This is why, each Waitangi Day, we pay homage to the foresight of our forbears, including the great Ngati Toa rangitira, Te Rauparaha and Te Rangihaeata who signed the treaty here. 

Bob has chaired the organising committee since the Festival of the Elements began in 1992.  He is now also Chairman of the Festival’s parent body, the Porirua Community Arts Council.

His personal involvement in arts has been life-long, particularly in theatre as an actor, singer, director and writer.  He first produced multi-cultural festivals as a university student in the early 1960’s.  For thirty years he worked predominantly in arts administration.  During that period he managed several national arts events.  For eight years he was Head of the School of Arts at Whitireia Community Polytechnic.