This crisp July has felt heavier than most. On Sunday 6 July, I learned that my former Director, Tim Bray QSM, had passed away. I’ve since said my final goodbye at a celebration of his life, a service I think will stay with me forever. The love felt in that room was palpable, a true reflection of this man of great mana.
Since then, I’ve found myself reflecting on the impact he had. Not just on me, but on so many others. He wasn’t just a boss. He was a friend.
He led with kindness, steadiness, and a genuine care for the people around him. Even now, in a different career and industry, I still find myself drawing on the lessons I learned while working with Tim. Because Tim didn’t just lead. He built.
As Founder and Artistic Director of Tim Bray Theatre Company, he shaped an organisation that truly valued people. He dedicated his life to creating theatre for children, bringing joy to hundreds of thousands of audience members over more than three decades. He was committed to ensuring all children could access his work, whether through NZ Sign Language-interpreted performances, audio description, sensory relaxed shows, or the Gift a Seat programme that sponsored tickets for children who might not otherwise have experienced live theatre.
Sadly, Tim Bray passed away on Saturday 5 July 2025, at the age of 61. His loss is felt deeply, not only by his family and closest friends, but by creatives, colleagues and audiences. He wasn’t just a director and playwright; he was a passionate advocate for inclusion and access in the arts.
I first worked alongside Tim in 2012 as Event Manager for the 50th Jubilee celebrations, where the company performed Hairy Maclary to the now King Charles and Queen Camilla, along with hundreds of school children. After that, I took on the role of Business Development Manager with Tim Bray Theatre Company. It was a privilege to work alongside him for twelve years, and when we wrapped up the company, I went in search of a different role where I could still carry our values. I found that in the Takapuna-based financial advice firm EriksensGlobal, where some of my new colleagues have shared their joyful memories of going to Tim Bray theatre events with their own children. It shows me that his work lives on in many more ways than I knew.
We sometimes forget how deeply a great leader can shape us. I feel incredibly lucky to have experienced and learned from Tim’s leadership. I’m thinking of his family, his loved ones, and all of us who were fortunate enough to work alongside him.
Rest peacefully, Tim. Thank you for all you brought to our community.
From the publisher: Tim Bray QSM was indeed a wonderful man who has been taken far too soon, and leaves a massive gap and a big legacy. His cancer diagnosis led to the closure of the Tim Bray Theatre Company in 2024. At Benefitz (and Channel Mag) we saw the difference Tim and his team were making. We were proud to work with Tim, Gail and the TBTC team for many years as a supplier and sponsor, helping them stretch their marketing and advertising dollars as far as they could. I was personally captured by Tim’s goal of giving as many young people as possible the opportunity to experience their kids shows – even those who came from backgrounds where the cost or disability was a barrier. Tim gave a great deal, and the Tim Bray Theatre Company worked hard to engage sponsors to ensure cost was removed as a barrier of attendance. Tim’s passing is a huge loss. Rest in peace, Tim – Aidan Bennett.
