‘Tis the season to not only be jolly, but to reflect on the year that has been and the year ahead. We asked four artists within the 2026 Aotearoa New Zealand Festival of the Arts programme to share their season wishes – whether it be personal or global.

Our annual summer reading list from Unity Books this year challenges us to take time to read books which “demand more” from us. Thanks to Unity Books Wellington Manager Susanna Andrew for curating this list for us. Unity Books is our Official Bookseller for the Writers Programme at the 2026 Aotearoa New Zealand Festival of the Arts.

From finding happiness to her most treasured possession, we catch up with Sally for some quickfire questions.

Renowned dancer, choreographer and co-founder of The New Zealand Dance Company Shona McCullagh performed in the first production of Gloria in 1990. With GLORIA – A Triple Bill featuring in the 2026 Festival, we ask Shona to recall memories from the days of the work’s creation.

Incognito Global debuts the newest iteration of their super-secretive, fine-dining, and immersive performance event, Chapter One, in Aotearoa for a one-night-only experience this November.

Oscar Lavën and Damian Forlong are gearing up for a busy schedule at Wellington Jazz Festival this month with Oscar playing 20 shows and Damian managing 37 gigs.

Hot off acclaimed seasons in Australia, Edinburgh and London, Wellington theatre company EBKM bring Heartbreak Hotel back home for a limited season this month.

Wellington-raised drummer Myele Manzanza returns to the city this October to perform with international jazz supergroup lvdf at Wellington Jazz Festival.

John Rae, an award-winning composer and musician, recorded his first album at sixteen with saxophonist Tommy Smith and has since appeared on over 30 albums. He was the drummer for the Scottish National Jazz Orchestra (2000-2003) and won a ‘Herald Angel’ at the 2005 Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Since moving to New Zealand in 2007, Rae has been a prominent figure in Wellington’s jazz scene, notably as front man for The Troubles. After years of advocacy, his vision for a national jazz orchestra will be realised with the Aotearoa Jazz Orchestra's inaugural performance at the 2025 Wellington Jazz Festival.