Whānau, play and place: Cubbin’s extended Company-in-Residence supports children’s theatre in Christchurch

Cubbin Theatre, the only company in Aotearoa New Zealand dedicated to making theatre for babies and very young children, has had its Company in Residence programme at Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre in Christchurch extended through 2026 and 2027, following an initial one year residency in 2025.

Multi year residencies of this length are rare in Aotearoa, particularly for independent companies and for work created specifically for very young audiences. The extension provides Cubbin with ongoing space, time and resources to deepen its practice, continue research and development, and build sustained relationships with babies, whānau and the wider Christchurch community.

The partnership has also proven to be mutually beneficial. Bringing babies, children and whānau into The Arts Centre helps activate the precinct during the day, with families using the surrounding cafés and shops and bringing life into the area. In turn, The Arts Centre offers a central, welcoming and safe place for young children to experience live performance and creative play.

Cubbin's Artistic Director Melanie Luckman says the extension is significant for both the company and the wider children’s arts sector. “One of the biggest gifts arts companies need is space and time, and Te Matatiki Toi Ora has given us that. Being invited back for another two years means we can keep growing the work we have been developing here, build stronger relationships with whānau, and properly invest in making theatre for young audiences in Aotearoa.”

She says children’s theatre in New Zealand has been under pressure for a long time, but Cubbin is hopeful about what could be possible with the right support. “Children’s theatre has been struggling in Aotearoa for years. We would love to see more arts spaces and venues invest in work for children and babies, not as an add on, but as core business. We are really hopeful that what we are building in Christchurch can lead the way to a stronger sector.”

Arts Centre Creative Director Chris Archer says “Having Cubbin as company in residence is a powerful investment in our future audiences and makers. It places young people at the centre of our creative life, ensuring that children encounter high-quality, imaginative work not as an afterthought, but as a core part of our programme. It also reminds us that children’s creativity is sophisticated, generous, and deserving of the same artistic rigour as any other practice.”

The first work to be presented as part of Cubbin’s 2026 residency programme is Bundle Baby, a gentle and playful theatre experience for pēpi aged 1 to 2 years, with older children welcome. Set around the familiar world of the laundry basket and peekaboo, two performers use simple objects and games to spark curiosity, laughter and connection. Babies can watch, move and join in as they wish, with parents and caregivers sharing the experience alongside them.