Luana Walker

Background

About Luana Walker

Director | Arts & Culture Leader | Strategic Partner | Community Connector I’m a passionate and experienced leader working at the intersection of creativity, community, and strategy. With a career rooted in Aotearoa’s arts and cultural landscape, I’ve progressed to Director-level roles where I’ve led diverse teams, shaped organisational direction, and delivered programmes and initiatives that make a genuine difference in people’s lives. Over the years, I’ve managed budgets exceeding $1.4M, led high-performing multidisciplinary teams of 15+, and overseen major projects that foster cultural storytelling, strengthen community engagement, and contribute to sustainable organisational growth. I combine a strong strategic mindset with practical follow-through, guiding teams through complex challenges with empathy, clarity, and purpose. I’m particularly skilled in stakeholder engagement across multiple levels — from government agencies to grassroots creatives — and I enjoy building collaborative environments where people feel valued, empowered, and supported. Whether facilitating a group discussion, navigating ambiguity, or embedding new internal processes, I bring intuition, insight, and heart to every aspect of my work. Key strengths include: Strategic planning & programme delivery Operational oversight & financial management Stakeholder & community engagement Cross-sector collaboration & internal culture building Learning & development leadership Driving continuous improvement and innovation I’m committed to work that uplifts others, honours diverse voices, and strengthens the role of arts and culture in shaping vibrant, connected communities. I’m always open to values-aligned opportunities, creative collaborations, and meaningful conversation.