Date: October 19th, 2026
Richard is a Councillor for the North Shore on the Auckland Council and Chair of the Policy, Planning and Development Committee. He has led much of the Council’s major policies and strategies, such as the Future Development Strategy, Economic Development Strategy and Te Tāruke-ā-Tāwhiri: Auckland’s Climate Plan.
Richard is a big supporter of the arts across Tāmaki Makaurau and the Shore. He credits his background in communications, some very amateur stand-up comedy experience, and even winning the drama cup in high school, for setting him up with many creative skills that help him do this job, respond to media, and chair a passionate bunch of personalities around the council table.
He says, “There is theatre in everything, and there sure is a lot in politics!”
About Creative Talks
The PumpHouse Theatre’s Creative Talks series aims to bring the community together with creatives to discover more about their process and what inspires them. Each event explores what goes on behind the scenes to create their unique art. There is something for everyone with an interest in the arts and the inspiration that drives creativity.
This year, we have split the talks into two seasons – three in Autumn and three in Spring.
The event is free with tea and coffee provided.