Pippa Russell (HCAC Rep)

Pippa Russell has been a passionate advocate for the Hamilton arts and music scene owning Sohl Bar which became one of Hamilton’s most supportive live music venues. Pippa has been involved in the coordination of large scale environment projects and is also an HCAC Arts Councillor. Pippa brings her business skills, pro-activeness and passion to the Trust.

Scott Ratuki (HCAC Rep)

Scott is an Associate at Tompkins Wake who specialises in Intellectual property law. Scott co-ordinates ‘Legalised Art’ - a programme provided in conjunction with HCAC offering free preliminary legal advice to the creative arts. Scott is also an experienced musician and has been passionate about seeing this Trust’s establishment.

Naomi Tuao

Naomi is a musician in Cornerstone Roots and involved in the music scene for over 15 years as well as touring nationally and internationally. Working in the promotions arena also, Naomi has coordinated festivals, worked with numerous venues and events and is a member of the Raglan Community Arts Council. Her organisational and communications skills as well as her networks and musical experience will be an asset to the trust.

Terry Edwards

Some of you will recognise Terry as drummer for the infamous Mobile Stud Unit, but others will recognise him as the Assistant General Manager for First Credit Union in Hamilton. Terry brings vast leadership, business and finance skills to the trust and also understanding for the challenges faced to local active musicians.

Paula Allen

Paula is an experienced director, producer and teacher in Media Arts but her passion is with local music and arts scene. Paula is the creator and producer behind the ‘Warped’ art show and is the Friday night host on the current Contact FM. As a result of her involvement and relationships within the community she has successfully coordinated events for the radio station, and most recently the 2008 Hamilton Circle Jerk. Paula will bring coordination and communication experience to the Trust.

Nick Johnston

At 21 Nick runs a successful online music store which specialises in selling local music and he is also a musician in local band Dynamo Go. Before going solo with his business Nick was the Manager for Sounds in Chartwell as well as being the Regional Manager for the company in the Waikato/BOP region. Nick brings a host of networks, problem solving and attitude to get things done.

Scott Newth

Scott has had a commitment to the Hamilton music community for a huge amount of time. A successful live sound engineer by trade, he was also Programme Director for Contact FM and UFM. Scott has sound knowledge on what does and does not work gained from his vast experience which includes internationally touring. He also is a major supporter for active bands often lending his knowledge and engineering skills for free. Scott is also the man behind the ‘Zero’ Hamilton music compilation series and Area 07.

Rob Shirlow

Rob plays in local band Sora Shima and is originally from Wales. Rob is an ideas man and wants to work towards creating a stable live music scene that supports musicians like him in Hamilton. Rob will offer lots of enthusiasm and feedback to the group.

Carl Watkins

Carl has been a musician for 15 years and during that time has toured all over NZ and Australia. In Carl’s time here in Hamilton he has used his skills to coordinate outdoor concerts and tours and understands the music scene and its issues well. Carl has also been editor for Nexus magazine and is its current Music Editor so brings skills in coordination, handling pressure and handling volunteers.