Our Governance
The Auckland Performing Arts Centre at Western Springs Incorporated is a registered Charitable Trust run by our dedicated Board of Directors who meet on a bi-monthly basis.
TAPAC Board Members
Tricia Reade (Chairperson), Peter Greenall (Treasurer), Ivan Davis, Jan McCartney QC, Robert Pollock, Robert Hunte, Craig Moller and Stacy Busek. .
The TAPAC Team
TAPAC is run by a small but dedicated team of passionate professionals with a deep understanding of both the business and creative sides of the performing arts.
Executive Director: Sarah Somerville
Sarah’s career has spanned all aspects of theatre production from performance and production to producing, teaching and fundraising. She has worked with professional theatre companies and arts festivals across the country and has owned and operated her own production company, Phineas Phrog Productions, which created and told unique New Zealand stories for family audiences. The company produced over 60 live theatre productions and eight national tours. Sarah has spent the last 5 years working as the Public Programmes Manager at Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT), where she was responsible for creating an engaging yearly programme of events and experiences. Sarah has performed at Wellington’s Circa and Downstage theatres, Court Theatre (Christchurch), Fortune Theatre (Dunedin), and for Auckland Theatre Company and South Pacific Pictures. She was also a solo vocalist for the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra. Sarah studied at Trinity College, London, earning a Licentiate Diploma for Performing and an Associate Diploma for Teaching. She has a Post Graduate Diploma from Mountview Theatre Conservatoire, London and a Bachelor of Arts (English Literature) from Otago University. Sarah is passionate about the performing arts and creating safe, inclusive spaces for creative communities. She believes that theatre plays a vital role in society and provides a platform for inspiration, education, innovation, and social change.
Performing Arts Education Programmes: Bleau Bustenera
Bleau has extensive experience as an arts professional and has a background in education administration, marketing, funding and teaching. Bleau is the Concert Manager for Chamber Music New Zealand. Previously, she worked providing programme support and as a tutor for Sistema Aotearoa. Bleau, who has a Bachelor of Arts (Honours), has a passion for making arts education accessible to a broad range of communities.
Community Coordinator: Pene Lister
Pene looks after TAPAC’s venue and community hirers. She has coordinated numerous events and performances in some of the largest theatres in Auckland and spent a number of years working for Auckland Live. Pene has a degree in Drama and Film and a post-graduate degree in Production Management focusing on Theatre and Film. Having spent most of her life onstage or behind it, Pene brings a wealth of experience, contacts, versatility, and insight from multiple sides of the theatre industry.
Accounts Administrator: Ana Hiini
Ana has been a welcoming face on Auckland’s hospitality scene for over 30 years. Behind the scenes, Ana has been responsible for managing the accounts at many of the hospitality establishments she has worked for. She is now using her skills to look after the accounts at TAPAC, including invoicing and financial reporting.
Marketing, Communications & Funding: Cinna Smith
Cinna is a journalist with extensive experience working in television as a researcher, writer and producer on some of New Zealand's highest rating shows. She has also worked in communications roles for the private and public sectors and has experience building online communities in New Zealand and London. Cinna brings an extensive network of contacts in media and the performing arts and entertainment industries. She has a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in politics and drama and a Diploma in Broadcast Journalism from NZBS.