approaches to how we might address these.

"I’m excited to lead the organisation as we set the direction for the next part of the story, and to work with the extraordinary people and organisations that serve all New Zealanders with their creative mahi."  

"Best Person" for the job

The Chair of the Arts Council of New Zealand Toi Aotearoa, Kent Gardner explains La Roche was the stand-out in what he describes as a strong field of candidates, labelling the process as robust.

"Gretchen gave us confidence that she is the best person to lead CNZ as our next Chief Executive. She has a strong record as an enterprising leader who is highly responsive to context, is very good with people, and engages deeply and works with community.

"The Council took the opportunity to appoint someone who is a leader and has deep experience of working in the arts sector. Gretchen has been both a freelance performer and worked in several executive roles in the arts, including a fixed term appointment as Senior Manager Art Development at CNZ until May of this year."

Among her top tier leadership experience, La Roche has been Chief Executive at Chamber Music New Zealand and the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra, as well as her current role as Executive Director of The Court Theatre.

Welcome backflip

There had been a creative sector expectation that when Wainwright announced he would end his CNZ tenure after three decades back in October 2023, promoting La Roche was a no-brainer.

But when she revealed her return to the other side of the funding fence with Christchurch creative cornerstone the Court Theatre, there was genuine shock and disappointment from many within the community.

In an exit interview in April, The Big Idea asked La Roche if she had been interested in the CE role. At the time, she responded:

"I think leading CNZ is an incredible role - incredibly demanding but I think that it is very special. I've really enjoyed my time at CNZ...I feel incredibly lucky to have worked here. What you learn and what you see - the unique view that you get on what's going on.

"Obviously not this time around - but who knows what the future holds?"

Well, we know now. 

It's quite a coup for the organisation. At a time where there will be many challenges on the horizon, they've secured the services of not just an extremely capable leader but also one that is hugely respected within the sector.

La Roche was a central and public figure in the creation of CNZ's 'For The Arts' funding model, her ability to engage with the creative sector and show compassion drawing high praise. 

The Arts Council board has changed since her last CNZ departure - Caren Rangi replaced as Chair by Gardner - which has been seen as a reason for making the search for a new Chief Executive an elongated one.

Garnder details "By the time Gretchen starts in the role - likely to be May 2025 - we’ll have seen progress on Amplify, Minister Goldsmith’s strategy for arts and creativity and had some exciting new appointees to the Council. This has been a period of renewal across the organisation’s leadership and the Council looks forward to supporting Gretchen as she navigates us into new territory." 

La Roche explained to The Big Idea that her current gig will keep her busy up until then.

"The main focus for the upcoming months will be establishing The Court in our brand new, purpose-built theatre in the heart of Christchurch and preparing for its opening on 3 May. I’ll be continuing at The Court until that time."

Gardner also paid tribute to Wainwright for holding the fort for what has been an extended period - he was originally expected to leave mid-to-late 2024.

"We are grateful for Stephen Wainwright’s ongoing leadership throughout this process, and we will fully acknowledge his many contributions to the organisation and the sector at his farewell, which is likely to be in April 2025."