A new writing development platform continuously evolving since its inception in 2010, Breaking Ground is a space where writers thrive and new stories can emerge.

Breaking Ground presents its 16th year of new writing in development. Tawata Productions has continued to learn that new writing is vital and necessary. Our role is to serve the writers of these urgent times – as they search, question, refine and craft their words.

Writers, dramaturgs, script editors and actors gather, in service to new writing as well as writing returning to re-development. In 2025, Breaking Ground is focused on the development and evolution of writing for the stage and screen from five writers from Aotearoa New Zealand.

Our 2025 festival writers are Mycah Keall, GypsyMae Harihona, Kaisa Fa’atui and Hone Kouka. Joining us for Breaking Ground 2025 include artists Victor Rodger, Sarita Keo Kossamak So, Liza-Mare Syron, Miria George and Natano Keni. 

For Tawata Productions, writers are our lifeblood - our heart, conscience and soul. In 2025, as part of Breaking Ground, New Pages: Writing In Development from Festival 2025 Writers is a 2 hours of rehearsed readings of new writing as part of the international Indigenous writers’ festival Breaking Ground 2025.

New Pages will take place from 1PM-3PM with a 15 minute interval on Saturday November 29 2025 at Te Auaha. 

Breaking Ground is produced by Te Whanganui-a-Tara based creative company, Tawata Productions, and made possible by our partners Te Auaha, Wellington City Council and Creative New Zealand.