Creativity on the Kāpiti Coast: meet the makers of WOW and explore the Art Trail

Kāpiti Coast District Council in collaboration with World of WearableArt® (WOW) are delivering an intimate evening exploring the creative journey behind garments seen on the WOW stage on Friday 30 October, 7pm to 8.30pm, at Te Raukura ki Kāpiti, Coastlands Theatre, Paraparaumu.

WOW’s Sarah Nathan will host a panel with award-winning Kāpiti Coast designers Kayla Christensen, 2026 WOW Supreme Award winner, and Rebecca Bond, 2024 WOW Transformation Innovation Award winner, alongside renowned Wellington designer Fifi Coulston.

WOW: Meet the Makers tickets

Ms Nathan says the panel offers behind-the-scenes insight into the inspiration, technical challenges and creative process of designing and producing award-winning wearable art.

“The event will be the perfect opportunity for anyone who has ever entertained the idea of entering WOW - from designers, artists and sculptors to students and creative professionals,” says Ms Nathan.

“It will be a chance to connect with like-minded makers, expand their creative learning and find pathways into opportunities such as WOW.”

Kāpiti Coast District Mayor Janet Holborow says the Meet the Makers of WOW event is a coup for the district.

“Council has long identified an opportunity to build on the profile and visitors generated by WOW, while creating a distinctive experience for the Kāpiti Coast,” says Mayor Holborow.

“Securing this opportunity reflects our commitment to building collaborations with nationally recognised creative organisations. We’re especially excited that WOW is delivering this exciting fringe event for Kāpiti.

“The Kāpiti Coast is listed in the top five nationally on the Infometrics Creativity Index, confirming our place as one of New Zealand’s creative centres.

“Our creative sector features a rich array of writers, artists, performers, musicians, Ngā Toi Māori, theatres, galleries, studios and performance spaces, alongside a thriving filmmaking industry.

“Behind the scenes, Council has been working with the local sector to create a Creative Industries Cluster to help build capability and attract similar opportunities in the future.

“It also helps us strengthen our relationships with well-known brands, encouraging more people to visit our beautiful coast and see why we love it here.

“The timing of the WOW: Meet the Makers event is also deliberate. It lands halfway through the Kāpiti Coast Art Trail which runs over Labour Weekend and the following weekend 31 October–1 November, attracting thousands of visitors every year.

“We’re encouraging people to come for the event, stay the weekend and explore how creativity and arts thrive here.”

Kāpiti Coast Creative Industries

Kāpiti Coast Art Trail

Visitors can enjoy a longer look at the Kāpiti Coast Art Trail, with five days to explore artist studios and galleries across Labour Weekend (24–26 October) and again, 31 October–1 November. The Art Trail showcases local talent and offers another way to discover the depth and diversity of creativity across the coast.