Connecting Communities Creatively - Ka Hui Tahi
MTNZ National Training & Networking Weekend 2026
Join us in Ōamaru for Connecting Communities Creatively – Ka Hui Tahi, MTNZ’s 2026 National Training and Networking Weekend.
This three-day event is all about bringing Aotearoa’s theatre whānau together — to connect, to learn, and to celebrate the magic of live performance. Whether you’re on stage, behind the curtain, or working the lights, you’ll find inspiration, knowledge, and community here.
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The Logo Story
Connecting Communities Creatively – Ka Hui Tahi, is captured in a bold new logo.
✨ The woven design symbolises people, skills, and stories interlacing.
✨ The vibrant colours reflect creativity, collaboration, and the energy of our theatre whānau.
✨ At its heart, it celebrates unity and the power of coming together.
“Ka Hui Tahi” means to come together as one — and that’s exactly what this weekend is about.
Streams of Learning
Across the weekend, you’ll have the chance to immerse yourself in three streams of workshops and discussions, led by some of Aotearoa’s best theatre minds:
🎭 Performance – From acting through to vocal and movement, build your craft and sharpen your storytelling.
🎨 Behind the Scenes – Dive into budgesting, producing, and the creative decisions that bring a show to life.
🔧 Technical – Explore the magic of sound, lighting, stage management and set design.
You can focus on one stream or mix and match — the choice is yours.
Our Host Society & Town
We’re proud to be hosted in Ōamaru, a town with a rich cultural heart and stunning Victorian architecture.
Our host society, Musical Theatre Oamaru, has been at the forefront of nurturing community theatre in the region. Their passion, talent, and manaakitanga set the perfect stage for this national gathering.
“Ōamaru is a place where history and creativity walk hand in hand — a fitting home for a weekend of connection, inspiration, and theatre magic.”
Between workshops, take time to explore the beautiful town — from the Victorian precinct to the blue penguins at dusk.
Early Bird Tickets On Sale Now!
Be part of Connecting Communities Creatively – Ka Hui Tahi in Ōamaru this 13–15 March.
Secure your spot today and take advantage of our Early Bird rates – available for a limited time only.
Don’t miss your chance to learn, connect, and be inspired alongside some of Aotearoa’s best theatre minds.
Stay Connected
Follow MTNZ on Facebook and Instagram for updates as we announce facilitators, workshops, and special events.
FACEBOOK : Musical Theatre NZ
INSTAGRAM: musical_theare_new_zealand
Registration Fees
FULL REGISTRATION
$230 + GST - EARLYBIRD until 31 Dec
$300 + GST from 1 Jan 2026
- Includes Friday night function, Saturday AGM, Morning Tea, Training Sessions, Lunch, Gala Dinner, Sunday Masterclasses and a takeaway lunch
TRAINING ONLY
$100 + GST - EARLYBIRD until 31 Dec
$130 + GST from 1 Jan 2026
- Includes Saturday training workshops, Morning tea and lunch and Sunday masterclasses
GALA DINNER ONLY
$85 + GST Join us for the Annual Training & Networking Dinner and Awards - Saturday Evening
Registration Form
Juniors Programme – Ōamaru 2026
Running alongside Connecting Communities Creatively – Ka hui tahi, we’re excited to offer a dedicated Juniors programme in Ōamaru for performers aged 18 and under.
From Friday evening through Saturday night, our Juniors will experience a weekend full of singing, dance, acting and teamwork, guided by industry-recognised professional tutors. Across group workshops and rehearsals, participants will build confidence, develop new skills, and work towards a special performance.
📅 Schedule at a glance
Friday 5:00pm – 9:00pm: Welcome and first rehearsals
Saturday 9:00am – 9:00pm: Full day of workshops and rehearsals, preparing three show-stopping numbers from Broadway Junior musicals
Saturday evening: A 10-minute performance on stage at the main conference evening event
Post-show wrap-up: Juniors will celebrate with pizza and a movie while parents attend the conference wrap-up next door (pick-up anytime from 8:00pm, supervised until 9:30pm)
This initiative is proudly supported by Music Theatre International Australasia (MTIA).
Why join?
Learn from professional tutors in dance, singing and acting
Connect with other young performers from across Aotearoa
Be part of the magic by performing on stage at the national conference
Enjoy a fun, supportive environment with social activities and lots of learning opportunities
👉 Spaces are limited – register today and be part of the Juniors experience in Ōamaru!
Registration Fee - $130 per participant
Register Now
https://forms.gle/vZhQXNR7kUXZZ7Uu5