Meet the Makers: Rosa Strati and Jade Bull
Published: Thursday 20 February 2025
In this edition of Meet the Makers we talk to Creative Producer Rosa Strati and Producer Jade Bull the two masterminds behind the massively successful Auckland Live Summer in the Square programme for 2025. Read on to learn about their inspiration, motivation and what you can expect from the rest of Auckland Live Summer in the Square.
ROSA STRATI
Creative Producer / Programmer
Introduce yourself and your arts practice.
Kia ora, I’m Rosa and I am a Creative Producer in the Performing Arts team at Auckland Live. I get to spend my working hours programming Auckland Live’s renowned venues and spaces – poor me, what a drag!
Tell us about Auckland Live Summer in the Square.
Summer in The Square is an action-packed program of free, live performing arts experiences out in Aotea Square. Think a mini-Jazz festival, samba lessons, a multi-language karaoke competition, children’s theatre and a custom-built basketball court– all in the heart of Tāmaki Makaurau under the warm February sun!
What’s your favourite thing about what you do?
Hands down it’s the incredible people who hold huge amounts of talent and capability in fields I know very little about.
What’s the thing you enjoy most about programming Auckland Live Summer in the Square?
I love the joyus, playful nature of the program. Getting to work with community is always a huge privilege, so that aspect of the program has been really rewarding, and I’ve also really loved the challenge of figuring out how to create our own, very special basketball court for the Sky Pirates All Stars day.
What’s the hardest thing about what you do?
The hard bit is the often-invisible dance between large amounts of stakeholders, objectives, timelines and (sometimes competing) priorities. And generally being a working mum has its challenges – a huge mihi to all the caregivers out here doing your darndest! I’m still pretty new to the game and boy, do I admire you all!
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
I like to keep in mind that we are all on a rock, hurtling through space and sooner or later the aliens are going to get sick of us destroying this planet and come and sort us all out. I find contextualisation is the key to calm.
We’ve just had Auckland Latin Fiesta, AfroFest and Lunar New Year in Aotea Square, which out of the three has been your favourite and why?
They have all been so unique, which is what I love about SiTS so its hard to choose! The bustling, three-day party that Latin Fiesta was is SUCH a vibe, and I had an amazing time at AfroFest learning about different cuisines. This year I had some incredible Rawandan kai – 10/10 would recommend.
How does it feel to take the torch and continue the tradition of programming Auckland Live Summer in the Square for 2025?
Some absolute legends have come before me in this work and I have huge shoes to fill! Every time I think I’ve had a unique idea I find out that my predecessors have already done it, 10 years ago, and better! This literally happens weekly. So, its intimidating but also hugely inspiring.
What can audiences expect from a day out at Auckland Live Summer in the Square?
A fun, relaxed experience with space for the whole whānau to engage at their own pace. Expect to eat, drink, dance and sing, get really sweaty and go home with that gentle buzz of pure joy in your body that comes with live performing arts experiences.
Jade Bull
Producer
Introduce yourself and your arts practice.
My name is Jade, I’ve been a Producer in the Performing Arts team at Auckland Live for the past 3 years. I produce a wide range of events, including, festivals, theatre, events and workshops across Auckland Live’s portfolio of venues which includes the iconic Aotea Square!
Tell us about Auckland Live Summer in the Square.
Auckland Live Summer in the Square is a month-long celebration which brings Aotea Square to life with music, food, and performances from around the world. It’s a free, family-friendly programme that highlights the diversity of Tāmaki’s communities, offering everything from live performance, interactive workshops and delicious local and international cuisine. The whole idea is to create a vibrant, welcoming space where people can come together, enjoy the peak of the glorious NZ summer, and make great memories.
What’s your favourite thing about what you do?
Witnessing months of hard work behind the scenes come to life, as crowds gather to enjoy a beautifully curated event is incredibly rewarding. It’s especially meaningful to see people experience a sense of home at events like Auckland Latin Fiesta, for example —whether it’s through the familiar sounds of a well-known band or the taste of a dish that brings back memories of home. Seeing people reveal in recognition and belonging in a space where everyone feels celebrated and connected is the best feeling in the world.
What’s the hardest thing about what you do?
Part and parcel of the job of a Producer is spinning many plates - managing all relationships, timelines, budgets, expectations, the vibe of the entire project, the list goes on – no pressure! It can be hard, but it’s also very rewarding and keeps me on my toes!
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
“There’s nothing we can’t handle.” (Usha Bhana, Senior Producer, 2022)
We’ve just had Auckland Latin Fiesta, AfroFest and Lunar New Year in Aotea Square, which out of the three has been your favourite and why?
You can’t make me pick a favourite, I love them all equally for different reasons.
What can audiences expect from a day out at Auckland Live Summer in the Square?
Live Music! Sun! Delicious Food! Crafts! Summertime Good Vibes! Also, Sports this year! (Check out Sky Pirates All Stars in the Square Basketball Tournament!)
Any day you come down, you, your friends and your whole family, little or large, will have really fun, exciting, free day out.
