WOW: Meet the Makers Kāpiti

Step inside the World of WearableArt® and hear from the people at the heart of the spectacle.

WOW: Meet the Makers is an inspiring evening of stories, creativity and insight, featuring some of the region's most accomplished WOW designers. Hear from 2026 Supreme WOW Award winner Kayla Christensen as she shares her journey to the top of the world's premier wearable art competition, alongside fellow Kāpiti designer Rebecca Bond, whose imaginative work has earned recognition on the WOW stage. Guests will also enjoy reflections from legendary WOW designer Fifi Colston, a 30-time entrant and multi-award winner whose extraordinary body of work has helped shape the competition's history.

Hosted by Sarah Nathan, Head of Competition for WOW, the evening offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at how a WOW entry evolves from an initial spark of inspiration to a world-class performance. Through designer conversations, creative storytelling and insights into the competition process, guests will discover what it takes to create work that captivates audiences and judges alike.

Whether you're a long-time WOW fan, an aspiring creative, or simply curious about the people behind the spectacle, this exclusive event offers a rare opportunity to connect with the makers, stories and artistry at the heart of WOW.

WOW: Meet the Makers is presented by Visit Kāpiti.

Sarah Nathan Head of Competition
Gain a unique behind-the-scenes perspective on the WOW Competition as Sarah shares insights into artistic excellence, creative innovation, and what it takes for designers to stand out on the world stage.

Kayla Christiansen Local Artist and WOW Supreme Award Winner 2026
Kayla Christiansen is a local artist with a passion for all things creative, from fine arts to wearable arts and everything in between. Join Kayla to hear about the journey to becoming a WOW Supreme Award winner and where here imagination is taking her for her next creative journey

Fifi Colston WOW Finalist Designer
Discover how storytelling, costume, and craftspersonship come together in wearable art as Fifi shares creative insights from three decades at WOW, revealing the imagination and process behind award-winning designs.

Rebecca Bond
Multidisciplinary Artist and WOW Designer
Kāpiti Coast based artist Rebecca Bond works across contemporary jewellery, silversmithing, wearable art, performance drawing and community arts. Hear Rebecca share insights from her creative journey inspired by people and nature and how her practice explores identity and connection.

VIP Ticket: Limited capacity! Includes preshow drinks & nibbles, networking with the panel, preferential seating. Hosting from 5:45pm.

Early Bird ticket: Limited to 50! Get yours before they fly away.

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For accessible seating information and wheelchair space bookings please email [email protected] or call 04)9740535 during office hours.

Door sales are only available if the event doesn't sell out prior.