History

In 1998 a group of industry stakeholders formed an Incorporated Society called PromPT (PROMoting Professional Theatre). The first initiative of PromPT was to form a partnership with EVANZ (Entertainment Venues Association of New Zealand). Together they launched the New Zealand Performing Arts Market. The partnership of these two organisations was called PANNZ.

From 1999 to 2006 PANNZ also administered a Touring Fund in association with the Market. To be eligible a tour must have resulted from the Market and be scheduled to play in four or more EVANZ venues in addition to either Auckland or Wellington. This market/fund scheme was called Playing Aotearoa, after its namesake Playing Australia. Between 1999 and 2006 many works toured under this model including:

By 2004 the Performing Arts Market had grown from a one day market featuring 11 works to a two day event featuring more than 40 works.

In 2006, EVANZ formally ceded their involvement in the Market and the touring fund was dis-continued. EVANZ remain close associates of PANNZ and continue to hold a seat on the PANNZ Executive.

Since 2007 the PromPT Incorporated Society has assumed full responsibility for the Performing Arts Market and in doing so has taken ownership of the PANNZ name and brand. During the transition, the Market was initially scaled back to a one-day initiative featuring a small and select group of works. The Market is now building back up to be one of the most important industry events on the New Zealand calendar.

Performing Arts Network of New Zealand