Richard has been an arts practitioner since leaving school. Initially training as a journalist, Richard acted in over 100 productions in Aotearoa and the United States by the time he was 23. He has also directed several shows, both here and overseas. Richard eventually settled in Auckland where his career was focussed, unintentionally, on theatre in education. He toured for several years around the North Island then decided film school was the next step. After graduating he freelanced as a director. Looking for a challenging project led him to "The Compleat Works of William Shkspr (Abridged)", which toured nationally in 1996 and became the Ugly Shakespeare Company, now Aotearoa's longest running TIE company.
In the years since Richard has written and directed two internationally award-winning short films, managed several major events and festivals in New Zealand, acted in tv commercials and web series', as well as writing and directing his own web-series pilot. With over 35 years practical experience in the Arts , Richard continues as Executive Director of the He Waka Eke Noa Charitable Trust which facilitates Kete Aronui, The Factory Theatre and The Ugly Shakespeare Company. Richard has accumulated over 30 years in governance as a board member of six boards including at a national level, as well as being an experienced chair. He looks forward to utilising his governance and arts journey to support the New Zealand Dance Trust.