Mentioned in the team meeting earlier, but also for reference for those who weren’t there… Turns out, this also extends Bernie’s contract to 2029 – which is a bummer because I really thought we were inching closer to her coming back home – but a good amount of time to bed in a vision. Katherine Connor | Executive Director | PAC Australia | +61 (0) 419 428 412 | paca.org.au<http://www.paca.org.au/> From: AAF Chair <chair@aaf.co.nz> Sent: Wednesday, 7 October 2026 1:17 PM To: Katherine Connor <katherine@paca.org.au> Subject: The Auckland Festival Trust CEO Announcement You don't often get email from chair@aaf.co.nz<mailto:chair@aaf.co.nz>. Learn why this is important<https://aka.ms/LearnAboutSenderIdentification> Tēnā koe Katherine, On behalf of The Auckland Festival Trust Board, I am delighted to announce the appointment of Bernie Haldane into the new combined role of Festival Director and CEO. Bernie moves into this role immediately from her position as Kaitohu Toi Artistic Director, bringing together artistic direction and executive leadership as TAFT prepares for the 2027 Festival. Through her work as Artistic Director, Bernie has brought a strong sense of festival and curiosity to our programme, inviting audiences to experience our city in new ways. Alongside this, she has demonstrated strong organisational leadership as interim co-CEO. The combined role draws on Bernie’s arts leadership experience including roles at Auckland Live, Arts Centre Melbourne and HotHouse Theatre (Albury Wodonga, Australia) alongside her artistic direction of the Festival and will support a cohesive approach to programming, partnerships and organisational development as the Board and team shape the Festival’s future. Since Robbie Macrae’s retirement in May, Bernie and Head of Business and Finance Vanessa Zigliani have led the organisation as interim co-CEOs. The Board warmly acknowledges their shared leadership, which has supported the team and maintained momentum through this transition and the preparations for Festival 2027. We value our relationship with you and your ongoing support, and wanted to share this news with you directly. The Board look forward to working with Bernie as we continue to develop a Festival that contributes to the energy and vibrancy that makes Auckland an attractive place to live and visit. Ngā mihi nui, Sarah Sarah Judkins Pou Tiaki, Te Poari Kaitiaki · Board Chair THE AUCKLAND FESTIVAL TRUST Email info@aaf.co.nz<mailto:info@aaf.co.nz> Tel +64 9 309 0989 Ground Floor, 48 Greys Avenue Auckland Central 1010, Aotearoa NZ Contact Us<https://www.aaf.co.nz/contact> · Disclaimer<https://www.aaf.co.nz/privacy#uniq_9r00mlzhp1730670009297> [cid:b791a207-bde4-4b9f-8e3e-ec00a4be635a]<https://aaf.co.nz/email-banner>
