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Article Magazine
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Remembering Carla van Zon
It’s with heavy hearts that today we share news of the passing of arts rangatira Carla van Zon ONZM (1952-2026). Much-loved and respected by the arts community in Aotearoa and internationally, Carla worked for the Aotearoa New Zealand Festival of the Arts for 20+ years including as artistic director (2002-2006).
Moe mai rā e te tuhi māreikura
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Family Theatrics: Geronimo LaHood
Together with his brother Caspar and father Thomas, Geronimo LaHood plays a supporting role in Speed Is Emotional, the theatre 'extravaganza' created and performed by his mother Jo Randerson which had its Wellington premiere in the 2026 Aotearoa New Zealand Festival of the Arts.
We catch up with Geronimo (18) to talk about being on stage with whānau, his passion for violin, and learning sign language.
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Whānau Connection
The Aotearoa New Zealand Festival of the Arts is filled with many family connections among performers. When Waiora Te Ūkaipō – The Homeland playwright and director Hone Kouka needed a sound composer for the restaging of the play, he looked to his daughter Maarire Brunning-Kouka (pictured). As one of Aotearoa’s most exciting new artists, Maarire (MĀ) also features in the Festival programme in her own show.
We caught up with the very busy father-daughter pair in the midst of their rehearsals and performances.