Suzanne Porter Honored for Transforming Taranaki’s Event Landscape

Suzanne Porter has been recognized for her pivotal role in establishing Taranaki as a prominent event destination. After arriving in New Plymouth in 2000 to manage the development of Puke Ariki, a cultural heritage hub, Porter has dedicated over two decades to enhancing the region’s artistic landscape. Her efforts culminated in being appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the latest New Year Honours for her contributions to the arts and event management.

Reflecting on the award from her family visit in Hawke’s Bay, Porter expressed surprise at the recognition. “For me, this job has always been my passion; I just go about doing my best at it,” she stated. “To be acknowledged for something you love is really the icing on the cake.” Initially skeptical about the email informing her of the honor, she soon realized it was a genuine acknowledgment of her long-standing service.

Porter’s journey began in her native Hawke’s Bay before moving to Auckland and Wellington. Upon arriving in Taranaki, she anticipated a temporary stay, as her previous roles had typically lasted one or two years. However, the opportunity to lead the Taranaki Arts Festival Trust (Taft) when Womad secured long-term hosting rights in 2006 prompted her to settle down. “That was the impetus to have a full-time CEO, and I was sort of shoulder tapped to apply for it,” she recalled.

Transformational Impact on Taranaki

The early 2000s marked a significant transformation for New Plymouth, according to Porter. During this period, the Coastal Walkway was developed, Puke Ariki opened, and the film The Last Samurai was shot in the area, while Womad gained hosting rights. “There was this snowball effect, different efforts from various people and areas rolling together,” she said. “All of a sudden, we became a cool place to visit, live and work in. Locals always knew it was New Zealand’s best-kept secret.”

Under her leadership, Taft worked tirelessly to ensure that Taranaki’s hidden gem status was brought to a broader audience. An independent financial report highlighted Womad’s significant economic impact, estimating nearly $190 million in total benefits for the region since its inception in 2003. Each year, Womad contributes about $6 million to Taranaki’s gross domestic product, with the 2024 event alone generating over $13 million.

Despite the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, which led to the cancellation of Womad New Zealand twice, Porter remained resilient. While the festival returned, she acknowledged the economic conditions were more challenging than in previous years. With a “pause” on Womad New Zealand for 2026, her focus is now on the next festival in 2027.

“I’ve learned to be an eternal optimist in the financially risky festival industry, which relies on sponsorship and the fickle ticket-buying public,” she said. “Delivering something that has such vibrancy and such feel-good and such celebration, but at the same time bringing economic benefit to our region, it’s a real job that gives you all of that.”

Looking Ahead: Exciting Developments for Taft

While the honour recognizes her past achievements, Porter remains forward-thinking about Taft’s future. She is particularly enthusiastic about the growth of the Centuria Garden Festival, another popular event managed by Taft. This year, the festival contributed $4.7 million to Taranaki’s GDP and attracted a record number of visitors.

With several exciting initiatives “bubbling away,” Porter is committed to continuing her work in elevating Taranaki’s event scene. Her passion for the arts and community engagement remains a driving force in her vision for a vibrant cultural future in the region.