Kaitiaki Matua

Current Trust Board

  • Smiling woman with short gray hair, glasses, and earrings, wearing a black jacket and purple scarf, standing in front of a dark, illuminated hallway.

    Elisabeth Vaneveld MNZM

    BOARD CHAIR

    Former director of Creative Entrepreneurship at The University of Auckland, Elisabeth Vaneveld holds the role of Executive Chair, New Zealand Dance Festival Trust.

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  • A woman with long dark wavy hair smiling outdoors against a leafy background, wearing a floral jacket, black top, and a large green pendant necklace.

    Sarah Tahere

    BOARD TRUSTEE

    With over two decades of experience in education, Sarah Tahere emerges as a trailblazer in her field, collaborating with visionaries on groundbreaking educational endeavours such as the Inzone project and Pacific Advance Senior School.

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Strategic Pillars

The NZDFT Trust Board is committed to clear, purposeful leadership grounded in values that serve both the dance sector and the wider public. Our strategic pillars articulate the key focus areas that guide our decisions, shape our priorities, and define how we deliver long-term impact across Aotearoa’s dance ecology.

These pillars are not static statements—they are active commitments. They frame our responsibilities as kaitiaki of Tempo Dance Festival and stewards of future sector development. In a time of organisational transition and sector-wide change, these pillars keep us aligned, accountable, and future-focused.

KAUPAPA | PURPOSE

To be an innovative leader in Aotearoa’s dance ecology, championing and advocating for dance innovation in all its cultural and creative diversity.

FINANCIAL SUSTAINABILITY

To be an essential, strong, and sustainable arts organisation with the financial and human resources to deliver long-term value to artists, communities, partners, and the public.

HAPORI | COMMUNITY

To co-create with dance creatives and communities of interest, ensuring that the benefits of dance innovation and participation are shared widely with the general public.

RAUTAKI | STRATEGIC EXCELLENCE

To develop and implement strategies that demonstrably grow audiences and enhance the delivery of NZDFT’s projects and initiatives.

ADVANCING THROUGH KNOWLEDGE

To actively evaluate the impact and outcomes of our work through data collection, research, and reflective practice—ensuring NZDFT remains adaptive, relevant, and visionary.

Join the Board