After 18 months of helping reshape Creative New Zealand (CNZ) from the inside out, Gretchen La Roche is moving on.

In a move that has stunned the creative sector, La Roche was announced as the new Executive Director of Christchurch performing arts institution The Court Theatre, due to start in May.

It's an exceptional get for the Court Theatre, with La Roche's already highly touted reputation being enhanced during her time as CNZ's Senior Manager of Arts Development Services. 

The role was originally a fixed-term one-year contract that started in September 2022, but her value to the organisation was clear as she became a central and public figure in the creation of CNZ's new funding model. 

Her ability to engage with the creative sector has drawn high praise and she has played a key role in a time of transition for CNZ.

Many external figures had hoped that La Roche would be next in line to take over as CNZ's Chief Executive Stephen Wainwright, who will vacate the role by mid-2024 after 30 years with the organisation.

Her departure has caught many off-guard.

La Roche explains “I have been an enthusiastic audience member of The Court, at both the Arts Centre and The Shed, and have long admired the vision, tenacity, and courage of the company. 

“Moving back to the city is a watershed moment for The Court and to be able to play a part in helping shape its vision for the future is something that I am immensely proud to be a part of.

“I feel very fortunate to have this opportunity to lead and be a champion for the organisation.”

It comes at a crucial time for The Court - leadership has been a key issue after the controversial reign of former Chief Executive Barbara George than ended amidst allegations of bullying and financial issues.

Steve Wakefield, Chair of The Court Theatre Board of Trustees, states "It was important to us to find a new leader who understands the Court, its history, its place, and its people and, most importantly, its potential. We are thrilled that Gretchen has been appointed.

"Gretchen’s application stood out due to her extensive arts management experience and her very impressive career in the arts." 

Wakefield explains the fact she's previously worked at the Court as a Sponsorship Liaison Coordinator unlines her heritage with the theatre and the region - making her perfectly placed to run what is labelled New Zealand’s largest theatre company, made up of permanent staff plus hundreds of creatives involved in putting together 15-20 productions annually.

“Gretchen has a deep knowledge of both the local and national arts landscape with established strong connections to key stakeholders throughout the country. She has been actively involved in fundraising and networking with foundations and donors and has experience establishing partnerships between arts organisations and iwi.

“The Court Theatre is at a pivotal time in its 50-year history, moving back into the city to a world-class purpose-built theatre in 2025. Gretchen has demonstrated experience in rebuilding organisations and developing a strong culture and collective vision. As Chief Executive of the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra (CSO), Gretchen led the team as they moved back into the Christchurch Town Hall."

That was part of the attraction for La Roche.

“With The Court Theatre about to achieve its long-held vision for a purpose-built theatre in the heart of the city, the opportunities afforded by this exceptional facility are significant. Not only for the organisation itself but for the communities of Christchurch, including the wider theatre sector locally and nationally.

"I would like to acknowledge the hard mahi from many over the years that has enabled The Court to reach this exciting time in its history.”

As well as her CNZ and CSO record, La Roche has also been the Chief Executive of Chamber Music New Zealand and Trustee of the Tairāwhiti Festival in her home town of Gisborne.