Waikato election candidates invited to show up and listen to the arts

Creative Waikato’s Election Connection Roadshow will hit 10 towns in 10 Waikato districts, from September 12th – October 4th 2022.

Inviting councillors, candidates and local community to come along and actively listen to a live, 15 minute presentation exploring the connection between local government and the creative community, and the vital role arts has to all sectors of society.

‘There is real value in local government as a pathway for meaningful change in our local communities, as well as being an essential part of addressing local issues, services, needs and priorities.’ shares CEO Dr Jeremy Mayall.

‘We wanted to take the opportunity to connect with both local communities and those people who are standing to represent us all in the role of local councillors, to discuss exciting visions for the role of arts, culture and creativity in the lives of all people in the Waikato Region.’

The roadshow is also a chance to learn more about Creative Waikato’s vision for the region and what they’re working on to achieve this with game-changing initiatives such as Whiria Te Tāngata, and shared frameworks and strategies such as the Waikato Arts Navigator.

‘It is important for us all to share a strengths-based pathway for meaningful change that recognises the awesome mahi that is taking place in our communities, and looks to inspire the next iteration of our local government officials to see, understand, value and connect with the creative communities that they represent.’ says Mayall.

‘We look forward to sharing creative kōrero with communities of the Waikato.’

After the presentation there will be space for mingling and kōrero, where advocates from the Creative Waikato team will be available to answer questions and discuss what was explored in the presentation, with both candidates and members of the community.

To fully understand where candidate views sit when it comes to the arts, each candidate will be sent the same 3 questions pertaining to the arts, and answers will be shared with media, and published across the Creative Waikato social channels and website.

Follow @creativewaikato on social media for announcements and updates, and check out creativewaikato.co.nz for more info on Creative Waikato, the Waikato Arts Navigator and other exciting initiatives they have in the works.

The schedule (all events will start at 5.30pm):

Thames-Coromandel District:  Thames – Monday 12th September – Lotus Realm Music Shop

Hauraki District:  Paeroa – Tuesday 13th September –  Paeroa Society of Arts

Matamata-Piako District:  Te Aroha – Monday 19th September – Te Aroha Little Theatre

Waipā District:  Te Awamutu – Tuesday 20th September – Te Awamutu Little Theatre

South Waikato District:  Tokoroa – Wednesday 21st September – Impact Hub South Waikato

Waikato District:  Huntly – Thursday 22nd September – Friendship House

Ōtorohanga District:  Ōtorohanga – Tuesday 27th September – Ōtorohanga Kiwi House

Waitomo District:  Waitomo – Thursday 29th September – Waitomo Caves Museum

Ruapehu District:  Taumarunui – Monday 3rd October – Ruapehu Community Arts Centre

Kirikiriroa/Hamilton City:  Hamilton Central – Tuesday 4th October – The Meteor Theatre

Want to help us spread the word? Here’s a bag of promo goodies with tiles for each event