Staff
TAUTAI TRUST MANAGER
Christina Jeffery was appointed to the fulltime role of Trust Manager in mid 2007 having filled the role in an acting capacity when required. Prior to her appointment Christina held a part time position as Tautai’s Communications Manager from early 2004. Christina completed her Masters degree in History in 2005, having completed her Bachelor of Arts at Auckland University with a double major in Maori and History in 2003. This academic work built on her established interests and commitment to the community and the course of studies selected encompassed strong practical and interpersonal skills. Her employment roles since then have been self-managed and broad ranging in management and event implementation positions for two organisations. Prior to her university studies Christina’s other experience included work in New Zealand for a representation company which involved handling the publicity and public relations for Hong Kong, Macau, and Anaheim as tourist destinations. Christina has been a supporter of Tautai since its inception and also brings that long period of contact with pacific artists to the role.
TAUTAI ARTS ADMINISTRATOR
Trish Ah Sam is an NZ born Fijian/Chinese graduate of Victoria University of Wellington. In 2004 she gained Bachelor of Arts majoring in Theatre and Film and has acted, directed and production managed performances here and aboard. In the past 6 years Trish has traveled around the world and resided in LA and Perth where she managed corporate and community events. Trish recently returned to NZ and as well as her work at Tautai she is also completing her Masters in Arts Management at Whitecliffe College of Art and Design. Trish has primary responsibility for the member and contact database and is the initial contact person for information and assistance. Trish also carries out the general office administration and helps maintain the archives of information held about artists and their exhibitions.
DIGITAL MEDIA
Robert George is a Film Maker/Artist of New Zealand Maori and Cook Island Maori descent. Rob began his journey in the film industry working at post-production houses in Wellington on medium to high end Television Commercials and Corporate Videos. Rob has been working in the film and television industry for over ten years and has spent the last five years working as freelance Director/Film maker. He has a love for print work and has always tried to work alongside other artists to complete dynamic and exciting work. Along with his busy film work, Rob works part time as the digital media administrator for Tautai with responsibility for updating and maintaining the online resources and presence.
SPECIAL PROJECTS
Marlaina Key is a multi-media artist of Samoan descent that graduated from Whitecliffe College of Arts & Design with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in 2005. She has worked as the Arts Administrator for Tautai since 2009 and has more recently moved into the position of 'Special Projects' where she works one on one with artists that need assistance in a particular area of their practice. Marlaina's background includes experience in Project Management, Gallery Management, Exhibition Co-ordination and Theatre Production, whilst having taken part in a number of exhibitions she continues to work on her own practice.
FRESH HORIZONS CO-ORDINATOR
Waiana Jones is of Maori (Te Arawa, Te Aupouri, Ngati Kahu) descent. Waiana is the newly appointed Fresh Horizons co-ordinator for Tautai, and brings a wealth of knowledge having worked in the Television industry as a Production Assistant and Art Director (Miharo/ Polynesian Panthers: Maori TV). Waiana is a digital/graphic artist who graduated from AUT with an Honours in Spatial design and received the Te Waka Toi award from Creative New Zealand for her work ‘Te Wero, The challenge’ (2008). In her art practice she explores the challenges of cultural identity, religion, belonging, oranga, tikanga and tangihanga in a digital and graphic design format. Waiana and her partner Les (Samoa/Ngati Porou) have two small children Ela-Huia and Makaera.
TERTIARY LIASON
Chris Ryan married to Emma with two sons Ezra and Solomon. Born and bred in Tokoroa, NZ of Samoan and Irish descent. Currently studying Bachelor of Fine Arts, Fourth year Honours at Elam. Previous certificates in Garment Technology, Pattern Design and Pattern Making from NZ Fashion Tech - 2006/07. Also studied Production Graphic Design at ATI (now AUT) - 1989/90. Having enjoyed a dozen or so years working and living in countries as diverse as Indonesia, Cyprus and the UK my fascination is people, their identity and how and why we relate to each other. Researching into my own Samoan and Irish background will no doubt supply ample ingredients for expression over the next few years. I'm passionate about seeing and hearing Pacific artists voice's becoming stronger in the aesthetic landscape.