Event Director - WOMAD Aotearoa

Celebrate Global Creativity in the Heart of Aotearoa

Since 2003, WOMAD Aotearoa has transformed the Taranaki landscape each March into a world-class celebration of music, art, ideas, and community. Presented at the iconic Bowl of Brooklands and Brooklands Park in New Plymouth, WOMAD Aotearoa brings together artists, thinkers, and audiences from around the world to share creativity and connection on Whenua Māori, under the guiding values of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, sustainability, and inclusion.

The Role

As Event Director, you will lead and manage the content curation and operational delivery of WOMAD Aotearoa — one of Aotearoa’s most loved and respected cultural events. Working in partnership with the WOMAD NZ Charitable Trust Board, WOMAD International, and the Taranaki Arts Festival Trust (TAFT), you will shape an event that continues to inspire audiences and reflect the diverse creative spirit of Aotearoa.

This pivotal leadership position demands a blend of creative vision and commercial acumen. You will oversee all aspects of festival vision, programming, production, marketing, financial management, and stakeholder engagement, ensuring the festival continues to deliver world-class excellence while maintaining its distinctive Kaupapa of global unity and local pride.

 Reporting directly to the WOMAD NZ Charitable Trust Board, you will work closely with a small, high-performing team to realise the festival’s programming cultural, and financial ambitions.

What We’re Looking For

We seek an exceptional leader with a proven ability to deliver major events or cultural programmes of comparable scale and complexity. The ideal candidate will bring:

• Visionary leadership – a deep understanding of major festivals and events,  with the ability to co-curate diverse, engaging programmes and create a unique physical festival experience.

• Strategic and financial management skills – demonstrated success in budget planning, resource allocation, and reporting.

• Collaborative leadership – experience inspiring and managing multi-disciplinary teams and creative partners.

• Stakeholder engagement expertise – confidence in working with artists, agencies, iwi, boards and the community.

• Commitment to values – a genuine dedication to Te Tiriti o Waitangi, sustainability, inclusivity, and cultural respect.

• Strong communication and advocacy skills – the ability to represent WOMAD Aotearoa to key stakeholders, funders and audiences nationally.

Experience in the arts, events, or festival sector is strongly preferred, alongside a demonstrated understanding of audience development.

Why WOMAD Aotearoa?

WOMAD Aotearoa offers a unique opportunity to lead one of the world’s great festivals in one of the most beautiful regions of Aotearoa New Zealand. You’ll join a passionate and creative team committed to connection, diversity, and artistic excellence — and play a central role in revitalising a festival that brings the world to Taranaki.

WOMAD Aotearoa is an inclusive workplace that values diversity and community. We encourage applications from people of all cultures, ages, and backgrounds who reflect the richness of our society.

Term of Engagement

The Event Director appointment will be for an initial 12-month contract period concluding in mid-April 2027. This may be extended by mutual agreement, year on year, for two additional years 2028 and 2029, subject to satisfactory outcomes.

The Event Director is a New Plymouth-based position, although there may be some flexibility on location for the initial 3/4 months of the appointment.