21/09/2026
Big News!
We are thrilled to announce the appointment of Ali Boswijk as our new Director. Ali will take up the role while continuing in a part-time capacity with the Nelson Tasman Chamber of Commerce.
Ali will join Hiwa at a time of momentous growth, with our recent move to new premises, Tāwera, with galleries, workshops and offices, as well as the increase in our capacity for arts advocacy, capability and sector development.
Ali has been Chief Executive of the Chamber since early 2019 and will remain with them during their planned transition to a new Chief Executive. Her ongoing role will provide continuity through the handover and enable her to support several major Chamber projects and initiatives planned for 2027.
The move brings together two significant strands of Ali's career - business and economic development, and arts and culture.
Alongside her leadership of the Chamber, Ali is Chair of the Nelson Festivals Trust, which delivers the Nelson Arts Festival, and was a co-author of Nelson City Council’s Arts and Creativity Strategy, He Tātai Whetū. She previously spent seven years with World of WearableArt (WOW), including as Head of International Projects and Business Development, and earlier led Nelson Bays Arts Advocacy and Marketing.
Te Tai-o-Aorere Arts Development Trust Chair Sophie Kelly said Ali's experience across the arts, business and community sectors made her well suited to lead the new organisation.
“Ali brings a rare combination of strategic leadership, strong regional and national relationships, commercial understanding and a genuine commitment to the arts and creative sector.
“Hiwa is at an exciting stage in its development. We wanted a Director who could build strong relationships across the sector while also looking outward - developing new partnerships, identifying opportunities and building a sustainable organisation for the future. Ali’s experience and networks make her exceptionally well placed to do that.”
Sophie acknowledged outgoing Transition Director Rohan O’Neill-Stevens for his leadership and support through a significant period of change. “Rohan has played a key role in guiding the organisation through its transition and in making the move to our new home at Tāwera a success,” she said.
Ali said the opportunity to lead Hiwa was an exciting next step.
“Hiwa represents a real opportunity to think differently about how we support and grow the arts and creative sector across Te Tauihu. We have an extraordinary depth of creative talent in this region, but we also need to look at how we build stronger connections, partnerships and sustainable opportunities around that talent.
“I’ve spent much of my career moving between the worlds of arts, business, community and local government, and I’m really excited about bringing those experiences together in this role.”
Ali said she was also pleased that the arrangement would allow for a considered transition at the Chamber.
“After more than seven years as Chief Executive, the Chamber is an organisation I care enormously about. Rather than making an abrupt departure, this gives us the opportunity to manage the transition well, support a new Chief Executive coming into the role and maintain momentum on some important projects already planned for next year.
“I think it is a really positive outcome. I get to take on an exciting new challenge while continuing to contribute to the Chamber and the wider business community during a period of change.”
Ali will take up the Director role with Hiwa in October when Rohan O’Neill-Stevens steps down as Transition Director.
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