The Conch

30/04/2026

It is with great sorrow and heavy hearts that we honour our dear Carla van Zon’s passing.

Vinaka vaka levu for your groundbreaking legacy of work over many many decades, your vision for the arts in Aotearoa and the pathways you opened for us all.

Remembering all those years ago, meeting at Govt House alongside Joseph Seelig and Helen Lannaghan, NZIAF, London International Mime Festival and all the global threads that bind us together through time.

Remembering your profound depth of trust and the visionary festivals we all sailed on together…the deep collaborations you set in place, Hone Kouka's- The Prophet with NZIAF
to Marama at Auckland Festival ..

Remembering your generosity as to the partnership with Fabiana Piccioli and all the international work that allowed us as NZ artists to connect and grow into the now.

Vinaka Vakalevu for laying the pathways , we carry you forward within our work that is yet to come...
Our deepest condolences to you Carla, Greg and all your whanau .

Please know Carla that your work lives on through all of us in Aotearoa and beyond.

The former dancer worked for the New Zealand Festival for over 20 years. She has died aged 74.

16/03/2026

Wonderful to read the inspiring and powerful words written by Nina Nawalowalo and Tom McCrory and delivered by Nina at Parliament for the The Arts Foundation in the Post!

OPINION: What are the stories that need to be told? The answer is the stories that are hidden. Buried under the layers of others’ narratives. I choose to serve the unheard.

12/03/2026

For those who missed it, open the link below to listen to Bulou Nina Nawalowalo ONZM’s inspiring speech at the All in for Arts: He waka toi e eke noa nei tātou - Te Whanganui-a-Tara 2026

https://open.spotify.com/episode/5FVxQH5z3z6glP2A3luOtM

Vinaka vakalevu to The Arts Foundation Te Tumu Toi for your incredible and passionate advocacy for the arts throughout Aotearoa!

All in for Arts: He waka toi e eke noa nei tātou · Episode

09/03/2026

Bulou Nina Nawalowalo ONZM will be speaking at parliament this Thursday as part of the wonderful The Arts Foundation All in for Arts sessions. Do not miss it.
📅 Thursday 12 March
⏰ 7:30AM–9:00AM
📍 Banquet Hall, Parliament
Free to attend but seats are limited! Get yours at https://events.humanitix.com/he-waka-toi-e-eke-noa-nei...

Performing Arts Network NZ - PANNZ Pacific Arts - Creative New Zealand Creative New Zealand Wellington City Council Wellington City Pacific Advisory Group Nukunonu Tokelau Society Wellington INC New Zealand High Commission, Suva, Fiji

04/03/2026

Great opportunity for the right individual national call from Director Damon Fepulea’i ( Inky Pinky Pinky and Red White &Brass)

24/02/2026

SPECTACULAR Watch this !!!
Opening Ceremony Wellington City Council Pasifika 2026 !
Directed by Bulou Nina Nawalowalo ONZM The Conch
in collaboration with Selina Alefosio Kupega Affect.
Ngā mihi to Mana Whenua for your blessing.
To the Mighty Taofi Mose Tuiloma and Whitirea Ensemble.
The Ocean of sound that is Pacific Connection Choir.

Vinaka Vakalevu to all the Tokelau Community it was an honour to walk beside you, and all beautiful communities in the video!!!

See if you can spot yourself!

Pacific Arts - Creative New Zealand Creative New Zealand Wellington City Council Wellington City Pacific Advisory Group Performing Arts Network NZ - PANNZ Li'amānaia Tupe Lualua Tagata Pasifika Nukunonu Tokelau Society Wellington INC

10/02/2026

It’s with great sadness that we mark the passing of Philippe Gaulier. As Nina’s teacher, 1986-7, like so many in the theatre, he was a foundational influence on the journey of her work. Great teaching continues to grow in those in whom it is planted- our hearts go out to all whose lives he touched.

08/02/2026

Nina Nawalowalo ONZM and The Conch send our heartfelt Vinaka Vakalevu to Henrietta Hunkin-Tagaloa and the world class Pacific Connection Choir for their remarkable voices within The Pasifika Festival opening ceremony - like the great Tagaloa- Moana - Wasawasa your voices flowed around the Islands of the Pacific joining us as one.

07/02/2026

Congratulations Nina Nawalowalo ONZM on your direction of the opening ceremony of Pasifika 2026 and Selina Alefosio for your stella collaboration - Vinaka Vakalevu to Hon Chris Hipkins and The Labour Party Pacific Caucas for joining the celebrations!

06/02/2026

Mighty Tokelauan Community gathering at Wharewaka ready for the 11.30 launch of Te Vaka launching Pasifika 2026 !! Don’t miss it !

06/02/2026

Ni sa BulaVinaka !! Today’s the day !!
Pasifika Festival 2026 !! Opening Ceremony directed by Bulou Nina Nawalowalo ONZM