PAYPA Annual Hui & Awards Nominations 2026, Performing Arts and Young People Aotearoa (PAYPA)

About

A two-day national gathering for performing arts practitioners working with children and young people, including workshops, performances, and the PAYPA Awards.

The PAYPA Annual Hui 2026 is heading to Wellington at the end of October, bringing together artists and practitioners from across Aotearoa who work in performing arts for, by, and with children and young people (aged 0–25).

The weekend programme is packed with connection, learning, and celebration:

Friday 30 October

5pm–7pm: Welcome Function — informal networking over pre-show drinks
7pm–9pm: Performance — *After God* at Circa 1

Saturday 31 October

9:30am–12pm: Workshop 1 — *'So You Think You Know Me?'* — a workshop on whakapapa, whakawhanaungatanga, and creating through connection, with Regan Taylor
12pm–1pm: Lunch
1pm–2:30pm: Workshop 2 — *'Make, Move and Connect with Young Audiences'* — storytelling with the body, with Sacha Copland of Java Dance
2:30pm–4:30pm: Afternoon Tea, Panel and Community Discussion — open kōrero about the future of the sector
4:30pm–5:30pm: *Little Landscapes* — a sensory performance for young children and their grown-ups by Amy Grace Laura, in the Circa Foyer
6pm–9pm: Annual PAYPA Awards Evening — hosted by Jack Porter, featuring performances by The KaRs and Musical Stars, and the celebration of nominees and winners

Sunday 1 November

9:45am: Walk and Talk with PAYPA — from Circa Theatre to Te Matapihi ki te Ao Nui Central Library
11:30am: *Flutter* — a puppet performance by Anna Bailey of String Bean Puppets at the Central Library

Awards – Nominate an Artist or Production

Three awards are open for nominations

1. The PAYPA Emerging Artists Award — for a new company or individual who has made a splash in the PA&YP industry → [Nominate here](https://forms.gle/UDLxBedkcPJZbKjz8)

2. The PAYPA Award for Production of the Year (for young people) — for a professional production showing overall excellence in form and content → [Nominate here](https://forms.gle/d6J3DQ3wFYX9L7tL6)

3. The PAYPA Award for Production of the Year (by/with young people) — for a production made by or with rangatahi that has resonated with its audience → [Nominate here](https://forms.gle/j1joKBKerEbt7z8M6)