about film bay of plenty

Sharon Menzies governance experience spans over twelve years and includes chair roles, board positions and advisory positions at a national level both in New Zealand and Australia

From October 2017 to March 2022, Sharon was the Co-President of the New Zealand Screen Production and Development Association (SPADA). Since being elected, she has led the development of the film policy vision and strategic direction towards a robust and sustainable New Zealand screen production industry. From 2014 to 2016, she was the President of Women In Film and Television (WIFT), a not-for-profit organization dedicated to delivering education, professional development, networking and support services to women working in film, television and associated industries.

While most of her governance experience comes from not-for-profit organisations, Sharon’s extensive professional experience as a Managing Director for Fulcrum Media Finance, a market leading cashflow financier for film and television in Australia and New Zealand, has allowed her to establish a balanced and fair approach to governance with an emphasis on profitable outcomes through performance of people and processes. Understanding key stakeholder motivations in a business environment has positively influenced Sharon’s governance leadership style to focus on inclusivity and accountability.

In 2020 Sharon was awarded the WIFT Imagezone Entrepreneurship Award and in 2016 Fulcrum was Awarded the Services and Facilities Business of the Year in 2016 by Screen Producers Australia. She is also a member of the Institute of Directors and have completed their Company Director’s Course.

Joel’s passionate about the craft of film-making and working to make a thriving film community in his region is one of his main objectives.

Award winning film-maker Joel Corbett grew up in small town New Zealand, surrounded by beautiful mountains and iconic vistas. Having picked up a camera at a young age, afforded a means to explore ideas, tell stories and ultimately share his vision. Now spending every waking minute honing film-making expertise as the CEO of Corbie Films, Taupō’s premiere film production company, and challenging his company to find creative and inventive ways to express their vision.

Sarah has over 10 years’ legal experience, specialising in Media, Intellectual Property and Corporate/Commercial Law.

Sarah has recently returned from seven years in London where she worked as senior legal counsel at FremantleMedia, a global production company known for shows such as the X Factor, Britain’s Got Talent and American Idol. She has over 10 years’ legal experience, specialising in Media, Intellectual Property and Corporate/Commercial Law. Her legal background and involvement in global media deals brings a unique perspective to the Board. She is passionate about film and television and is looking forward to supporting the local industry and community through her role on the Board.

Born and raised in Tauranga Moana, Micah Winiata (Ngāti Ranginui / Ngāti Porou) is an independent film producer.

Born and raised in Tauranga Moana, Micah Winiata (Ngāti Ranginui / Ngāti Porou) is an independent film producer that has studied at the New Zealand Broadcasting School and Columbia College Chicago. He is an alumni of the Share the Knowledge ‘Production Coordinators Course’, and is on the judging panel for youth film challenges such as The Outlook for Someday, and the International Youth Silent Film Festival. Having produced numerous narrative shorts, an experimental nonverbal ‘Someday Story’ documentary entitled ‘TAIAO’, and a micro-budget feature film shot with Shortland Street stars, his stories and collaborations have travelled to festivals in Dubai, Chicago, Australia, and throughout the motu in Aotearoa.