
Kate Finnerty
Play Programme Coordinator
Kate thinks that everyone has an artist within (no matter how deep they are hidden). Her mission is to encourage and support creativity, exploration and fun! She is a natural organiser and will always think outside the box to make things happen.
Kate has had a diverse international career as a rock climbing and canyoning guide, rope access driller and aerial performer, festival director and communications coordinator. It was in Natimuk (a small town in regional Victoria, close to rock climbing mecca Mt Arapiles) that Kate realised the potential of arts and creative projects to change the way people viewed and interacted with the world around them.
As the Festival Director of the Nati Frinj, working with a small team of volunteers, she developed the festival into a three-day extravaganza of music, installations, visual arts and performance events. The venues ranged from the 180-seat Soldiers Memorial Hall to abandoned shearing sheds. Events included aerial performances on giant silos through to site-specific installations in outdoor dunnys (toilets).
Kate is excited to work with Urban Play partners to make Ĺtautahi a playful and vibrant city for everyone. It is through play that we can realise the essence of who we are and open our mind to possibilities.
When not occupied with organising things, Kate can be spotted dangling off a cliff on the Port Hills, ocean swimming or heading into the mountains.