Creative Communities Scheme

21 successful applications for the first round of CCS 2025/26 received funding ranging from $850.00 to $8,000. Total allocation for Round 1 is $63,700, including:

Jenny Mair Highland Square Day, $2,500

Manawatu Scottish Society of New Zealand Incorporated

A day celebrating Scottish culture including a solo bagpiping and drumming contest, a Pipe Band contest, and a Highland dancing contest, now in its 45th year of competition.

Pesepesega a le music videos, $8,000

Hokozoo Productions and Malamalama Moni Aoga Amata

Since the June 2025 release of Pesepesega a le, a bilingual Samoan album, and two music videos there have been over 100,000 views and plays across digital platforms. Malamalama Moni Aoga Amata and Hokozoo Productions propose the creation of three new music videos to extend the reach, impact, and educational value of this landmark project.

Holy Doodles!, $1,660

Lyn Pollock

Holy Doodles is a fun, inclusive community art workshop that inspires creativity and celebrates local heritage. Participants are guided to create their own interpretation of a Palmerston North church, enhanced with imaginative characters and playful details.

Creating artwork from Coffee Pods, $2,200

Ms Maria Theresa Maling-Cope

The intention is to create several unique artworks and wearable art pieces from used and recyclable coffee pods for exhibition at the Square Edge Community Arts, and for entry into the 2026 World of Wearable Arts competition in Wellington.

Peep the window, $1,500

Rose Bourke

Peep is a window art space located down the Regent Arcade showing contemporary art from Aotearoa.

Swamp Tapes, $3,000

Radio Control 99.4FM

Swamp Tapes is a video series by Radio Control, producing 10+ short creative videos annually. Each video will feature a recently released track by a musician from Manawatū, paired with visual art by a local Manawatū creator.

Golden Christmas Carols, $1,300

Renaissance Singers

The Renaissance Singers are providing an opportunity for those who wish to listen to and join in the singing of Christmas carols in St Peter's Church.

Our language and culture through music, $4,000

Toka moe Kafa

A group of young Tongan boys play acoustic guitars and ukulele each weekend, learning about their language and their history through old traditional songs. They are learning the Tongan values, and what makes them Tongan through the music composition of the late Queen Salote Tupou the 3rd, Queen of Tonga.

Beef EP Recording, $850

Mr Jordan Kupe

Beef is the Manawatū’ s newest punk force, formed in summer 2024 and ready to bring their bold, unapologetic sound to wider audiences. They plan to record their latest mahi, capturing the urgency of their live performances for the community.

A Pacifica theatre show for families, $7,000

Centrepoint Theatre

A classic fairy tale that has been given the jandal! "Pigs On The Run" (formally known as Three Little Pigs) has been rewritten to give a Pacific flavour and will involve community actors that we have identified through our Pacifica workshops over the last 2 years, as well as many more who wish to be involved.

Mural project to help beautify the streets $1,100

Ms Susan Davis

Up to three murals will be created for Chorus Telecommunication Cabinets. The murals have a regional theme and will encourage pride in the city by showcasing the region in a positive light and beautifying the city.

Manawatū Gang Show presents Show Time!, $3,000

Scouting New Zealand - Manawatū Gang Show

A variety show at the Regent on Broadway Theatre staged by the Scouts and Guides of the Manawatū, now in its 60th year of performance.

TheatreFit, $5,000

Simple Truth Theatre

TheatreFit is a 3-month workshop series designed to engage our community in accessible, high-quality theatre training. Led by acclaimed local creatives Rachel Lenart and Rhian Firmin (Manawatū Summer Shakespeare), it offers inclusive, skill-building sessions for participants aged 16–80+, regardless of experience.

Adapting a children’s book or fairytale into a stage performance, $1,000

Ms Debra Mulholland

A five-day workshop with performance at the Globe Theatre in the January 2026 school holiday period for children ages – 8 to 12 years of age. The participants take on the challenge of working on a favourite children's book, a recognisable classic, or a fairytale, and adapt it into a new work to be performed by them on the stage.

Game On! Video game, film and TV music. $4,890

Manawatu Youth Orchestra Incorporated

The Manawatu Youth Orchestra and Sinfonia will present a dynamic concert of video games, film, and TV music, coinciding with the Armageddon Expo at the Central Energy Trust Arena. Held at the Regent on Broadway on Friday 31st July 2026, the concert will feature around half its performers from the Youth Orchestra, giving young musicians a unique chance to perform alongside adults at a high-profile event.

Bad Schematics 2025 - Album, $1,500

Bad Schematics

BAD SCHEMATICS are a local pop/punk band who are recording their second album at The Stomach. The first album, recorded in 2023, debuted at number 4 on the Official NZ Rock Charts in 2024. This album will feature NZ artists and has contributions from local musicians.

Free nature photography workshops for rangatahi, $1,000

The Art of Seeing Academy

A series of five photography workshops for rangatahi over the summer holidays in Palmerston North, introducing them to the art of seeing and capturing the world around them. Welcoming children of all abilities, with the focus on kids with special needs (including ASD, ADHD, and other learning challenges), the workshops build confidence, self-expression, and appreciation for the environment. Images taken by participants will be shared in an online gallery.

Clay & Creativity in Ashhurst, $1,500

Miss Suzanne McAllen

Free, inclusive workshops in clay hand building and pottery painting, designed to make the arts accessible to people of all ages in our community.

Flux - Debut EP Recording & Release, $2,800

Mr Michael Crawford

Flux is a Palmerston North alt-rock trio seeking to record, produce, and release their debut EP. The project will include professional mixing and mastering alongside filming and releasing a music video. Flux will promote the EP with a dedicated release concert at The Stomach, showcasing their heavy yet melodic sound and strengthening their presence in the local music community.

Te Reo Waiata Album for Tamariki, $7,900

Ms Milana Mariu-Reade

Create a 10-song te reo Māori waiata album for tamariki, recorded by emerging artist Milana Mariu-Reade alongside award-winning children’s music group The KaRs. This album is designed for use in kura and schools across Aotearoa, providing an engaging resource that celebrates te reo Māori, encourages participation, and nurtures cultural pride among tamariki.

A Migrant’s Story: Samoans in Palmerston North, $2,000

Autalavou Laiti - CCCS Youth Group

Autalavou Laiti – CCCS Youth Group will conduct cultural research, mentorship, and creative development, culminating in a public performance in May 2026. This performance will explore what it means to be Samoan and New Zealand-born, drawing on local research, senior community members (particularly the first generation migrants from Samoa and pioneers of the Samoan community) and youth voices to create an engaging, culturally rooted theatrical experience for Palmerston North, Manawatū, and the wider community.

27 successful applications for the second round of CCS 2024/25 received funding ranging from $462.62 to $5800.00. Total allocation for Round 2 is $68,008.37, including:

Roger John McEwan, $4,000.00

Project: Audiobooks - local authors/local voices/local facilities

Brief Description: Producing audiobooks for local authors using local talent and facilities, promoting Palmerston North as an audiobook hub.

Six to Sixty Performing Arts, $2,000.00

Project: Disney's High School Musical Junior Production

Brief Description: Inclusive junior production to build confidence and performing arts skills among children.

Pathways Presbyterian Church, $2,500.00

Project: Connecting with Music

Brief Description: Regular concerts and a children's interactive music programme, supporting local musicians and school-age performers.

Hot Spot, $5000.00

Project: Hot Spot - Season 2

Brief Description: Improvised comedy show blending traditional formats and popular panel show elements.

Ms Pania Molloy, $2,900.00

Project: Moko Wairua

Brief Description: Portraiture exhibition exploring Māori and Pākehā identity through women's stories.

The Salvation Army - Palmerston North Corps, $2,000.00

Project: Just Brass

Brief Description: Free music education program teaching brass instruments to young people.

The Glow Show Company, $2,000.00

Project: Matariki Glow Show

Brief Description: Giant-scale glow-in-the-dark puppet show sharing Māori myths and legends.

Manawatu Theatre Society, $2,000.00

Project: One-Act Play Festival

Brief Description: Three distinct short plays offering varied theatrical experiences.

Paperscape Ltd, $462.62

Project: Papermaking using native plants – Kids' workshop

Brief Description: Papermaking workshops for children using sustainably sourced native plants.

The Green Hub Trust, $3,000.00

Project: Vibrant Visions: Celebrating our Artists

Brief Description: Multicultural art competition supporting local creativity.

Kirsty Porter, $2,000.00

Project: Jonny Kan exhibition at Square Edge

Brief Description: Art exhibition highlighting Jonny Kan's wood-based artworks and his cultural experiences.

Ms Debra Mulholland, $2,500.00

Project: Children's workshop/performance

Brief Description: Holiday workshops where children write and perform their own plays.

Rock Quest Charitable Trust, $3,000.00

Project: Smokefreerockquest and Smokefree Tangata Beats Manawatu 2025

Brief Description: Nationwide contemporary music competitions fostering youth musical talent.

Manawatu Youth Orchestra Incorporated, $5,800.00

Project: The symphonic experience

Brief Description: Koha entry concert introducing orchestral music to a broader audience.

Girls Rock Aotearoa, $4,000.00

Project: To the Front Te Papaioea 2025

Brief Description: Youth music empowerment programme focused on young women and gender-diverse youth.

Legacy Centre, $3,300.00

Project: Whakairo/Carving Workshop

Brief Description: 10-week traditional carving workshop for youth.

Shree Dance Group United by Dance, $2,000.00

Project: Nritya Shastra - Traditional Indian storytelling workshops

Brief Description: Workshops making Indian storytelling art forms accessible to a broad audience.

Trina Heke Rofe, $4,000.00

Project: Paraikete 'The Art of Resistance'

Brief Description: Artist talk and wānanga on making resistance quilts.

Showquest Charitable Trust, $1,000.00

Project: Showquest Manawatū 2025

Brief Description: Regional wearable arts and performing arts programme for school students.

Mx Abi Symes-Button, $1,500.00

Project: Palmy’s Not Shit - The Official Document Series

Brief Description: Humorous YouTube documentary series about Palmerston North.

The CanInspire Charitable Trust, $500.00

Project: CanBead Program

Brief Description: Beadcraft workshops offering art therapy for people experiencing trauma.

Skeleton Crew Performing Arts, $2,216.75

Project: Skeleton Crew Creative Arts Showcase

Brief Description: Performing arts showcase directed and performed by local talent.

Ignite Dance Hub, $3,328.00

Project: Ignite Dance Intensive

Brief Description: Two-day intensive dance workshop with national tutors.

Dr Wouna le Roux, $2,000.00

Project: Kawandi-style Community Quilt

Brief Description: Community quilt project culminating in an exhibition.

Ms Jennifer Wiggle, $2,500.00

Project: Imprint 2025 – Contemporary NZ Printmakers Showcase

Brief Description: Group exhibition of contemporary NZ printmakers.

Mr Austin Boyle, $1,500.00

Project: 'Our Beloved Ditch' Debut EP

Brief Description: Recording and producing debut EP by local band.

Dr Tania Kopytko, $1,000.00

Project: Vinok and Friends - A collaborative performance and videography

Brief Description: Multidisciplinary creative showcase combining dance, storytelling, and videography.

15 successful applications for the first round of CCS 2024/25 received funding ranging from $650.00 to $6,109.05. Total allocation for Round 1 is $42,756.33, including:

Manawatu Scottish Society of New Zealand Incorporated: Jenny Mair Highland Square Day, $4,378.14

It is a solo bagpiping and drumming contest, a Pipe Band contest and a Highland dancing contest. This is 44th year running the competition.

Hokozoo Productions: The KaRs Christmas Show, $6,109.05

A showcase of the KaRs latest album that features new Christmas Waiata and Class carols reimagined.

Chelsea Sheehan-Gaiger: THERAPY: A Musical Comedy, $2,830

THERAPY is a one-woman musical show with script by Chelsea McRae and music Mario Sadra-de Jong. The show centres around Chelsea’s story as she visits a therapist’s office with the hope of a quick fix for dizzy-spells.

Sam Wyss: Portland; A Collaborative Horror Anthology, $1,020

A collection of short fiction written primarily by authors in the Manawatū.

Rose Bourke: peep, $2,500

A window gallery located down in the Regent Arcade.

Snails Artist Trust: Snails Ten Year Celebration event, $5,600

 A free to attend, full day celebration of ten years of Snails Artist Run space showcasing artists who currently reside at Snails and inviting some of the creatives that have been part of the Snails creative community over the years.

Renaissance Singers: Carols for Christmas, $900

Christmas Carols concert on Saturday Dec 7 in St Peter's Church.

Musical Theatre New Zealand: MTNZ 2025 Training Weekend, AGM and Conference *Whānau* - Conference Juniors, $4,064.2

A stream of the annual training weekend - Conference Junior 8-16 years - running parallel to the MTNZ general conference. Facilitated by Junior Theatre New Zealand in collaboration with Musical Theatre New Zealand and ACT THREE PRODUCTIONS.

Manawatu Multiple Sclerosis Society Incorporated: Expressions in Color, $1,673

To support the MS Art Group in expressing their creativity through weekly MS maintenance therapy classes. This annual initiative is a highlight for the group, providing them with a meaningful outlet for artistic expression and a way to connect with others in the community.

AOTANGO Incorporated: International Tango Day, $1,893.99

To celebrate International Tango Day in Palmerston North (December 9th).

Main Switch LTD: Thelonius Tree, $2,700

An ecologically themed interactive kids show. A storytelling treasure hunt based on the work of homegrown poet Asha Lovegrove. This event incorporates a real baby grand piano that will be delivered to Victoria Esplanade Arboretum and set up amongst the trees.

Comedy Hub Palmerston North Inc: Palmy Comedy Fest 2025, $6,046.70

Palmy Comedy Fest is a stand-up comedy festival that spans over two weeks, much like a fringe festival. Comedians from across the country will take the stage alongside our locals, both bringing talent to and showcasing Palmerston North.

Ignite Dance Hub: Ignite Dance Intensive, $706

Ignite Dance Hub presents a one-day dance intensive based in Palmerston North for aspiring dancers of three age groups. During the mixed genre lessons, dancers will learn from expert local instructors. This is open to all dancers to join us in the middle of the school holidays. At the end they will present a showcase to show their learnings.

Austin Harrison: FWB: I'm Proud of You, $800

An interactive, semi-improvised solo performance celebrating good Kiwi dads.

Debra Mulholland: Creating a play with Children, $1,535.20

For this theatre workshop series I would like to work with a group of children aged between seven and eleven years of age and guide them to write their own fairytale and then put on a performance for the public, and invited guests.

We’ve allocated $58,632.36 to 18 arts, events and projects. The successful applicants are listed below. 

Alexia Clark: Broadway Bound, $640.75

An open mic-type concert that gives musical theatre lovers the chance to perform in front of an audience.

The CanInspire Charitable Trust: CanBead Workshops, $700

Four jewelry-making/bead-craft workshops for people experiencing illness, trauma or loss.

Squash Co. Arts Collective: Long Ride Home, $713.36

A touring one-act-play about siblings for adult and young adult audiences.

Chyzabelle Chadwick: Kaitiaki Kids, $1,500

Students will create artworks inspired either by resident wildlife at Central Energy Trust Wildbase Recovery or by something else within the native conservation network. At the end of these sessions, students will exhibit their finished works at Wildbase.

Erin McLean: FOPS Performing Arts 2024 – No Exit, $1,500

A production of the classic French drama No Exit, written by Jean-Paul Sartre in 1944. Following three petty, miserable, unpleasant people trapped in a room with each other, it's a darkly comic piece with serious undertones about the nature of Hell and what a life of misdeeds causes. 

Slave Musician Collective and Recordings: Local band EP recording and release, $1,575

To enable some talented Palmerston North-based musicians to record and release music they have prepared for an EP.

Debra Mulholland: With children for children. Adapting or writing a story into a play for performance, $2,000

A 5-day school holiday program for up to 14 children from the age of 7 to 11 years old. They will get the chance to adapt an already existing children's book, or will write their own story or fairytale, then rehearse and perform it in front of an invited audience.

Kairanga School: Kairanga School murals, $2,000

Create murals at the entrance of the school that represent the values of the whare kura, tamariki and whānau (school, students and families).

Natasha Christensen: Training in advanced weaving techniques, $2,500

To privately study under the mentorship of master weaver Esther Nitschke MBE, in order to advance weaving skills and study teaching methods with the intention of reviving the craft within the region. 

Girls Rock Aotearoa Incorporated: To the Front Te Papaioea 2024, $3,000

A 4-day holiday programme aiming to empower young women and/or transgender, intersex, takatāpui, queer and gender diverse youth aged 12 to 17 years through music and community.

The Glow Show Company Limited: Badjelly the Witch Glow Show, $3,560

It’s been 50 years since Spike Milligan wrote this iconic story. A glow-in-the-dark puppetry version, for children and families during the July school holidays in Palmerston North.

Manawatū Theatre Society: A Time Like This, $4,000

A Time Like This is a full-length play being produced for public performance. It is the touching, tender, yet at times horrific story of 88-year-old Douglas Chapman, a World War One veteran, living in a rest home. It is Anzac Day 1984 and Douglas has marched in the parade. He is lonely and sad, and he drinks too much. As he drinks, he recalls his life in the final weeks of World War One.

Te Korio Childrens Centre: Te Korio mural, $4,200

Large bird mural on the Te Korio Children’s Centre building, painted by Swiftmantis.

Ryan Knighton: Hot Spot, $5,111.20

Hot Spot is a fresh and innovative comedy format that combines elements of panel shows such as Guy Montgomery’s Guy Monspelling Bee, Task Master, Whose Line Is It Anyway, Game Changers and more.

Lizzie Tollemache: FWB: Friends With Boundaries, $5,260

Towards rehearsal and production costs to stage this locally written play in Palmerston North, including a free talk and producer workshop for new and emerging artists.

He Aho Tangata (Rangitāne o Manawatū Settlement Trust): Wānanga Toi Rangitāne, $5,372.05

The newly formed roopu He Aho Tangata is hosting two wānanga for whānau and the local community to come and try their hand at raranga (weaving) and kowhaiwhai painting under the guidance of our tohunga in these sectors.

Derrick Sims: Shadow of the Deathbird, $6,000

Set in the late 1980s, Shadow of the Deathbird is an exciting, funny, and sometimes scary short film about a child filmmaker haunted by a supernatural creature hell-bent on destroying her masterpiece. To finish her production, she must not only confront and overcome the monster but also face her own self-doubt. The "real world" of the film will be photographed in Palmerston North.

Hokozoo Productions: Samoan educational song resources, $9,000

Record Samoan songs for children and adults to embrace the Samoan language and culture.

We’ve allocated $41,487 to 15 arts event and projects. The successful applicants are listed below. 

Rose Bourke: Peep, $2,500 

A window gallery in The Regent Arcade, Te Papaioea  

Epic Music Foundation: Epic Band Battle, $1,260 

An event for all Primary & Intermediate School Bands in the Manawatū to battle it out to find the best band in the region and celebrate young musicians.  

Manawatū Youth Theatre Charitable Trust: Frozen JR, $5,000 

This is a 60-minute adaptation of the Disney movie performed by 10-to-16-year-olds at the Globe Theatre.  

Tyler Brailey: Manawatū Air Guitar Championships, $1,460 

The Manawatū Air Guitar Championship aims to find the greatest air guitarists in the lower North Island. The championship features two categories: Youth and R18, catering to both young talents and adults. This event will not only showcase the art of air guitar celebrate the participants love for music.  

Renaissance Singers: Carols for Christmas, $2,300 

The concert will be in St Peter's Church, Palmerston North featuring a cappella, accompanied Christmas Carols. There will be carols where the audience can join in.  

Simple Truth Theatre: Femme Fiction: What If It’s All Real? $5,000 

Femme Fiction is an exploration of gender and identity that poses the question ‘What is femininity?’. The show is about storytelling and creates a space for the cast of 10 to shed a light on their own raw, enlightening and hilarious experiences.  

Palmerston North Choral Society: Highlights from Handel’s Messiah, $2,420 

The show will include top-quality soloists, local musicians and singers performing highlights from the Messiah at the end of 2023. 

Manawatū Camera Club Inc. City Library Ground Floor Exhibition, $2,500 

The City Library ground floor window panels will be used for an exhibition to display photos from Manawatu Camera Club members. 

Kane Parsons: Children’s Story Book about Manawatū Legends, $6,500 

This book is a children’s story book about myths and legends of the Manawatū. This is the second story in the long-term plan of educational resources. This book is called Okū Tuākana.  

Madeleine Cook: Original Music Recording,  $1,225 

A record of Madeleine’s original music from the studio. 

Te Waiora Club: Wānanga Waiata, $4,000 

This project focuses on preparing and delivering wānanga waiata for Te Waiora Club, in preparation to attend the 2024 Hui Aranga, being held over Easter in Hawke's Bay.  

Yellow Eye Ltd with Nukes Ukulele Trio: Nukes ukulese Trio School Holiday Workshops & Shows Palmerston North, $922 

The ukulele trio The Nukes will visit Palmerston North bringing a free children’s workshop and show followed by a ticketed public evening event. 

Parnika Rao: Quantum Alchemy, $2,900 

Quantum Alchemy will be an art installation consisting of three to five sculptures. It will use physics principles to construct sculptures and display them at the Square Edge Community Arts Centre to educate others.  

Sonya Holm: The Tombstone Tourist’s Guide to New Zealand, $1,500 

This project is to produce a coffee table travel guide of 50 of New Zealand’s most fascinating cemeteries. The book includes extensive photographs, local stories and social history. Sonya will run a workshop for the community on how to get your book project up and running.  

Manawatū Highland Dancing: Highland Dancing Competition, $2,000 

The Highland Dance competition is governed by the Royal Scottish Official Board of Highland Dancing in Palmerston North.  

We also allocated $21,118.39 to applications as part of the Creative Communities Festival Fund 2023-24. The successful applicants are listed below. 

Manawatū Jazz Club Inc. Manawatū Jazz & Blues Festival 2024, $10,000 

This is an annual jazz and blues festival in Palmerston North, comprising public concerts at the Globe Theatre, workshops and 'cafe scene' artists.  

Rachel Lenart: Manawatū Summer Shakespeare, $11,118.39 

A staple on the summer to-do list aiming to enrich and upskill Palmy’s local theatre community and provide highly entertaining work to be enjoyed by all.