PAYPA Annual Hui 2026

PAYPA Hui & Awards Weekend 2026 – We’re heading to Circa Theatre!

The Annual PAYPA Hui & Awards Weekend is happening in Te Whanganui-a-Tara | Wellington. Join us as we connect with the performing arts sector, see incredible shows, and celebrate excellence in our community.

The 2026 PAYPA Hui is made possible with support from Creative New Zealand and Circa Theatre. Ngā mihi nui.

Click 'Join us' to RSVP to the PAYPA events below, including the workshops. Please note theatre tickets will need to be booked via their respective websites linked below

FRIDAY 30TH OCTOBER

5pm - 7pm - Welcome Function

An informal chance to come together and connect over a pre-show drink.

7pm - 9pm - Performance - After God at Circa 1 - Tickets $30 (special PAYPA discount). Book your tickets via The Circa Theatre website and use code PAYPA26 at the end of the booking process

SATURDAY 31ST OCTOBER

9am-12 pm - Workshop 1 at Circa 1 'So You Think You Know Me?' - A workshop on whakapapa, whakawhanaungatanga and the art of creating through connection with Regan Taylor

12:30pm - 1pm - Lunch

1pm-2:30pm - Workshop 2 at Circa 1 - 'Make, Move and Connect with Young Audiences' - A workshop on storytelling with the body with Sacha Copland of Java Dance

2:30pm-4:30 pm 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.

4:30pm-5:30pm Little Landscapes in Circa Foyer - Join multi-award-winning performer Amy Grace Laura in the Circa Foyer for a sensory and intimate performance for young children and their grown-ups.

5:30pm-9pm - 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!

SUNDAY 9TH NOVEMBER

9.45am - Walk and Talk with PAYPA - from Circa Theatre to Te Matapihi ki te Ao Nui Central Library

Meet PAYPA Board members and enjoy the restored library building. A wonderful space for everyone to learn, discover and connect.

11:30 am Performance - Flutter at the Community Room at the Central Library performed by Anna Bailey of String Bean Puppets in the Community Room at the Central Library