Paul Goldsmith has been busy.

The Minster for Arts, Culture and Heritage - as well as the Media portfolio - has made major leadership changes within both his Arts and Media portfolios.

Included in his raft of appointments, one of the biggest jobs in the arts sector.

“I am pleased to announce Kent Gardner as the new Chair of Creative New Zealand (CNZ).

“Kent brings with him a wealth of governance experience through previous roles as Chair of Jasper (Property) and as a member of the Te Papa Foundation.

“He was also formerly a patron of the Royal Academy of Arts, Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and The Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre in the United Kingdom.”

In a statement from the Arts Foundation, Gardner said the CNZ position is  "a role I am proud to take on and look forward to. Having been involved in The Arts Foundation Te Tumu Toi for over five years, and most recently as Co-Chair, I have been deeply impacted by the organisation, the artists, the patrons, and the power of the arts to change society. This learning experience continually opens my eyes and heart to the power of arts and creativity to bring people together.

"As well as being a passionate supporter of the arts, I take with me my experience in governance and business, and I am hopeful I can make a difference across another part of the arts funding landscape.

"I will continue to Co-Chair The Arts Foundation Te Tumu Toi with Chelsea Winstanley until the end of 2024 to ensure an orderly transition."

Among his accolades, Gardner was named UK New Zealander of the Year in 2012 and is a Kea World Class New Zealander.

That was big news in and of itself, but Goldsmith was just getting started.
 

“I am delighted to announce Carmel Walsh will be officially stepping into the role of Chair of the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, having been acting Chair since April.

“Carmel is a longstanding member of the NZSO Board, and is a former board member of the New Zealand Opera School and NZTrio.

“She carries with her a deep passion for the arts, great understanding of the NZSO and expertise as an experienced barrister and solicitor.

“I look forward to Carmel championing our national orchestra and continuing to foster some of New Zealand’s leading musical talents."
 

In his capacity as Media and Communications Minister, Goldsmith is appointing Andrew Caisley as Chair of New Zealand On Air.

“Andrew has longstanding experience in governance roles in the creative sector, serving as both member and or Chair of the NZ Book Council, Playmarket, the Indian Ink Theatre Trust, and Q Theatre Trust.

“He has also served as a member of CNZ and the New Zealand Film and Literature Board Review.”