From our Chair: 2024 in review
Kia ora,
As Chair of the Three Lakes Cultural Trust (TLCT), I am pleased to present this report for the year ending 2024. This year has been transformative, as we continue to make significant strides in embedding creativity and culture into the fabric of the Queenstown Lakes District. Our work has been driven by a deep commitment to community engagement, which has played a vital role in our region’s growth and recognition of this vital sector.
This year, collaboration, connection, and advocacy took centre stage with the development of Te Muka Toi, Te Muka Tākata | The Creativity, Culture, and Heritage Strategy for the Queenstown Lakes District. This Strategy, endorsed unanimously by elected members in June 2024, is the result of a robust and inclusive community consultation process. In partnership with the Queenstown Lakes District Council, the Lakes District Museum & Gallery, and Kāi Tahu, we held 10 district-wide hui, ran two month-long online surveys, hosted drop-in sessions, and engaged with over 150 individual businesses, representing hundreds of community voices.
Te Muka Toi, Te Muka Tākata realises a shared vision for the district to be “a place where the culture and stories of mana whenua and the rich diversity of our communities are visible, heard, and celebrated. Where creativity and culture are woven into our everyday life, valued and thriving.” This achievement not only sets a bold direction for the future but also solidifies the Trust’s role as the Regional Arts Organisation (RAO) for the Queenstown Lakes District.
Building on the momentum of last years; launch of Te Wāhi Toi, the district’s first online creative directory and guide for arts and culture. The platform now showcases the incredible creative talent across our region, offering a space for artists and cultural events to connect with the public. Through targeted social media campaigns, news stories, and digital marketing efforts, we have grown Te Wāhi Toi’s reach significantly. By the end of June 2024, the platform boasted over 1,000 listings and had distributed more than 50,000 automated newsletters.
Our influence within national networks also grew this year. The Trust has maintained a strong presence in the Regional Arts Network Aotearoa (RANA), contributing to regular sessions, while also further strengthening our connections within the national arts and culture sector through our relationship with Creative New Zealand. This advocacy ensures that the cultural voice of the Queenstown Lakes District is heard at both regional and national levels.
The Trust continues to invest in the professional development of its leadership team. This year, our Chief Operating Officer (COO) attended a variety of funding workshops, participated in the Institute of Directors’ not-for-profit governance course, and completed a year-long enrolment at SIT. I am proud to announce that our COO has now graduated with a New Zealand Certification in Level 1 and Level 2 te reo Māori, further enriching the Trust’s connection with Māori language and culture.
In terms of financial health, 2024 has been a stable year for the Trust. We have continued to look at diversifying our funding streams and develop new partnerships, ensuring that the Trust remains in a strong position to support ongoing and future l initiatives. We are grateful for the generous contributions from donors, sponsors, and local government that allow us to carry out our mission.
Looking to 2025, we will continue to build on the momentum of this year’s successes. Expanding the reach of Te Wāhi Toi, advancing the implementation of Te Muka Toi, Te Muka Tākata, and deepening our relationships with community partners will remain at the forefront of our agenda. We are excited about the future and the potential to shape a more culturally rich and diverse Queenstown Lakes District.
I want to express my sincere gratitude to the Board, our partners, and the many community members who have contributed to the achievements of the Trust this year. Your dedication and passion are the foundation of our success. Together, we are creating a future where creativity and culture are truly at the heart of our district.
Kā mihi nui,
Gizelle Regan
Three Lakes Cultural Trust Board Chair
Image credit: Echoknot performing at RenewArt, Photo Credit: 222 Photographic Studios
Posted: 4 November 2024
