Peter Biggs, “Biggsy”, is an outstanding public speaker, delighting audiences with his wit and intelligence.  He was MC at HASANZ’s last conference in 2018 and is back by popular demand!

His contribution to New Zealand’s performing arts was recognised in 2013 when he was made a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for Services to Philanthropy and Arts Governance.

Peter has been Chief Executive of the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra (NZSO) since May 2020.

Previously, he had a 25-yeardistinguished career in the advertising industry, leading award-winning agencies in New Zealand and Australia.

Peter has had a significant involvement in the arts sector for many years, including being Chair of the Arts Council of New Zealand (Creative NZ) from 1999 – 2006, a member of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra Board, a Trustee of the Arts Foundation of New Zealand, Chair of Read NZ Te Pou Muramura (formerly the New Zealand Book Council) and Chair of Featherston Booktown.

He was Chair of the Government’s Cultural Philanthropy Review in 2009 and the Orchestral Sector Review in 2014.

He was a member of the Prime Minister’s Growth and Innovation Advisory Board from 2002-2006 and was the Prince of Wales’ Charities Representative in New Zealand from 2016 – 2018.