19 December 2024
As 2024 comes to a close, we've been reflecting on the year that's rapidly disappearing behind us. And what a year it has been!
We asked some of our staff to tell us about the year that's been, what's surprised them, what's inspired them and what they've loved most about 2024 at Tāwhiri.
"Loved walking through Light Cycles with kids playing in the light beams. The magnetism of Taniwha Time Machine. A warehouse full of people of all ages dancing at 6.30am. Losing all sense of gravity and space at BELLE. The National frontman Matt Berninger leaping into and through the crowd at the arena. The exquisite dance section in the second half of Jungle Book reimagined. The spirited, generous and hard working Tāwhiri team." - Angela Green, Executive Director
"The four Tāwhiri Festivals in 2024 were a whirlwind of artistic magic that swept me through the year. My favourite moments were seeing Belle, Jungle Book reimagined, and Marcus Miller. Each and every event was a vibrant burst of creativity, offering moments of connection, inspiration, and pure joy that made time both pause and race." - Deanne Rutherford, Executive Coordinator
"One of the most touching moments was finally seeing the New Zealand works originally scheduled for the 2022 Aotearoa New Zealand Festival of the Arts take the stage this year. After COVID forced their cancellation, watching these incredible productions, such as Belle—a piece so stunning it brought me to tears—felt like a long-awaited celebration of resilience and artistry.
Our season of Light Cycles was another highlight, not only for its breathtaking artistry but for the challenge it posed: how to make a work of this scale accessible to a broader audience in a space as unique and tricky as the Botanic Garden, and working outdoors in the winter! Our fingers and toes were crossed every day that the weather would be in our favour.
Finally, seeing the city come alive during the Wellington Jazz Festival was pure magic. The vibrancy, energy, and shared love of music brought Wellington together in a way only the arts can.
The dedication and determination of our team shone brightly this year as they went above and beyond to deliver a remarkable series of events." - Sasha Gibb, Head of Programming
"What inspired me was seeing our Botanic Garden's dark ancient tree walkway to the Begonia House, reimagined into an incredible immersive sound and light experience in Moment Factory's Light Cycles." - Margie Beattie, Philanthropy Advisor
"It's been a crazy year, but I've loved it. There have been daunting moments (singing waiata for The King's Singers), heartwarming moments (watching artists respond to the pōwhiri welcoming them to the Aotearoa New Zealand Festival of the Arts), awe-inspiring moments (seeing the line stretch out of sight at Light Cycles), joyful moments (seeing all the singers perform so beautifully at the Lexus Song Quest Grand Final Gala) and proud moments (seeing the audience response to Oro Māia at the Wellington Jazz Festival). It's been a roller-coaster, but one I can't wait to jump back on in 2025." - Kate Larkindale , Audience & Partnerships Associate
