Getting a gauge of where things sit in the creative community is an important process - seeing if your take on the current climate in the sector is shared through your peers.

There are few better barometers than the PANNZ Arts Market, with another record turnout for the first day of what many consider Aotearoa’s marquee creative conference.  

The Lowdown spoke with delegates at the three-day Tāmaki Makaurau event, they concurred that the tone was proud, celebratory and united, recognising that while these are rough times - with everything from national funding fragility to global war and the rise of AI - the arts was determinedly standing its ground.

In her opening address, PANNZ Chief Executive Louise Gallagher described the next few days are "a safe and welcoming space for all", acknowledging the "efforts and challenges you’ve needed to overcome to be here right now." 

She repeatedly referred to the Arts Markets "a feast" of our nation’s creative offerings - "Hundreds of opportunities for the sector, a literal feast of work, from an industry that will spin many millions of dollars in revenue throughout the sector in the coming months, that will emanate from these few days - and that is an exciting thing to be a part of."

Gallagher - an outspoken advocate of the whole creative sector, not just the performing arts - reminded those in the Town Hall Concert Chamber that in strange times like these, there’s a tendency to hunker down in isolation. But she declared the sector could respond differently, coming together from across the motu and all bringing an offering to the table.

"As parts of our world become increasingly more polarised and divisive, there are big discussions to be had nationally and internationally. 

"We are navigating our way through some very challenging spaces - politically, socially and culturally.

"Our arts spaces and events have always been places that can hold difference, that celebrate complexity, that present new perspectives - this is something we need to recognise and value more than ever."

There is no doubt artists are the forefront of that - but with the scarcity of financial resources impacting everyone from the emerging artists to the established practitioners, the role that venues and creatively supportive organisations play can't be underestimated either. Special praise was given to Auckland Live's Helaina Keely and Dan Clarke of Auckland Live, whose "shared vision, aroha for the arts community and generosity is gratefully received. 

"Their place in the eco-system is essential to so many of us in this room. They truly model what a cultural institution can look like in support of art and artists."

Claire Murdoch - Senior Manager for Arts Development at CNZ - struck a similar chord in her address. She both underlined NZ’s global status as an arts leader, a ‘crucible country’ where world leading art is developed and exported from. She also highlighted the sentiment heard recently - especially from te ao Māori - that these times don’t call for the politics of division. Rather, they call for that of togetherness. 

Murdoch also grabbed attention with promises of artist- informed processes to follow, and transparency as to what the new funding will look like, as the new-look multi-year funding begins to publicly take shape.

It was noted that the international delegation has never been higher for the Arts Markets, giving hope for many pitchers and presenters of getting their mahi seen across the globe.

The PANNZ Arts Market has always been closely aligned with the Auckland Arts Festival - but this year they two events have been woven together, with AAF kicking off on Thursday (6 March) and delegates getting to dive right into the opening nights of Auckland Theatre Company's long-awaited debut of Agraram Productions' a mixtape for maladies, Movement of the Human's renown BELLE: A Performance of Air and Trick of the Light Theatre's latest spectacle, Suitcase Show.

The packed event will see multiple more full-length showcases, pitches and networking opportunities - and close with a celebration of those who have given so much to the performing arts but rarely get the spotlight, with the $120,000 FAME Mid-Career Awards ceremony. 

Smith enters stage left, Hendry exits stage right

Big happenings in another performing arts institution in the captial as well, with a significant changing of the guard.

The iconic BATS Theatre has a new General Manager, with Tania Marie Tapiki Smith (Ngai Tūhoe, Ngai Whakatohea, Te Upokorehe Iwi) taking the reins from the well-regarded Jonty Hendry.

A former professional dancer with an international career, Smith's CV comes lined with strategic consultancy and event, project and people management, as well as experience in fundraising. She has been tasked with strengthening the theatre’s financial and business foundations.

“I am incredibly honoured to take on the role of general manager at BATS Theatre - a space that has long been a cornerstone of Aotearoa’s creative community. BATS has always championed risk-taking, innovation, and bold storytelling, and I am excited to help shape its future.

“I believe in a leadership style that is transparent, collaborative, and empathetic. One that fosters a healthy internal culture, supports creative excellence, and builds sustainability through vision and bold innovation.

“I’m passionate about the creative arts sector, and I look forward to expanding networks, deepening collaborations, and engaging with the extraordinary BATS community to evolve and future-proof this iconic space for generations to come.

“Theatre thrives on risk, collaboration, and a little bit of chaos. My job is to make sure BATS Theatre embraces all three while building a future that’s bold, sustainable, and unstoppable."

Hendry departs after six and a half years at the helm of BATS - but a history dating back to being a student performer in the '80s and a director in the '90s at the much-loved Wellington venue.

“I’ve been incredibly lucky to assist in the development of many talented people and projects. During an extraordinarily challenging period, BATS listened to needs and expanded its remit.

“I’d like to thank those I’ve worked alongside for their support and guidance. From volunteers on the board or ushering, to hardworking staff and creatives, BATS is a remarkable place to work, a place of change-making, co-creation, and adventure."

The Lowdown has understands Hendry remains committed to pursuing a variety of personal and professional projects in the arts environment.

“While it feels like the right time for me to step aside, I look forward to continuing to be a part of our local arts community, whether on or off stage. I’m especially excited to see where Tania and the BATS whānau go next!”

Board Chair Cathie Sheat tributes “We offer Jonty our sincere thanks for his hard work and dedication, particularly in steering BATS through challenging times. His steady leadership and innovative thinking have enabled BATS to continue to provide a welcoming space for artists and audiences alike.”

New arts venue

It is chicken soup for the soul in the current climate when you hear news of creative organisations expanding - rather than shrinking or disappearing.

Well-entrenched circus theatre company The Dust Palace has declared it's opening a newly repurposed arts venue in the Auckland suburb of Ellerslie, "set to become the beating heart of contemporary circus in the region."

With a capacity of 150–200 people, the space will serve as a dedicated hub for circus arts, cabaret, and live performance - filling a gap in Auckland’s arts landscape. The Dust Palace has pronounced it will also offer affordable space for artists to develop and present their work, as well as training opportunities for performers of all levels.

“We’ve had overwhelming support from the local Ellerslie community and business association, who are excited to see an arts organisation breathe new life into the space,” says Eve Gordon, Co-founder of The Dust Palace. “For us, it’s about making the impossible possible—both on stage and off.”

Producer Rachael Dubois told The Lowdown "Moving to Ellerslie is an exciting time for Dust Palace. We look forward to offering local circus arts a home and dedicated performance space in Tāmaki Makaurau. 

"After struggling under the weight of a commercial lease for the past few years, we're grateful to be partnering with Auckland Council and the local Ellerslie community to enliven this intimate theatre with circus arts."

The new space will be officially launched with The Dust Palace's high-energy production, HAUS of YOLO (15 – 18 May), kicking off a tour that will head to Kerikeri, Hastings and Canada.

Crack-up dozen

There are a number of local legends and headline international acts confirmed for this year's 32nd New Zaland International Comedy Festival in May.

But with the full programme revealed this week (Wednesday 5 March), it's also a huge moment for those who see their name on the line up for the first time.

Among more than 150 acts, 12 Aotearoa-based comedians have been selected to make their solo debuts at the 2025 comedy Fest - both in Auckland and in Wellington.  

From open mic nights to scrounging for a place on a card, this is a moment to treasure and always-heartening validation for those looking to give this artform a real nudge.

On hearing of her call up, Michelle Wiley told The Lowdown "You know when you’re winding up a toy car and can’t wait to see how far it’ll go? That’s what the buzz before my debut in the world’s best mayo-based Comedy Fest feels like." 

Joel McCarthy's equally as enthuses, proclaming to The Lowdown that it's “Truly insane to be a part of the NZ International Comedy Fest for the first time this year. 

"As an institution that has produced some of Aotearoa's brightest minds, it's so sick to be able to join in on the experience."

Theo Shakes continues his assault on all forms of creative endeavours - the short film director and TikTok star has starred in Nightsong's Auckland Theatre Company debut of Peter Pan, as well as featuring in Ant Timpson's movie Bookworm alongside Elijah Wood - by making his Festival debut in Auckland, as is Annie Guo, Josh Metcalfe, Sean Collier, Sean Hill and Summer Xia.

Liv Ward will be one of four debuting in the Wellington section of the festival - along with Keegan Thomas, Kipling DC and Mo Munn - stating “In the midst of rife and pervasive anti-trans sentiment across te ao, it means so much to do my very trans, very gay show at Aotearoa NZ International Comedy Fest 2025. I hope to show other trans folks that they are funnier than cis people and should be in the festival instead.” 

With so much of the usual suspects like Melanie Bracewell, Guy Montgomery, Josh Thomson, Hayley Sproull, Joe Daymond, Angella Dravid, Eli Matthewson, Tape Face, Pax Assadi, Guy Williams, Rhys Mathewson and Brynley Stent there to rub shoulders with - this delighful dozen of fresh Comedy Fest faces will be ones to watch.

Taite your opportunity

It must be shortlist season.

Not only have the Ockham NZ Book of Year finalists being announced (details here on The Big Idea) but one of the music industry's most creative accolades has also whittled down their list.

From a record breaking 80 submissions,584 Idependent Music NZ members, musicians, and music industry professionals have selected Taite Music Prize has revealed its star-studded top 10.

Known for spotlighting bold and boundary-pushing albums, the Taite Music Prize acknowledges true musical craftsmanship, prioritising artistic depth and authenticity. It's not about how many records you sell or how much air time you get that matters. 

No artist has won the coveted gong twice in its 15 year history, something Troy Kingi is looking to change. The 2020 Taite Music Prize winner is in the running with his hard rock-laced Leatherman & the Mojave Green (another step in his extraordinary 10-10-10 project - 10 albums in 10 years in 10 different genres). 

It's Kingi's fourth time as a finalist for the award - the most for an individual artist. Tom Scott with his many musical iterations is a six-time finalist (with @Peace, Home Brew and 2019 winners Avantdale Bowling Club), while Unknown Mortal Orchestra has made five Taite shortlists, winning once in 2012.

More than half the field are return finalists - along with Kingi, Fazerdaze is nominated for a third time for Soft Power, while Anna Coddington (Te Whakamiha), Mel Parsons (Sabotage) and Delaney Davidson (Out Of My Head) and Mermaiden Gussie Larkin - one-half of Earth Tongue (Great Haunting) - have previously been nominated once before. 

Two-time Silver Scroll nominees DARTZ (Dangerous Day To Be A Cold One), Best Country Song winner Holly Arrowsmith (Blue Dreams), former Aotearoa Music Award Breakout Artist winner Georgia Lines (The Rose Of Jericho) and MOKOTRON aka  Tiopira McDowell (WAEREA) are all nominated for the first time.

This $12,500 main prize - along with the Best Independent Debut Award, Outstanding Music Journalism Award, Classic Record and Independent Spirit Award - will be presented on 15 April at Auckland's Q Theatre. 

Bleedin' legends

After more than 20 years thrashing around the country, there's not much veteran punk band The Bleeders haven't experienced.

But they will be sharing the stage with greatness Auckland and Christchurch in April - after getting the call up to be part of the iconic Sex Pistols' first New Zealand Tour in 30 years.

Formed in 2002, The Bleeders recently marked 20 years with a run of sold-out shows - celebrating two decades of blood, sweat and tears as one of Aotearoa’s most beloved and successful hardcore punk bands, which included the Best Rock Album Award for 2006's Sweet as Sin. 

Bleeders vocalist Angelo Munro told The Lowdown "Getting the support slot for the sex pistols is a 'pinch me' moment. Was the first punk band I ever heard back as a 10 year old. Definite bucket list stuff, we cannot wait!"

Stations need to step up

New Zealand's radio stations aren't playing enough New Zealand music.

Every year, NZ on Air acknowledges the stations that reach or exceed 20% of their output being local music. It's a voluntary music code that's widely acknowledged as the industry expectations.

But not enough stations are following through.

For the second year running Radioscope – Recorded Music NZ’s data and distribution monitoring arm – reported that Aotearoa commercial radio stations did not meet the collective target, with fewer than one in every five songs on commercial radio overall being from Kiwi artists.

This comes after a three-year run between 2020 and 2022 where commercial New Zealand radio stations collectively surpassed the 20 percent threshold.

‘It’s never been easier to release music, however it’s getting harder for our local musicians to compete against international artists,” states Head of Music at NZ On Air, Teresa Patterson.  

But despite the rise of streaming services, recent commentary from international airplay monitoring service Radio Monitor noted last month that radio is still the biggest platform in the world.  

“Radio Monitor stats show that more hit music is still heard on radio than on every other music platform combined. And this was shown to be true across the world.”

In 2024, just six stations hit the magic 20% barrier.

Top of the pops once again went to NiuFM, dedicating 50.24% of their playlist to local talent (up from 49.7% in 2023).

Three Whakatāne frequencies crossed the threshold - BayrockFM (37.20%), Q97 (25.64%) and for the first time, Media Bay of Plenty stablemate 1XX (20.43%).

Also making the list, Radio Hauraki (22.44% ) and Coromandel's CFM (21.77%). 

NZ Opera doubling down on Dames

New Zealand Opera (NZO) has added another big gun to its arsenal of Patrons, with the Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro announced to join the high profile list.

Dame Cindy (Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Hine, Ngāti Kahu) will now share the NZO Patron space with her Government House predecessor Dame Patsy Reddy, former Prime Minister Helen Clark, acclaimed opera singer Fa’Afetai Jonathan Lemalu, Auckland Deputy Mayor Desley Simpson, Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau and and Christchurch Mayor Phil Mauger.

NZO General Director Brad Cohen told The Lowdown "For us at NZ Opera, patrons are a special part of our whānau. They advocate for us, generously lend their lustre and reputation to our mission, and are honoured supporters on whom we rely. 

"Welcoming Dame Cindy is a major milestone - embodying continuity with her predecessors including Dame Patsy Reddy, but also weaving a closer connection with te ao Māori as we travel along our haerenga Māori as a company.

"As our organisation continues our national focus on sustainable cultural initiatives and community-focused mahi, Her Excellency’s patronage comes at a significant moment for the company. 

"Her leadership and advocacy will support our vision of opera in Aotearoa as a vibrant and inclusive national art form—one that enriches lives and strengthens communities.”