Connected Leadership x The Arts Foundation: The Art of Leading
Connected Leadership End of Year Celebration
An afternoon of stories, creativity and connection with Arts Foundation Te Tumu Toi.
Join us for our final Connected Leadership event of the year as we gather to celebrate a big year for this community, and the women who continue to lead with courage, generosity and care.
The Art of Leading is an end of year celebration of the Connected Leadership community, in partnership with Arts Foundation Te Tumu Toi and Alberts.
This special afternoon brings together our community for connection, conversation and celebration. We will welcome the newest women joining our Founders Table and Leaders Table communities, and take a moment to acknowledge the year that has been.
In partnership with Arts Foundation Te Tumu Toi, we will be joined by Jessica Palalagi, Director / Kaiwhakahaere of the Arts Foundation, who will facilitate a panel conversation with acclaimed artists and creative leaders Leanne Pooley and Shona McCullagh.
Together, they will speak about success as women in the arts, the leadership lessons learned along the way, and what creative practice can teach us about courage, resilience, collaboration and backing yourself.
When a room fills with women who lead across different worlds, something powerful happens. Stories are shared. Ideas stretch. New connections are made. And we are reminded how much leadership is strengthened by the people around us.
This is a moment to pause, gather and close the year with the spirit that sits at the heart of Connected Leadership: meaningful connection, generosity, community, inclusion and growth.
Whether you have joined us at a Table, attended a kōrero, come along to a community gathering or simply followed from the edges, we would love to have you in the room.
Event Details
Date: Wednesday 4 November 2026
Time: 2.00pm–4.00pm
Venue: The Loft, The Formery, Alberts
Address: Level 2, 87 Albert Street, Auckland
Tickets: $50 + GST per person
Includes: Bubbles on arrival, non-alcoholic options and shared platters
Please note: This event will not be livestreamed.
What to Expect
Bubbles on arrival, with juice and sparkling water available
Shared platters and time to connect
A celebration of the Connected Leadership community
An introduction to our newest Founders Table and Leaders Table members
A panel conversation with Jessica Palalagi, Leanne Pooley and Shona McCullagh
A thoughtful close to the year, in good company
About the Panel
Jessica Palalagi
Jessica Palalagi is Director / Kaiwhakahaere of Arts Foundation Te Tumu Toi. Born in Aotearoa New Zealand, Jessica traces her ancestry to Niue, Nukututaha and Aberdeen, Scotland. Her work spans contemporary Māori and Pasifika art, sustainability, innovation, inclusion and creative community building.
Leanne Pooley ONZM
Leanne Pooley is an award-winning filmmaker based in Auckland, with a career spanning documentary, film and television. Her work includes The Choir Games, Dame Valerie Adams: More Than Gold, The Girl on the Bridge and We Need To Talk About A.I.
Shona McCullagh MNZM
Shona McCullagh is one of New Zealand’s leading cross-platform artists, working across dance, theatre, film and major creative projects. She is an Arts Foundation Laureate, co-founder of The New Zealand Dance Company, and has created work as a choreographer, filmmaker, producer, creative director and arts entrepreneur.
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