Kia ora and talofa. Welcome to PAYPA. PAYPA is a community of artists and organisations dedicated to performing arts by, with and for children and young people in Aotearoa New Zealand.

PAYPA embodies ASSITEJ New Zealand. ASSITEJ is an international network whose mission is to unite theatres, organisations and individuals throughout the world dedicated to theatre, performing arts, children and young people.

Read our 2025 Annual Report.

 

Call for nominations for the 2026 PAYPA Awards..

  • The PAYPA Emerging Artists Award

  • Production of the Year - For Young People

  • Production of the Year - By/With Young People

Final Date for Nominations: October 15th 2026

Learn More

2026 PAYPA Hui

Join us at Circa Theatre in Pōneke, 30 Oct - 1 Nov 2026, to connect, reflect and reimagine how we make and share performing arts with our youngest audiences. Save the date and watch this space for more details.

In this video, we hear the voices of children and young people across the world, sharing how the performing arts support them in their daily lives — how they inspire, educate, motivate, and shape their experiences.








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