Funds for creative Kāpiti projects awarded
16 Sep 2026
Thirteen Kāpiti arts and cultural projects have received funding through the Creative Communities Scheme, funded by Creative New Zealand, and administered by Kāpiti Coast District Council. The total value allocated is $24,613.
Kāpiti Coast District Council Community Grants Advisor Nerita Clark said the scheme plays an important role in supporting locally led arts and cultural initiatives that encourage participation, and community connection.
“This funding round attracted a strong and diverse range of applications, reflecting the depth of artistic talent and community creativity across the Kāpiti Coast,” said Ms Clark.
Kaumātua Festival 2026 – Organised by Ngā Pakeke o Kāpiti (2025/26 recipients).
“It’s encouraging to see so many artists, community groups, and arts organisations delivering projects that foster creative expression, celebrate local culture, and provide opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to engage in the arts.”
Funded projects include dementia-friendly art classes, professional theatre experiences for tamariki, a community Taonga Pūoro wānanga focused on traditional Māori instruments, an art exhibition exploring storytelling through imagery, community music festivals and concerts, after-school art and music programmes, rangatahi theatre production, have-a-go art workshops and more.
“These projects will provide opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to get involved with our thriving creative sector, whether as artists, performers, participants, or audience,” Ms Clark said.
“They will bring communities together through shared creative experiences, celebrate local talent, and build a stronger sense of belonging across the district.
“Congratulations to the recipients, we look forward to seeing their ideas in action over the coming months.”
Creative Communities Scheme recipients round 1 2026/2027:
Kāpiti Women's Health Collective Incorporated: 'Have A Go' Arts Programme - $1,916.20
The “Have a Go” arts programme is a series of courses and workshops offered throughout the year, providing opportunities for women to explore their creativity and artistic ability through a range of art mediums. The programme delivers at least two creative courses each term, encouraging participation, new experiences, and artistic development.
Te Ara Korowai: Art Exhibition - $1,580.00
Te Ara Korowai will present The Secret Garden exhibition at the Roderick and Gillian Deane Community Art Space from 4 to 17 December 2026. The exhibition will explore painting techniques and storytelling through imagery.
Mr Aaron Cronin: Taonga Puoro Community Wānanga - $2,000.00
This project will deliver a weekend community wānanga focused on taonga pūoro. Participants will have the opportunity to learn about and play a range of traditional Māori instruments, fostering cultural knowledge, artistic expression, and community participation.
Mr Andrew Thomson: Santa Crash Lands into Kāpiti! - $1,117.00
This youth theatre production will engage young people from across the Kāpiti Coast in all aspects of live theatre, including auditions, rehearsals, and performances. The project aims to build confidence, creativity, communication, and teamwork skills, culminating in affordable family performances celebrating local talent.
Kapiti Castles: Kāpiti Tattoo & Arts Festival 2027 - $2,000.00
This initiative will remove financial barriers for local young people to participate in the arts by providing six fully sponsored exhibitor sites for emerging youth artists at the Kāpiti Tattoo & Arts Festival. The project will also distribute free festival passes, enabling more young people to experience live art, connect with artists, and gain inspiration from regional and national creatives.
Music Festivals and Events NZ Board: Summer Music in the Gardens '27 - $2,000.00
This free community event will feature a day of live local improv and jazz performances during Waitangi Weekend. The event celebrates cultural diversity through accessible live music and provides opportunities for the community to enjoy high-quality performances in a public setting.
Kāpiti Music Centre: KMC Open Day and Concert - $2,000.00
The Kāpiti Music Centre's Open Day and Concert will showcase student performances while welcoming the wider community to learn about the affordable music lessons and opportunities available through the centre. The event encourages community participation in music education and performance.
Miss Nicola Mitchell: Niccolo Piccolo - $2,000.00
Niccolo Piccolo will deliver eight free interactive bilingual music performances and wānanga in Kāpiti Coast primary schools. Through original waiata, storytelling, movement, and participation, tamariki will engage with te reo Māori, the natural environment, and each other in a fun and inclusive learning experience.
Ōtaki and Te Horo Business Association: Ōtaki Community Arts Project - $2,000.00
This community arts initiative will transform utility boxes and transformer assets throughout Ōtaki and Te Horo into public artworks created by local iwi, schools, students, and artists. The project will celebrate local history, culture, environment, and identity while creating a free public art trail that enhances community pride and visitor experiences.
Ms Hester Paul: Dementia Friendly Art Class - $2,000.00
This project proposes weekly art classes for people living with early-stage dementia in the Kāpiti community. Hosted at Toi MAHARA in Waikanae, the programme aims to provide creative engagement, social connection, and wellbeing benefits through accessible arts participation.
Te Awhi Rito: Te Awhi Rito Afterschool Programme - $2,000.00
Te Awhi Rito provides a free after-school programme for at-risk tamariki in Ōtaki. Funding will support a creative activity series based on the Māori legend of Tāne retrieving ngā kete o te wānanga. Through art, music, and creative expression, children in Years 1 to 8 will explore cultural stories and knowledge in an engaging environment.
Mrs Mary Gow: May and August Mulled Wine Concerts in Kāpiti - $2,000.00
This project will present two chamber music concerts in Kāpiti. The first concert will feature flute, clarinet, and bassoon performers, while the second will showcase the NZTrio. The concerts aim to provide accessible, high-quality musical experiences for the local community.
Alana Wilson: Surface, Site, Exchange - $2,000.00
Surface, Site, Exchange is a place-responsive ceramics project that explores local materials and firing methods. The project will create opportunities for artistic experimentation, community participation, and technical knowledge sharing while developing contemporary ceramic practice within the local environment.