Executive

MTNZ Vice President 2004 - 2009
MTNZ President 2009 - 2014

Ian has attended at least 45 MTNZ AGMs and Conferences.

Ian joined the Napier Operatic Society in 1967 while serving as an electrical apprentice with the Napier City Council - starting as a lighting board operator for ‘ Little Mary Sunshine’ and moving on to props for later productions. Whilst Ian decided that behind the scenes was where he would contribute most, he did appear in a number of minor roles in shows such as ‘Me and My Girl’ ‘Beauty and the Beast’ and ‘Les Misérables’.

Ian served on the executive committee of Napier Operatic Society for circa 25 years, holding the position of secretary for 19 years between 1984 and 2003. He also represented the society on the Musical Theatre Consortium for 8 years.

Ian was awarded Life Membership of Napier Operatic Society in 1994, and in 2003 he received a Merit Award from MTNZ for services to Musical Theatre. This was followed by Life Membership of MTNZ in 2015.
During his term as President of MTNZ, Ian helped build solid relationships with both Entertainment Technology New Zealand (ETNZ) and Entertainment Venues Association (EVANZ) at a national level.

In 2016 Ian was awarded a Paul Harris Fellowship by Rotary International for services to the arts and community. Then in 2024 he was awarded Life Membership of EVANZ; an organisation he was a member of during his career as Venue Manager at the Napier Municipal Theatre until his retirement in 2017.

The 2025 New Year Honours List saw Ian appointed as a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) for services to musical theatre. Ian has been, and continues to be, an inspiring and outstanding mentor within the theatre community, whether it is at a national or grassroots level.

Emma was pretty much born into theatre as her mother was rehearsing a show whilst she was pregnant.
Emma spent the first 19 years as an active member of both Opera Otago and Dunedin Operatic, with highlights being performing in the 1994 Consortium of Les Miserables and 1995 Merry Widow with Dame Malvina Major.
Emma attended Otago University as a voice student of Honor McKellar but relocated to Nelson to attend performing arts school as it became apparent that musical theatre was her number one passion. Here she gained a Diploma in Performing Arts (Musical Theatre).
She moved to Auckland in 1998 following a stint as Columbia in Rocky Horror for the Nelson Arts Festival.
Emma trained as a performing arts teacher specialising in Music gaining a Bachelor of Education (Primary) & a Post Grad Diploma in Music Education and then went on to complete her Masters in Dance Education.

Emma spent 15 years as a full time educator before leaving to establish her own company StageAntics based in Tamaki Makaurau whilst offering quality theatre training and programmes across the motu.

Emma has been a member of a number of Zone One societies including PLOC, MPA, HARLEQUIN, PTC and AMT. She was on the executive of PTC for three years and was on the Executive committee at AMT for six years including three years as Chair. She was the Consortium Rep for AMT/AMICI on EVITA and MAMMA MIA.

Emma was the MTNZ Zone One Representative for four years, VicePresident for three years and is now in the second year as President.
Emma is also a past President and Life Member of Drama NZ the subject association for teachers of Drama in Education.

Emma has a vast experience in all facets of theatre including performing, directing, choreography, musical direction, vocal coaching, Lighting design, set design, costume design, and marketing having received a total of 4 NAPTA nominations and 27 nominations for AMI now iTicket Showdown awards including winning Best Costumes three times, best Lighting, best sound, best set and best direction. E

Emma's passion for Musical Theatre and its importance in education has seen her producing the Junior Theatre Festival NZ since 2017 as well as being a part of the Junior Theater international whānau teaching faculty at JTF Atlanta, JTF West, JTF Europe & JTF Oz.

Email: Emma@mtnz.co.nz

Kirsty lives in Hamilton, and moved there from Palmerston North to complete a Degree in Contemporary Music with Vision College; while simultaneously completing a Graduate Diploma in Business (HRM) through Massey Uni.

She currently teaches singing and music theory in the Waikato. Kirsty got married to her husband Aleks in 2019 and is the mother of their beautiful songbird Raina and son Lucian. Kirsty has performed in many musicals, including RENT, JC Superstar, Flapper - Tribute to the 1920's, Legally Blonde and others. She has also worked as Musical/Vocal Director in 2019 for Riverlea Theatre's '13' and Blackbox Creatives 'Heathers'.

Kirsty has worked extensively in administration, having covered most areas of administration in some capacity. She has also worked for Social Enterprise Conscious Consumers as Regional Coordinator; connecting businesses, stakeholders, consumers and suppliers who share interest in sustainability and ethical business practices. Kirsty also really cherishes her time as a volunteer/educator with Trade Aid NZ.

"If I had to pick one reason I love theatre, well it's impossible, but I will say I love the community and connection people can find in the theatre. People make lifelong friendships and that is a beautiful thing."

Email: office@mtnz.co.nz

Elise was performing as soon as she could walk. Making her debut in Madame Butterfly at age 4, she has been an integral part of Tauranga Musical Theatre ever since. During her 30 years with the society she has participated in more than 80 shows - often as a member of the creative team or as a mentor to youth.

Notable onstage roles include Gary Coleman in Avenue Q; earning a Zony nomination for Leading Actress and The Baker's Wife in Into The Woods.

Elise has worked in almost every department of Musical Theatre both as a volunteer and in corporate entertainment focussing mainly on sound engineering and music roles which she believes go hand in hand for any great performance. In 2019 she was awarded the Zony for 'Best Sound Design' for her involvement in the Tauranga Musical Production of Heathers.

Elise has also Musical Directed over 20 productions, most recently earning Zony nominations for Mamma Mia, Mary Poppins, Rock of Ages, Heathers & Wicked; of which she was awarded the Zony for 'Best Vocal Direction of a Musical’.

Elise recently also received a nomination for the TECT Volunteer of The Year Award, received an MTNZ Merit Award in 2021 and was proudly awarded a life membership to Tauranga Musical Theatre for her services to committee, youth and as President for many years.

By day Elise co-owns Wright Rohde Academy of Performing Arts (WRAPA) - a performing arts school in Tauranga and has stepped into the financial administrator role for MTNZ along with a raft of other things to keep herself busy.

Phone: 0273445552

Email: Elise@mtnz.co.nz

Craig has been a proud member of the Auckland theatrical community now for 25 years. He commenced his journey assisting backstage with Auckland Music Theatre, undertaking marketing, front of house duties and production management for a number of shows as a member of the Executive Committee. He was also tempted onto the stage and performed in over 30 musicals in chorus, supporting and lead actor roles with almost all of Aucklands societies, being twice NAPTA nominated for best leading role in a musical. He was also privileged to direct and embraced the Auckland premiere of Next to Normal.

More recently, Craig has spent 4 years as a NAPTA judge, travelling far and wide judging over 100 shows.

As a sideline, Craig is an Inflight Service Manager with Air New Zealand, traveling internationally on a weekly basis and occasionally getting to enjoy performances on the likes of Broadway, New York. When home, he enjoys spending time with his husband, Simon and doggies Buddy and Yanni.

Craig is honoured to take on the role of Zone 1 Rep and looks forward to being part of the New Zealand wide theatrical community and helping to foster great relationships and support for the community that we are all so passionate about.

Mike has been interested in performing since childhood and actively involved in theatre for as long as he can remember. The way he describes it, playing make believe was always his favourite occupation.
His early experience came from school productions in Putaruru (one act plays, classroom activities etc) and he did his first musicals with Putaruru Theatre Players while still in his teens. He attended The NZ Drama School (Toi Whakaari) in 1976 and after graduation worked at Court Theatre in Christchurch on contract for a year.
The following year he moved into radio, starting as a journalist for Radio NZ. Announcing and programming followed, and he has remained in the industry (in various capacities) ever since – more than 40 years!
That work took him to Nelson and he spent almost 27 years there, where (after a long hiatus) he continued his love of theatre, becoming involved with Nelson Musical Theatre and Nelson Repertory Theatre, as well as a couple of smaller production groups which were operating at the time (for both musicals and plays).
Since relocating to the Waikato in mid-2015, Mike has been even busier, immersing himself more fully in the space he calls his happy place. He has worked with Hamilton Operatic Society, Hamilton Musical Theatre, Bold Theatre, Hamilton Playbox Theatre, and not content with that, he has featured in a range of productions in Morrinsville, Cambridge, Matamata, Tauranga and Rotorua. Mike has become a very familiar face as both an actor and director these days, and is also current President for Hamilton Musical Theatre.
He says he is grateful to have had the opportunity to perform in some demanding and rewarding productions, taking on characters that have stretched him. He lists Judge Turpin as one role he has particularly enjoyed recently, but there's also a bucket list... Mike says he has always felt it important to do whatever he could to be ‘of service’ to the organisations he have been involved with and to the theatrical world he loves so much.

Email: mike@mtnz.co.nz

Sonya has been involved in Napier Operatic for 30 years and is currently secretary for the society’s executive. Sonya enjoys all aspects of theatre and has worked in most areas including directing, properties, Production management, catering, stage management and sound.

Sonya established the Napier Operatic Society’s Theatre School in 2000 and combines her passion with teaching 5 year olds with her passion for developing youth in theatre. The theatre school now boasts a membership of over 300 with an annual production at least once a year. Sonya has presented workshops at the MTNZ conference several times.

In 2012 Sonya received the Music Theatre New Zealand Merit Award for services to theatre followed by Life Membership to Napier Operatic in 2018.

Email: Sonya@mtnz.co.nz

Gavin was recently elected as the new Zone 4 representative for Musical Theatre New Zealand.

Gavin has had a long association with musical theatre over the years, starting at high school in Timaru during the ‘90s and has been doing it ever since then!. He had worked in a variety of roles in both in New Zealand and overseas productions.

Gavin is involved in a number of theatre groups in Canterbury and am currently the Vice President of the North Canterbury Musical Society. During the day he works as a building specialist with the Christchurch City Council. If If not at work, or being involved in the theatre, he loves to get out and see different shows in the community around the country. Gavin also loves walking and getting out and seeing the beauty of New Zealand and helps out with a local civil defence rescue team when needed.

Gavin primarily works in stage management but will help wherever needed. He has a strong focus with health and safety, including looking after the wellbeing of everyone in a show, along with a focus on governance.

Gavin has had the privilege of travelling around the zone over the last couple of years meeting new people and seeing some amazing shows and looks forward to seeing many more over the next year. Theatre plays such an important role in our society, being people together from various backgrounds to achieve a common purpose and allow audiences to see local/national talent and the see the results of all the time and energy that many volunteers have given to their production.

He looks forward to working with you all and seeing theatre grow in New Zealand.

Email: Gavin@mtnz.co.nz

Irene has been involved with musical theatre since she was 17. Her first role was with South Otago Theatrical Society as The Rose seller in Oliver, which led to an ongoing involvement over the years.

On stage, off stage, behind the piano, waving the baton or in governance; Irene’s roots are firmly grounded in community theatre and the importance it has to both individual and community well-being.

In 2022 Irene was awarded a Queens Service Medal for over 40 years of involvement in community development. Having served on several national and regional boards and having driven several high-profile community projects; Irene’s mantra is “let’s work together to get stuff done”.

Now living south of Mosgiel, Irene has rekindled her involvement with musical theatre this year after several years away. She will be Vocal Director for Taieri Musical Theatre’s production of Lion King Jnr. in late 2023.

Happily admitting to “loving a good constitution” she is looking forward to serving Musical Theatre as an executive team member.

Email: irene@mtnz.co.nz

Matthew is a 2024 graduate of the Master of Creative Practice program at Ara, Te Pūkenga, earing his degree with distinction for his dissertation titled- Nā Whakarongo Mai: Te Reo Māori and Te Ao Māori in Devised Theatre of Aotearoa. He is a 2021 graduate from the National Academy of Singing and Dramatic Art (NASDA) with a Bachelor of Performing Arts. He made his professional theatre debut in Frankenstein at The Court Theatre in Christchurch in 2021.

He started performing at the age of five, Matthew's first community theatre show was with Papakura Theatre Company in 2013. Since then he has performed with JK Performing Arts, NASDA, Youth Theatreworks, Saint Kentigern College, and Pukekohe Performing Arts. Matthew also appeared in the TV series I Am… (Screentime NZ) in 2018.

Matthew is also a stage manager, having stage managed shows for the Junior Theatre Festival NZ in 2023 and 2024, StageAntics, Luminaires, North Shore Music Theatre, Saint Kentigern College, and Showbiz Christchurch's WayOff Broadway Concerts from 2019 to 2021. He has also directed Disney's Alice in Wonderland JR for Glass Ceiling Arts Collective and Whiskered as part of the Harlequin Musical Theatre's intern program. In 2024, Matthew returned to NASDA to stage manage the 2nd year musical and whole school finale.

Since graduating from NASDA, Matthew's career has been heavily involved in performing arts. He has taught classes for StageAntics and Glass Ceiling Arts Collective. He is currently an usher at Little Andromeda, a theatre in Christchurch, and also works as a medical simulation actor.

He is honoured to be a part of the MTNZ exec as the Nextgen Representative.

Nā tō rourou, nā taku rourou, ka ora ai te iwi - with your food basket and my food basket the people will thrive.

Rongowhakaata/Ngāi Tāmanuhiri/Ngāpuhi/Ngāti Pikiao

Originally from a small rural town south of Gisborne called Manutuke. She is no stranger to the world of performing arts as she comes from a family known for kapa haka and music.

Bobby holds a Bachelor in Māori performing arts (Music) and a Bachelor of Teaching (Primary).

She is trained in jazz vocal and is an accomplished composer and musician.

Her passion lies in the accessibility to Arts within the Community. She has spent the last over 15 years in the community and youth sector, incorporating her arts practice to engage vulnerable families and individuals with high social issues. The Arts has a way of breaking down barriers in the most non-invasive way.

Bobby is an active part of the Rotorua Arts scene as a gigging musician, choir director, event manager and governance member for local clubs such as Bay of Plenty Blues Club, Jazz Rotorua and she is currently the president for Rotorua Musical Theatre. She has been part of the organisation for local events such as the Rotorua Youth Festival, Rotorua Christmas Day Community Lunch and Rotorua NZ Music Month.

Being inducted on to the MTNZ executive as Cultural Advisor she counts as a privilege, especially for those who don’t have a voice or are fearful to speak up. Bobby’s youth work and social work background helps to identify the barriers between different social groups and be able to find strength based and solution focused ways to bridge the gap. Incorporating Kaupapa Māori within theatres should be normal in this day and age but the reality there is some apprehension.

The role of the cultural advisor is to help assist and provide as much education and connection with the right people to support our theatres nationally around diversity and inclusion of Māori and other nationalities.

Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi, engari kē he toa takitini

My success should not be bestowed onto me alone, it was not individual success but the success of a collective

This whakatauki acknowledges team effort, that one’s success is due to the support and contribution of many. Just as it takes a village to raise a child, it takes community/a team to enable an individual’s success. It’s a good whakatauki to use when wanting to acknowledge the support of many.