Friends’ AGM 2025 was held on 23 April, with guest speaker Porirua Mayor Anita Baker. Anita gave an interesting talk about Porirua City’s vision for the arts. She acknowledged the contribution that Friends of Pātaka make to Pātaka.
She outlined the art and culture initiatives that Porirua City Council has undertaken to promote artists and to foster the Porirua community, such as, the Writers Walk, the Aniva Artists Residency, Toi Rama, artist inspired chorus boxes and lightboxes, and several festivals. Mayor Baker stressed her commitment to the importance of the arts in building a sense of community in Porirua.
Friends took the opportunity at the AGM to farewell (from left) Gill Dodson, Sue Mortlock and Liz Rockel. After long and valuable service continuing to develop Friends to the highly successful organisation it is today, Sue and Gill, Co-Secretaries, (having the previous year handed over their Co-Presidency), have now retired from the committee. Both have expressed their ongoing commitment to Friends and are sure to be involved in many ways and events in the coming years.
Liz has been a rock to Friends over many years as Secretary, this last year focusing solely on keeping everyone in touch with her regular emails. She played a major part in developing the Friends Art Trail. When Friends withdrew from organising that event, and the Arts Trail Committee took it over under the umbrella of Porirua Community Arts, Liz joined that committee, guided the handover in 2023, and again played a key role in making the Arts Trail a huge success this year. Friends are glad to maintain a connection through Liz and see it continue to thrive.
Committee members are: President: Frances Austin; Secretary (tbc); Treasurer: Jane Bolton; Christine Healy, Roger Joyce, Meryll Evans, Jenny Jakobs, Lorna Kanavatoa, Angela Ryan; and we welcome Julie Engebretsen, Rebecca Spinks and Carmen Jennings to the team.