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her advertorial The Tribe of Taranaki In the land of plenty a band of women are attracting crowds in their droves YOU COULD CALL THEM the tribe of Taranaki: High profile, gutsy women leading the way in a city and region good at capturing 'nice place to live' awards. There is the Council Leader, the Arts Executive, the Arts Chairman and the Community Trust boss. Taranaki is notable for its white and black gold: milk flows from the region's dairy farms and as does oil and gas. Yet the region's locals are also broadminded. The Arts get a good rap here, and a slew of long-running festivals are testament to that. WOMAD (World of Arts Music and Dance) is one of those festivals run by the Taranaki Arts Festival Trust (TAFT). When the city secured the rights to host WOMAD in 2002 locals may have been surprised. But at its third outing in 2007, tickets sold out. This March more than 30 acts from over 18 countries perform in the three-day annual festival. There's also the Nova Energy Taste the World marquee, artist workshops, overnight camping, a kidzone, shops and food stalls. Barbara McKerrow heads up the New Plymouth District Council and has been at the forefront of cultural projects in the city. "WOMAD has helped enhance the perception of New Plymouth and Taranaki as a desirable place to visit, to live and to do business," says the Barbara. Leaders of other New Zealand Councils approach her to discuss how New Plymouth has transformed itself over recent years. She says, "Our reputation as WOMAD's host helps to emphasises how far we have come as a compelling destination with a 'like no other' attitude. The festival also showcases the TSB Bowl of Brooklands, a stunning amphitheatre set within the renowned Pukekura Park. "What I like is that a beautiful part of the park is transformed into an international village, where cultures from around the world are celebrated by people from all backgrounds and age groups." Everyone in her family likes going, including her heavy rock loving sons. Suzanne Porter has led the Taranaki Arts Festival Trust (TAFT) since 2006. Initially from Napier she headed west in 2000 after landing a job at the new complex in New Plymouth called Puke Ariki. Now the city's combined library/museum, Puke Ariki was the first of its kind in the country. Porter, a former local authority Suzanne Porter (left) and Barbara McKerrow say Womad confirms Taranaki is the place to be. manager, relishes her role in the arts and retains an energy and likeable dry wit. She says WOMAD works in Taranaki because of its national as well as local backers. Shell New Zealand and Todd Energy pour hundreds of thousands into it each year. In 2010 the TSB Bank climbed on board joining other local partners – everyone from an architectural firm and trucking company to a Maori health organisation. Elaine Gill, TAFT's Chairperson, says it has boosted pride in the city and region. "We are the smallest place in the world that runs a WOMAD," says the former district councillor, who sits on the board of several companies as well has having a hand in voluntary groups. Around the globe there is a myriad of WOMAD locations, with the first started 30 years ago in the United Kingdom by Peter Gabriel. The cultural element makes it diverse with international artists welcomed each year on to Owae Marae in Waitara. Here they witness haka or hongi for the first time, and in turn Iwi feel ownership and connection with the festival. When Maria Ramsay started attending WOMAD her young children went too – a decade on they're buying their own tickets. "It's a great intergenerational event," says the manager of the TSB Community Trust, which has granted $1 million to the festival since 2004. Ramsay says the Trust see benefits for the community in that hundreds of volunteers are recruited and skills retained within Taranaki. TAFT now keeps its staff working year round, rather than disbanding and re-forming as it once had to. "It's an iconic event for Taranaki. It's put us on the map and it's accessible to local people." Sarah Foy www.taft.co.nz HER MAGAZINE | February/March 2012 | 91 Photo courtesy of Michael Flynn