A passion for language drives Zak’s relationship with the arts. Born and raised in West Auckland, creative writing appears to him as a means through which reflection and wellbeing can be realised. As an aspiring Young Adult novelist awarded placement within the NZSA creative mentorship programme during 2017, he boasts published prose in at total of six anthologies.

Zak project manages Te Kahui, a creative writing programme for young inmates, which is currently running at Mt Eden Corrections Facility in Auckland.

A driven young entrepreneur, Matthew founded YANZ in 2017 and is involved with several organisations within the creative sector, including songwriting competition Play It Strange and Auckland City of Music. Matthew received the 2018 AIMES Emerging Talent award for his work with Youth Arts New Zealand, and composes soundtracks for yet-to-be-made films in his down time.

At YANZ, Matthew is responsible for steering the ship, creating positive partnerships and overseeing the strategy of the organisation.

A talented musician and photographer/videographer, Harrison follows a passion of storytelling through the arts. He aims to push forwards the creative community of New Zealand using innovation and constructive ideation to create meaningful interactions between artists and their craft. Harrison’s goal is to push the envelope for what is possible and to be at the forefront of the creative industry.

Harrison takes the lead on the creative side of our projects, and everything involving tech!