The Board and team at Te Ahurei Toi o Tāmaki Auckland Arts Festival extend their heartfelt thanks and congratulations to Kaiwhakahaere Matua Chief Executive Robbie Macrae, as he announces his retirement from the Festival at the end of April.
Robbie has served as Chief Executive since August 2022. A respected leader and long-standing advocate for the arts, he has guided the Festival through the post-COVID period with care and steadiness, working alongside two Board Chairs, John Judge and Sarah Judkins, and two Artistic Directors, Shona McCullagh and Bernie Haldane.
"Robbie has made a significant contribution to arts organisations across New Zealand and Australia during his long career.” Says The Auckland Festival Trust Board Chair, Sarah Judkins. “On behalf of the Board I would like to thank Robbie for his leadership of the Festival over the last few years and wish him many adventures in his retirement".
In announcing his decision to retire from full-time work, Robbie says:
“I have been very fortunate to have had a wonderful career across many aspects of performing arts, which has always been my passion, working with the most amazing people who have supported me as much as I hope I have nurtured others along the way. I certainly plan to be around the industry in the future but also have time to pursue some other keen interests as we go ‘Dancing through Life’ (Wicked)".
Robbie is a veteran of the arts industry, having begun his career at the age of 19. His experience spans major national and international organisations including Arts Centre Melbourne, Opera Australia and Perth Theatre Trust. He joined THE EDGE in 2003 as Director of Theatre Programming and Development, later becoming Director of Performing Arts for Auckland Live and Interim Director of Entertainment and Events for Auckland Unlimited during the 2021 merger of Regional Facilities Auckland and Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development.
During his tenure, Robbie played a pivotal role in strengthening the Festival’s national standing and international reputation. He led the delivery of landmark partnerships and touring relationships, including bringing Sydney Theatre Company’s The Picture of Dorian Gray to Aotearoa. Internationally, his leadership helped position Tāmaki Makaurau as a trusted destination for exclusive seasons by world-class companies, including Scottish Ballet (2025) and upcoming Shanghai Symphony Orchestra (2026), reinforcing the Festival’s network, credibility, and respect on the global stage. Robbie also championed expanded social equity through Creative Learning, growing access for schools and communities through free ticket initiatives and wider engagement opportunities.
Robbie is recognised for his strategic leadership, passion for the arts, and commitment to ensuring that both artists and audiences are central to organisational strategy.
Reflecting on his career, Robbie says he is looking forward to a few more “go-go years” before his “slow-go years”, noting that the quote from The History Boys, “Take it, feel it and pass it on” captures the spirit of his journey perfectly.
If you have any questions, or would like further information, please contact Caroline Everitt, Tumu Whakatairanga, Whakapānga Head of Marketing & Communications, caroline.everitt@aaf.co.nz
