PAYPA Annual Hui 2026
Join us in Pōneke for the
PAYPA Annual Hui 2026
5.30pm Friday 30 October - 12 noon Sunday 1 November at Circa Theatre in Wellington
Registration and all events other than ticketed performances are free
The PAYPA Annual Hui is a national gathering for everyone passionate about performing arts for, by, and with children and young people.
Bringing together artists, producers, educators, and advocates from across Aotearoa and beyond, the Hui is a space to connect, reflect, and reimagine how we make and share art with our youngest audiences. Across two days of conversation, celebration, workshops and performance, we’ll explore how community, collaboration and creativity can keep the TYA sector alive and connected.
Why attend:
Reconnect with peers and collaborators from across the country
Be part of vital conversations shaping the future of our sector
Gather inspiration and practical tools for sustainable creative practice
Celebrate the power of the arts to build community and belonging
Come ready to share ideas, spark new relationships, and leave with renewed hope and purpose for the road ahead.
FRIDAY 30 OCTOBER
5.30pm-7.00pm Welcome Function
Nau mai, haere mai, welcome to the 2026 PAYPA Hui. Please join us for a welcome drink and an informal chance to come together and connect before we kick off the weekend's events. Chou Chou, Circa Theatre
7.00pm-9.00pm Performance
After God - Tickets $30 (special PAYPA discount). Book your tickets via the Circa Theatre website and use code PAYPA26 at the end of the booking process. Circa 1
SATURDAY 31 OCTOBER
9.30am-12.00pm Workshop 1
So You Think You Know Me? - A workshop on whakapapa, whakawhanaungatanga and the art of creating through connection, with Regan Taylor. Circa 2
12.00pm-1.00pm Lunch (own arrangements)
1.00pm-2:30pm Workshop 2
Make, Move and Connect with Young Audiences - A workshop on storytelling with the body, with Sacha Copland of Java Dance. Circa 2
2:30pm-4:30pm Afternoon Tea, Panel and Community Discussion
Join us for refreshments with invited panellists from across the motu and participate in an open discussion about keeping connected and strong as the sector moves forward into the future. Circa 2
4:30pm-5:30pm Performance
Little Landscapes - Join multi-award-winning performer Amy Grace Laura for a sensory and intimate performance for young children and their grown-ups. Circa Foyer
5:30pm-9.00pm Annual PAYPA Awards Evening
Join us for an evening of celebration and connection. Hosted by PAYPA intern Jack Porter and featuring performances by The KaRs and Musical Stars. And of course, we'll celebrate our wonderful nominees and winners of the PAYPA awards themselves! Chou Chou and Circa 2
SUNDAY 1 NOVEMBER
10.30am-11.30am Walk and Talk with PAYPA
Meet PAYPA board members for a relaxed walk and talk from Circa Theatre to Te Matapihi ki te Ao Nui Central Library. Enjoy the restored library building - a wonderful space for everyone to learn, discover and connect. Meet at Circa
11.30am-12.00pm Performance
Flutter performed by Anna Bailey of String Bean Puppets. Central Library Community Room
Stay on for coffee and goodbyes in the Library cafe if you can!
Register for the PAYPA Hui 2026
Come for any or all of the scheduled events.
The 2026 PAYPA Hui is made possible with support from Creative New Zealand and Circa Theatre. Ngā mihi nui.
