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by Olivia Egerton - Outgoing director Te Atamira

As I prepare to pass the baton as Director of Te Atamira, I’ve been reflecting on what it took from our community to create and nurture Tāhuna Queenstown’s arts and culture centre: imagination, vision, persistence - along with passion and generous investment.

Since opening four years ago, we’ve presented over 40 major free exhibitions. All of these have provided both residents and visitors from afar with unique perspectives on life. We’ve brought together the artists to share their insights and to offer workshops. We have even toured exhibitions to Pōneke and Melbourne.

Tāhuna is now recognised on the national cultural map, having recently earned recognition for being New Zealand’s second most creative city.

Yet I still often hear people say the arts are expensive and not essential. Really? Just look at the impact of arts tourism alone: arts and cultural visitors are high-value, low-impact and deeply regenerative. They don’t just take photos - they engage and invest and amplify our mahi.

In 2023, 5.64% of the Queenstown Lakes workforce, approximately 1800 people, were employed in arts and creative roles. Our 22 purpose-built spaces are a hive of activity from morning to night, booked out by our 94 resident musicians, artists, dancers and organisations.

At Te Atamira, we set out to do the arts differently - to create a space that’s accessible, inclusive and enjoyable for everyone. Step by step, shaped by and with the community, we’ve built a platform of opportunity and connection, while intentionally arguing for and then demonstrating the critical role creativity plays in daily life.

You need only join the more than 2,000 visitors who come every week to see what I’m talking about. Our free community programmes alone attract over 570 locals a month, all of whom want to learn new skills, build friendships, and experience the joy of creating. I’m not exaggerating when I say that almost every week, someone tells me: “Te Atamira changed my life”.

Of course, none of this happens without funding. Whilst we generate 40% of our income, applying for grants is necessary, constant and time-consuming. So we are deeply grateful to the generous donors who believe in our kaupapa, and without whom we couldn’t have achieved what we have. You can start as a Patron today with the equivalent of just a coffee per week.

As Queenstown looks to its future, and the wonderful Ruth Heath steps into my role, the creative sector must not be seen as a ‘nice to have.’ It is a critical driver of prosperity, liveability, and identity. The arts remind us of our shared humanity. They foster empathy, connection, and imagination - the very foundations of resilient communities. If you haven’t already done so, please come visit us and see for yourself.