I dusted off the old suit recently and headed to the Arts Foundation’s 25th Laureate Awards – a glittering night celebrating 25 years of Te Tuma Toi and the announcement of 8 fantastic new laureates. Check them out at: https://www.thearts.co.nz/

I was made a Laureate way back in 2002 (yes, pre oatmilk!) so it was lovely – and slightly surreal – to be back in that buzzy room surrounded by so many brilliant artists from every imaginable discipline. You could really feel the love for the arts – which, let’s be honest, we all need a bit of in these tricky times.

I found myself sitting in a row with fellow theatre makers Ahi Karunaharan, Marianne Infante, and two of my favourite philanthropists John and Jo Gow (and I’m not just saying that because they’re letting me stay in their apartment over rehearsals) – a line-up that perfectly captured the mix of energy, experience, and generosity that keeps the arts in Aotearoa thriving.

The night was full of laughter, connection, and gratitude. It reminded me why we do what we do – why we keep telling stories, keep showing up, keep celebrating what it means to be human.

Here’s to another 25 years of supporting the dreamers, the doers and the storytellers who make this place shine.