Aspiring Conversations is back for 2026, bringing together writers, journalists, artists, theatre directors, economists and activists for three days of ideas, debate and performance.

Taking place from March 27-29, the arts festival will bring people together to “hear directly from those shaping the conversations of our time”, artistic director Sophie Kelly said.

The festival opens on Friday (March 27) with a theatrical play reading from award-winning theatre company Nightsong, of their new work-in-development ‘The Burning House’, set at a writers’ festival. 

Opening night continues with ‘True Stories Told Live: Lost and Found’, where five storytellers share personal stories shaped by loss and discovery. The session features writer Jillian Sullivan, LGBTQIA+ activist Shaneel Lal, Wānaka local Paul Tamati (Te Arawa), filmmaker Peta Carey, and theatre director Ben Crowder.

Saturday (March 28) begins early with ‘Breakfast with Papers: Election Year’, as top journalists Toby Manhire, Miriama Kamo (Ngāi Tahu, Ngāti Mutunga) and Guyon Espiner pause with the day’s headlines to examine how political stories are framed and circulated in the lead up to New Zealand’s general election.

‘Trickle-Down Economics: Give Us A Break’ brings economist Shamubeel Eaqub and Green Party co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick together to examine how Aotearoa’s economic settings are shaped, what we expect our economy to deliver, and how government spending priorities could be rethought.

The thinking deepens with ‘Building On The Treaty’, bringing together Ngāi Tahu Kaiwhakahaere Justin Tipa (Ngāi Tahu, Ngāti Mamoe) and judge Carrie Wainwright, chaired by Annis Somerville (Kāi Tahu), to focus on how Te Tiriti o Waitangi operates in practice and the positive outcomes that come from honouring the agreement. 

Former Wānaka GP Lucy O’Hagan will be part of ‘Healthcare In Crisis’, a talk examining the pressures facing the health system.

‘Taking Action On Climate Change’ keeps the conversation moving forward, with Jessica Palairet, Jonathan Boston, and Kay Harrison examining what real action looks like in practice, from law and policy to adaptation and the cost of delay.

Saturday concludes with ‘Selene’, a new theatre experience reworking an ancient Greek myth through a contemporary lens, featuring a cinematic score by Wright and Grainger, creators of sell out hit ‘Helios’. 

The final day of the festival keeps the ideas flowing, opening on Sunday (March 29) with ‘Healthcare In Crisis’ with former Wānaka GP Lucy O’Hagan, as well as Rob Campbell and Boyd Swinburn, set to examine the pressures facing the health system. 

‘Feel The Fear’ follows, with Kiwi rally driver Emma Gilmour, former Newshub Europe correspondent Lisette Reymer and Split Enz bassist Mike Chunn sharing personal reflections on how fear has shaped their lives and careers.

In ‘People Have The Power’, Gen Z activists Shaneel Lal, India Logan-Riley (Ngāti Kahungunu ki Ngāti Hawea, Rongomaiwahine and Rangitāne ki Wairarapa) and Lola Fisher consider youth led movements, civic engagement and the role of digital platforms in organising social, environmental and political change, chaired by Rohan O’Neill-Stevens (Ngāti Apakura).

The festival draws to a close with ‘Taking Off - A Celebration of Brian Turner’, honouring the late poet and environmentalist with his partner, also an accomplished writer, Jillian Sullivan, composer Janet Jennings and performers Robert Tucker and David Kelly. 

Guyon Espiner, alongside fellow top journalists Toby Manhire and Miriama Kamo, will examine how political stories are framed and circulated in the lead up to New Zealand’s general election at ‘Breakfast with Papers: Election Year’.

Finishing on a high is the already announced ‘Kiwi Country’, as Te Radar and Ruth Spencer bring rural New Zealand’s hidden histories to life through objects, stories and audience participation.

Alongside the programme, audiences are invited to gather at the festival’s café and bookshop open throughout the weekend (at the Lake Wānaka Centre), offering food, conversation and book signings with selected speakers.

Check out the full Aspiring Conversations programme here.

PHOTOS: Supplied