Creative New Zealand's new Arts Committee members

MEDIA RELEASE

Date: 6 August 2008

Creative New Zealand's new Pacfic Arts Committee members

Creative New Zealand welcomes the appointment of Matafetu Smith and Frances Hartnell to its Pacific Arts Committee.

The Pacific Arts Committee is a committee of Creative New Zealand's Arts Board, and develops and supports both the heritage and contemporary arts of the Pacific peoples of New Zealand. Creative New Zealand is the national development agency for the arts in New Zealand.

Matafetu Smith (Niue) and Frances Hartnell (Cook Islands) were appointed by the Arts Board for a term of three years.

Pacific Arts Committee Chair, Pele Walker, said she was pleased to have Matafetu and Frances representing the Niuean and Cook Island communities.

"Creative New Zealand plays an important role in supporting the development of New Zealand's Pacific artists and the knowledge and experience Matafetu and Frances bring to the Pacific Arts Committee will be invaluable," Pele Walker said.

"Between them, Matafetu and Frances have a wealth of knowledge of contemporary and heritage Pacific arts, and an extensive understanding of the Pacific arts community in New Zealand."

The Pacific Arts Committee supports Pacific Islands artists and organisations by allocating project grants and developing initiatives, such as awards and international residencies.

Representatives from the seven main Island groups (Samoa, Fiji, Tonga, Niue, Cook Islands, Tokelau and Tuvalu) are represented on the Pacific Arts Committee.

Matafetu Smith is an Auckland-based weaver. In 1984 she formed Tufuga Mataponiu, an organisation that organises and promotes weaving amongst Niuean women. Matafetu was also the co-ordinator for the Niue Village at the Pasifika Festival at Western Springs from the time the village concept was initiated until 2003.

Frances Hartnell has a vast knowledge of the public and private sectors. Frances was previously Chief Executive of the Pacific Business Trust and Whitecliffe College of Arts and Design before taking up her current role as Auckland Governance Relationship Manager Department of Internal Affairs.
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