CBOP has an enthusiastic board with strong professional networks and complementary skills responsible for overseeing the strategic and financial planning of the Trust.
Lindsay Price – Chair
Lindsay is a strategic communications specialist, with experience in government relations, public policy, media relations and stakeholder management. She is a Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand with an LLB from Otago University, and is currently completing her Masters in Future Technologies. Her previous roles include working in public policy in Washington DC, and six years in government relations for the Bank of New Zealand. Her first love is performing arts, with a passion for drama and theatre. She is also a qualified Speech and Drama teacher.
Steve Graveson – Trustee
Steve is passionate for the arts and enjoys seeing the effect art and culture has in our communities. He is the Project Manager for Katikati Open-Air Art since 1999 and became President in 2009. Since 2005 Steve has also been heavily involved with the organisation of the New Zealand Mural & Art Festival also held in Katikati. He has worked as the Property Manager at Katikati Primary School since 1999, and was involved on Waimata, Katikati Primary and Katikati College Board of Trustees for a number of years. Steve enjoys time spent with his whānau, his paint brush and time away relaxing at his bach.
Marama Rice – Trustee
Bringing a dynamic blend of experience and expertise to the Board of Trustees, Marama Rice is an invaluable asset to Creative Bay of Plenty. With a background spanning hospitality, tourism, entertainment, finance, and education, Marama’s contributions are both diverse and impactful. With a career as a successful vocalist, entertainer, and songwriter, Marama brings a creative edge to the boardroom, and her passion for the arts fuels her dedication to Creative Bay of Plenty’s mission. Being involved with a Marae-based bilingual early childhood education centre underscores Marama’s commitment to cultural appreciation and understanding. This perspective enriches the organisation’s objectives and initiatives aimed at promoting diversity.
Jennie Halliday – Trustee
Jennie Halliday brings a unique combination of creative arts experience to the sector. She lived in Chicago studying and teaching at Columbia College Chicago where she graduated with a BA in theatre and MFA in film/video and was a theatre performer and director during this time. She was General Manager of the school’s theatre department before returning to Aotearoa/New Zealand where she shifted her focus to arts and wellbeing. She has a MAAT (Master of Arts in Arts Therapy) from Whitecliffe College of Arts and Design and is a clinical arts therapist in private practice in Tauranga Moana. Jennie is focused on improving mental health outcomes through participation in the arts. She is an advocate for spaces that recognise the barriers experienced by all peoples with poor mental health and experiences of trauma and wishes to promote full access to arts participation and the benefits for the whole person (mind, body and spirit.)
Jay Tihema – Trustee
Jay has a background in career and community development, collaborating across organisations to create opportunities for young people to thrive. He has worked in various education, industry and local government roles, and serves on multiple trusts and community groups all dedicated to this mission. Jay believes fostering creativity is critical to transforming growth and education in society, and enjoys developing programmes, learning resources, strategies, and pathways in open source technology as part of his mahi. In his spare time, he hangs out with his kids to create art, music and anything related to hip-hop culture.
Bevan Spalding – Trustee
Bevan brings over 30 years of experience in accounting, having worked at Inland Revenue, large corporate accounting firms, and now has his own small boutique firm. His expertise spans general accounting and tax advice, debt management, growth strategy development, and governance and training for charitable, non-profit, and Māori organisations. Bevan has previously served on school and not-for-profit boards.
Jason Te Mete – Trustee
Jason is the theatre producer and kaiwhakahaere (artistic director) of Tuatara Collective. He is a multidisciplinary artist with over 20 years of professional experience as a freelance actor, singer, dancer, director, pianist, and playwright/writer. He is passionate about crafting fresh indigenous narratives for stage and screen while actively mentoring rangatahi, helping young people enter the performing arts industry.
Ray Day – Trustee
Ray is chair of Public Art Ōmokoroa, a charitable trust dedicated to creating public artworks that reflect and enhance the heritage, diversity, and character of Ōmokoroa. He brings an extensive background as a senior manager in local government across Tauranga and Auckland to the board, including roles establishing robust policies and solving complex issues in areas such as building consent regulation and governance.