Olivia Garelja — Chief Executive Officer
Olivia is an all round creative having specialised in mural art, photography & design, graduated with 1st class Honours in 2010 from AUT Art & Design. Her career pulls from a retail customer experience / account / relationship management and education background spanning global and national leading brands within the technology industry over the last 10 years within the commercial and consumer space. She is full of ideas and is passionate about helping one realise and own their creative voice. Her focus with Creative Northland is about refining the creative operation that sets Te Tai tokerau as a leading force for creative sustainability and strategic platform in NZ.
Sarah Chong — Operations Team Lead
Sarah brings over 10 years’ experience supporting arts and community organisations. With a background in spatial design and 9 years contributing to a volunteer-led, not-for-profit performing arts organisation, her work spans operations, governance and project delivery, including securing grant funding to support creative initiatives.
Sarah is passionate about providing behind-the-scenes support where creativity can thrive, enabling others to focus on what they do best while contributing to a connected, resilient creative sector across Te Tai Tokerau.
Jo Roberts — Events & Project Manager
Jo Roberts is a lifelong creative with a background spanning dance, music, and movement-based arts. With over 10 years’ experience in community events and fundraising, she specialises in delivering vibrant, family-friendly events that foster participation and connection within the creative sector. For the past three years, Jo has led ArtBeat, focusing on interactive and inclusive programming that encourages audiences to actively engage with arts, culture, and heritage.
She is also a facilitator in yoga, pilates, and movement experiences, bringing a strong wellbeing approach to her work. Jo brings a wide range of skills including event planning, marketing, and fundraising.
Lenny Murupaenga — Creative Navigator
Cultural liaison, curator and creative advisor supporting artists across Te Tai Tokerau.
Kylee Newbold — Creative Advisor (Kaipara)
Visual arts education background; Mangawhai Heads; supports Kaipara creatives and events.
Melanie Chandler Winters — Creative Advisor (Far North)
33 years in the creative sector; aims to strengthen Far North arts community and Arts and Culture Policy.
Alanah Stigsdottir — Marketing and Administration
Long-standing marketing/admin role; Bachelor of Applied Visual Arts; often first point of contact.