This is a copy of publication
25 Jul 2025
Waikato Creatives Cultivating Community Through the Arts
A former teacher and lifelong lover of live performance, Ray Diprose has channelled his passion for storytelling and production into community events across Raglan. Whether supporting the coordination of the Raglan Film Festival, working events like the Country and Blues Festival, or installing public screens to showcase local happenings, Ray’s focus has consistently been on inclusion, access, and joy.
“What creative experiences bring is both performance opportunities for artists and connection for audiences. When you’re watching your grandchild on stage or listening to a favourite local band, that joy is real. It uplifts people.”
Ray’s philosophy is anchored in community spirit. He speaks fondly of the volunteers and supporters who make these events possible. “The community wants it. There’s a generosity in Raglan, people give time because they believe in what creativity brings.”
Importantly, Ray also champions youth development. Events like ‘Live and Local’ and regular open mic nights give emerging performers valuable experience in safe, appreciative environments. “It’s about growing their confidence,” he says. “They may not be famous yet, but every opportunity is a step forward on their journey.”
Bernadette Ballantyne
Former primary school teacher Bernadette Ballantyne has transitioned from the classroom to full-time art practice, with a focus on soft pastel realism. Much of her ongoing success has come through commissioned pet portraits and the deep emotive response these works produce. But beyond this core practice is a motivation for fostering connection between artist and viewer, and among community members themselves.
Along with running popular painting classes for all age groups, Bernadette is also active in community projects such as ‘Art on Thames Street’ which transforms eateries and shopfront spaces into a live gallery of local talent. “It’s about creating a sense of belonging,” she explains. “A lot of artists work alone, so just being seen and acknowledged by the community is powerful. And for the public, watching art being made in real time, there’s something special in that.”
Her experience in education continues to inform her approach. “Adults are often afraid to make mistakes. But once they create something they’re proud of, you can literally see the self-belief grow.”
Bernadette also sees creativity as essential to mental wellbeing. “It’s cathartic. When I draw, I’m fully absorbed. It gives my brain a rest.”
Whether inspiring her son Max to paint freely at home or encouraging hesitant adults in her classes, Bernadette is gently breaking down barriers that prevent people from engaging creatively. “Creativity is problem-solving and self-expression rolled into one. Everyone has it. They just need the right space to explore it.”
Robert Prendergrast
As a sound recordist for film and television, Robert Pendegrast is the quiet force behind countless creative projects. With a background in live church sound mixing and a formal education in screen and media, Robert has become a sought-after collaborator on Waikato film sets, where his technical expertise is matched by his calm, reflective approach.
His pride lies not only in skillful sound capture, but in problem-solving and clear communication. “Every shoot has its challenges,” he says. “I focus on learning from each one and making it better next time.”
Robert’s passion, however, goes beyond professional pride. He works in film because he’s inspired by helping others realise their visions. “I love supporting people to tell their stories. That’s what keeps me motivated.”
He’s also been a valuable mentor through youth filmmaking workshops, where young people explore acting, directing, costuming, and of course, sound. “For kids, it opens up a whole world behind the scenes. They begin to see all the careers involved in what they usually only see on a screen.”
Equally as important, Robert highlights the role creativity plays in mental health. “For me, working on a film isn’t stressful, it’s actually how I relax. It gives me purpose and enjoyment. When the environment is collaborative, it’s incredibly rewarding.”
The ongoing work of Ray, Bernadette, and Robert illustrates how creative practice, when rooted in community, becomes something far greater than individual expression. It becomes a tool for connection, a path to personal growth, and a reflection of a community’s spirit.
Each of these artists offers something unique, but what they share is a belief in the power of creativity to uplift and inspire. Their efforts remind us that meaningful engagement starts at the local level with one class, one stage, one sound check, or one conversation.
This article is part of a series of stories connected with our Creativity Lives in Waikato project. We know that Waikato thrives with diverse and transformative creative activity, so we are helping to highlight some of the creativity that lives in our region. Check out this growing collection of stories featuring the local Waikato creative community.
Power of Creativity
The ongoing work of Ray, Bernadette, and Robert illustrates how creative practice, when rooted in community, becomes something far greater than individual expression. It becomes a tool for connection, a path to personal growth, and a reflection of a community’s spirit.
Each of these artists offers something unique, but what they share is a belief in the power of creativity to uplift and inspire. Their efforts remind us that meaningful engagement starts at the local level with one class, one stage, one sound check, or one conversation.
This article is part of a series of stories connected with our Creativity Lives in Waikato project. We know that Waikato thrives with diverse and transformative creative activity, so we are helping to highlight some of the creativity that lives in our region. Check out this growing collection of stories featuring the local Waikato creative community.
Nurturing Creative Spaces 8 July 2025
Community arts centres serve as important hubs for creativity and connection, and can be found throughout the Waikato region.
In venues such as the Old School Arts Centre in Raglan, The Plaza in Putaruru, and the aptly named Future Te Aroha, dedicated teams of administrators not only support, but deeply believe in, the transformative potential of creative spaces for personal and collective wellbeing.
Max King is the Accounts Administrator at the Old School Arts Centre and describes the location as a place “of play and courage.” The Old School hosts monthly concerts, film screenings, markets, and provides venue space for everything from art exhibitions to breathwork classes. Onsite, the Clay Shed, a volunteer-run pottery space, allows people of all skill levels to create and exhibit their work. “It’s thrilling to see what people are producing,” Max says. “I walk in after the kiln’s been opened and it’s like unwrapping a gift.”
With decades of personal involvement in events run and hosted by the Old School, Max is enthusiastic about what these spaces offer.
“Creativity can sometimes be a lonely life. But a community arts hub brings people together. It lets them shine in front of their own community.”
Importantly, Max sees creativity as both playful and profound.
“It’s about expressing yourself, your journey, your ideas, and having the courage to share that with others. Art can challenge thinking and bring complex ideas into accessible light.”
Ashleigh McCormack stepped into her role of managing The Plaza in Putaruru from a background in administration and hospitality. “I hadn’t dealt with the creative arts in the past,” she explains, “but working here, I’ve seen just how much connection and joy it brings.” The Plaza hosts everything from boxing nights to tribute concerts, school kapa haka to the South Waikato Country Music Awards and receives invaluable governance support from the South Waikato Arts Trust.
For Ashleigh, creativity is more than performance, it’s expression.
“It’s about showing a part of yourself that doesn’t come out in everyday life.”
She recalls the unfiltered joy of performing in a childhood school play, and now sees that same light in the children and families who attend the Plaza for free movie events, supported by local businesses.
“It’s a chance for people to reset and reconnect, especially in times like these, when the cost of living pushes enjoyment to the bottom of the list.”
The Future Te Aroha Community Centre offers a vibrant example of how art and connection can transform not only individuals but entire generations. Charlotte Putt, who manages much of the centre’s administration, is a strong advocate for the arts.
“Creative pursuits serve you throughout life,” she says.
“They go beyond physical limitations. You can keep creating even when you can no longer run or jump. They sustain your spirit.”
One of Charlotte’s fondest moments is seeing adults gather for a newly formed craft group.
“It’s a lovely social environment. Just people talking, laughing, creating—it brings a different kind of health benefit.”
She describes creativity as “an expression of energy, of the soul,” and values the subjectivity that makes each piece of art deeply personal.
Tazmin Sawyer, who grew up coming to Future Te Aroha as a child, is now a mentor for young performers. “Dance and acting gave me confidence. I want to help kids find that same feeling.” She believes strongly in the importance of creative spaces for children who don’t find their place in sports or academics.
“This becomes another home, a place where you’re accepted for who you are. That’s powerful.”
For Tazmin, creativity keeps the imagination alive.
“As we get older, we lose that childlike wonder. But creativity, whether it’s dance, theatre, or even just being around it, helps you hold on to that spark.”
Lynne Renwick, a lifelong theatre practitioner, has helped establish youth theatres in both the UK and New Zealand. She believes her motivation is rooted in gratitude. “Somebody did it for me when I was a child. I was surrounded by creativity. I want to pass that gift on.” Her vision for Future Te Aroha is intergenerational and she sees it happening in real time with young people who grew up performing there now bringing their own children back.
“It weaves our community together in a way that nothing else quite does.”
Lynne sees creativity as fundamental to human identity.
“It’s in our essence…all of it comes from a place of shaping and making something out of nothing.”
She also recognises a critical age where creativity can falter. “Around 13 or 14, it starts to disappear. But if you keep nurturing it, creativity grows. The more you use it, the more it becomes part of you.”
Together, these five creative community advocates illustrate a collective truth: creativity is not just about making art, it’s about making meaning, memories, and room for everyone. Whether it’s a child discovering their voice, an adult returning to a forgotten hobby, or a community celebrating its diverse cultures, creative spaces offer something increasingly rare. A chance to belong.
This article is part of a series of stories connected with our Creativity Lives in Waikato project. We know that Waikato thrives with diverse and transformative creative activity, so we are helping to highlight some of the creativity that lives in our region. Check out this growing collection of stories featuring the local Waikato creative community.
