Auckland Philharmonia chief quits

The Auckland Philharmonia has lost its general manager, but insists it is in good health despite ongoing financial problems.

Anne Rodda resigned last week, citing the birth of her first child in February as the reason.

She said the orchestra's general health was strong, and the prognosis for its future extremely positive.

But the orchestra's long-term financial viability remains a problem.

Last week, it received a one-off subsidy from Creative New Zealand of $600,000, which will see it through to the end of its 2005/2006 programme.

This comes on top of a $540,000 grant from the ASB Charitable Trust.

Chairwoman Rosanne Meo said the Creative NZ grant was conditional on restructuring.

As a result, a new position of chief executive officer had been created.

"The restructuring has not driven a wedge at all between players and the board," Mrs Meo said.

The board will advertise the CEO position.