Giant Little Stories

A series of small-but-mighty performance adventures hosted by local artists.

Stories spring to life in surprising ways through imaginative performance, live sound, and a few curious twists. Some familiar tales, others are freshly invented on the spot.

Families are invited to listen, invent, watch, and play in creative spaces where children can explore, make, and concoct stories of their own.

Expect spoken word, music, soundscapes, puppets, and peculiar spaces. Whales and stink beetles, ogres and friendly bears, teapots that talk, shoelaces that sing, family memories, nature adventures, and imagined lands.

Every session is a doorway into a fantastical, sideways world. A joyful celebration of imagination, connection, and play.

For ages 4 to 11 (and their parents, grandparents, and carers).

Day One (Wed 1 Oct) – Sleeping Giants & Tiny Cities

A world of giants, kings, towers, and trees. Go on a story quest through a forgotten city, hear the tiny secrets, meet an invisible boy and lonely busker. Tiny treasures and towering wonders, meet curious characters, and help us build a city of stories.

Every day opens a new doorway—come back tomorrow for another adventure.

Day Two (Thu 2 Oct) – Rivers & Taniwha

Follow the winding path of rivers and meet the taniwha who guard them. Expect moonlit paddock wanderings, muddy escapades, cows, rafts, weather, and wild colour. Small tales of the natural world spring to life through story, sound, and imagination.

Every day brings a fresh tale—join us again to see where the stories flow next.

Day Three (Fri 3 Oct) – Bugs, Creatures & Odd Socks

From stink beetles to secret house-dwellers, today is all about the little (and stinky!) things. Join bugs, creatures, and even Winnie the Pooh as they creep, crawl, and tumble into stories. Expect singing puppets, peculiar shoes, bad hair days, and maybe a few surprises from your own imagination.

Every day is different—don’t miss what tomorrow’s stories might hatch.

Day Four (Sun 5 Oct) – Oceans & Other Depths

A deep dive into watery worlds of whales, mermaids, boats and voyages into the unknown. Explore swamps, crabs, fish, and creatures of every size. Stories ripple and crash like waves, carrying you into the mysteries of the deep. Come and share some of your own.

This event is supported by Whangārei District Creative Communities and ONEONESIX