Mon 10 Nov 2014 In: New Zealand Daily News View at Wayback View at NDHA
The Auckland Pride Festival Board has quickly begun its hunt for a new Festival Director, as questions swirl over the departure of Julian Cook from the role. After taking the helm for the inaugural 2013 Auckland Pride Festival, the experienced event manager has stepped down. Cook says he remains a huge supporter of the event, telling GayNZ.com Daily News “I love and support the festival and if I thought there was any other alternative to me then I wouldn’t have done it,” in regards to his resignation. It follows the appointment of former Board Treasurer Linda Heavey as Executive Officer, when previously Cook reported directly to the Board. The Auckland Pride Festival Board is saying little, other than releasing a statement, through Heavey, that it’s accepted his resignation with regret, that he is leaving to pursue other interests, and it hopes to find a replacement soon. In a press release this afternoon it says it’s now looking for someone “who has extensive experience in event management and festival programming to carry on the expert work of the current director who leaves at the end of November”. The 2015 Auckland Pride Festival is scheduled for 6 February – 1 March 2015. Anyone interested in the role can apply to, and seek further information from, info@aucklandpridefestival.org.nz. The deadline for applications is midday Wednesday, 19 November.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Monday, 10th November 2014 - 4:29pm