Mon 10 Nov 2014 In: New Zealand Daily News View at Wayback View at NDHA
Julian Cook (right) with National MP Nikki Kaye at yesterday's GABA Auction The Auckland Pride Festival Board has gone to ground following the shock resignation of Festival Director Julian Cook. While he’s not commenting on the reasons for his departure, it’s understood the Board’s unheralded appointment of a new Executive Officer, former Board Member Linda Heavey, is the key issue. Cook previously reported directly to the Board. A press release from the Pride Board in July mentioned that Heavey was stepping down as Treasurer to take on “a non-voting advisory role”, where she would be “representing the Board as part of the Auckland Pride Festival management team”. Heavey has since been given the formal title of Executive Officer. The money for the role, believed to be around $30,000 for ten hours work per week, is understood to have come from profit from last year’s festival. There is no record of the position being advertised or formally announced. Heavey has today released a statement, speaking on behalf of the Board, saying it’s “with regret” that it’s accepted Cook’s resignation, and that he wishes to leave to ”pursue other interests”. “The board is very grateful for the work Julian has put in creating such a successful festival. His talent and creativity will be missed,” the statement reads. GayNZ.com Daily News has sent the Pride Trust Board a number of questions, including when Heavey was appointed Executive Director, what the hiring process was, what the role entails and why it wasn’t advertised. We’ve also asked whether there were attempts to resolve the conflict with Cook, and whether it might cause any issues for the 2015 Auckland Pride Festival, which begins in less than three months. In her statement Heavey says they are hopeful to have a replacement Festival Director appointed before Cook departs so there is a handover period. “The pride board are confident that we can manage the transition and look forward to our third successful festival in 2015.” No members of the Auckland Pride Board are today commenting on the situation. Cook has been Festival Director since Auckland Pride began in 2013. While he’s unwilling to discuss the reasons for his departure, he says he remains a huge supporter of the event. “I love and support the festival and if I thought there was any other alternative to me then I wouldn’t have done it,” he says of stepping down. The community feedback to GayNZ.com Daily News has been disappointment at the loss of a long-time event manager who is well-known and respected. Among the comments are that it’s “a big loss” of “someone who was taking Pride from strength to strength”. Meanwhile the Board has asked for applications from potential replacements.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Monday, 10th November 2014 - 12:47pm