Ex-chairman calls out NZ Ballet
Organisation in damage control, writes Hayley Stevenson.
A former Royal New Zealand Ballet chairman is calling for the prime minister to make her own appointments to the board of the troubled company.
Bill Sheat is now retired, but as a former partner of law firm Gibson Sheat he presided over a lengthy sponsorship of the national Ballet. He now says it’s time for Jacinda Ardern, the Minister of Arts and Cultural Heritage, to step in.
‘‘The board of the RNZB is what political scientists call a selfperpetuating oligarchy – in other words it appoints itself,’’ Sheat says. ‘‘It was like that when I was chairman. I think that the time has come when some of the board are appointed by the minister.’’
Sheat is pleased Ardern has moved decisively to obtain a report from the ministry, and hopes it gets a wider range of views than just from the existing board.
On Friday, the Ballet announced former deputy State Services Commissioner Doug Craig would lead an independent inquiry into allegations of workplace bullying and reports that the Ballet favours overseas dancers over New Zealanders.
Ballet executive director Frances Turner did not return calls this weekend to discuss the inquiry’s terms of reference, but Doug Craig told the Sunday Star-Times he would begin work on the inquiry this week.
Sheat was concerned by the appointment of US citizen Patricia Barker to the distinguished role of artistic director – a role that has not been filled by a New Zealander since Bryan Ashbridge in 1971.
‘‘I am alarmed to hear that the new artistic director still retains a role in Grand Rapids, Michigan,’’ Sheat said. ‘‘One has to ask who is paying for the airfares backwards and forwards between there and here.’’
Earlier this week, the Ballet said 10 dancers would not be returning in 2018, after Barker took the helm. But this weekend, spokesman Jeremy Brick acknowledged an additional six dancers had already quit. Another has left to have a baby.
It is understood the Ballet company is working behind the scenes to try to reassure sponsors. The 2016 financial statement shows $4.1 million of the ballet’s total $13m revenue came from grants, donations, bequests and sponsorships.
Thirty-seven leading, major and small sponsors are currently listed on the ballet’s website.
Ryman Health was the only leading corporate partner to confirm it was definitely continuing. Wellington City Council, which provides free accommodation to the company would continue its partnership, while funding from the Government was allocated on a yearly basis in the Budget.