Ali Boswijk has been appointed director of Hiwa, Nelson’s arts development agency, while continuing in a part-time role with the Nelson Tasman Chamber of Commerce during the organisation’s chief executive transition.
Ali will join the organisation at a time of significant growth, with Hiwa, formerly the Nelson Arts Council, recently opening its new premises, Tāwera, formerly Refinery ArtSpace, which includes galleries, workshops and offices. The organisation is also expanding its work in arts advocacy, capability building and sector development.
Ali has been chief executive of the Chamber since early 2019 and will remain with the organisation during a planned transition to a new chief executive. Her ongoing role is intended to provide continuity through the handover and support several major Chamber projects and initiatives planned for 2027.
The move brings together two key 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, 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 says Ali’s experience across the arts, business and community sectors makes her well suited to lead the 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 during 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 says.
Nelson Tasman Chamber of Commerce chair Venus Guy says the arrangement provides both continuity and an opportunity for the Chamber to move into its next phase.
“Ali has made a significant contribution to the Chamber over the past seven years, leading the organisation through a period that has included Covid-19, significant economic change and an increasingly important advocacy role for the regional business community.
“We are delighted that we have been able to develop a transition that allows the Chamber to retain Ali’s knowledge, relationships and experience while we recruit and support a new chief executive.
“This is a positive evolution for the Chamber and gives us the opportunity to bring in new leadership while ensuring a well-managed handover.”
The Nelson Tasman Chamber of Commerce will begin recruiting a new chief executive, with Ali remaining involved to support the incoming leader and provide continuity across key stakeholder relationships and projects.
Ali says the opportunity to lead Hiwa is 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 says she is also pleased the arrangement will allow 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.”
