ARTS FESTIVAL NOW ANNUAL

Auckland Arts Festival is now a yearly event. The March festival had been a biennial event since 2003 however, a trial began in 2015 to determine if a yearly event would be successful. The trial proved successful, attracting significantly increased numbers year-on-year, as well as bringing world-class acts, both national and international, to Auckland. In recent years the festival has also made efforts to attract new audiences that may not be regular arts patrons by spreading its reach to areas such Warkworth, Manukau, Glen Innes and the North Shore. The decision was accepted following a recommendation by the Auckland Council’s Finance and Performance Committee.

AT APPOINTS NEW CEO

Auckland Transport (AT) has appointed Shane Ellison as its new chief executive. Ellison has 20 years of global experience in senior leadership roles in transport and infrastructure. AT chairman Lester Levy said it was impressed with Ellison’s leadership, innovative mindset, and operational experience. The selection process involved collaboration between Auckland mayor Phil Goff, AT’S deputy chairman and various members of local boards. Goff said Ellison was unanimously selected by both the panel and the AT board. He starts at AT on December 11.

FLYING BOATS ON THE MOVE

Employees, volunteers and contractors have spent days rearranging MOTAT’S collection of flying boats. The newly painted ‘Sunderland’ has been welcomed into the Aviation Display Hall, while the Solent ‘Aranui’ has been moved outside for further restoration works and painting. The museum hoped to see the two crafts housed together under the same roof, which was well on its way to being achieved. MOTAT chief executive Michael Frawley said the Sunderland was donated to MOTAT in 1967 but this was the first time in 50 years it had been able to house her inside.

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