Awards celebration of year’s achievements

By The Star | Posted: Monday Feb 02, 2026

Another impressive year of theatre in the city will be celebrated at the 14th Ōtepoti Dunedin Theatre Awards this month.

Presented by the Ōtepoti Dunedin Theatre Reviewers’ Collective, the awards were founded in 2010 and have since been held annually.

The 14th annual awards will acknowledge the work of Dunedin and New Zealand theatre practitioners in 2025.

Collective members Barbara Frame, Terry MacTavish, Helen Watson White and Brenda Harwood, all professional reviewers, spent last year taking in as many theatre shows as possible before selecting the finalists and winners.

In a statement this week, the Ōtepoti Dunedin Theatre Reviewers Collective announced the finalists for the 14th Ōtepoti Dunedin Theatre Awards, to be held on Monday, February 9, from 5.30pm at Te Whare o Rukutia, 20 Princes St.

The awards will celebrate theatrical achievement in 2025 across a range of categories, including technical achievement in set and costume design, lighting and technology; outstanding performance by individuals and ensembles; and the overall award for production of the year.

There will also be special awards for outstanding contributions to the Dunedin theatre community and emerging artists, as well as tributes and commendations.

Ms MacTavish said the collective had been impressed by the passion, skill and work ethic of Dunedin’s theatre community, who had managed to create an array of shows in the face of the ongoing funding and venue challenges.

"We are so proud of everyone for their passion, commitment and mahi."

This year’s awards ceremony will include the inaugural presentation of the Louise Petherbridge Award for Distinguished Contribution to Theatre in Ōtepoti Dunedin, honouring the theatre doyenne’s memory. The award will be presented by her son David Petherbridge, who has donated the trophy.

"We are very excited to be able to present this award, and the beautiful trophy that comes with it, this year and in future years," Ms MacTavish said.

Ms Frame said the awards remained true to their original purpose of acknowledging the contribution of performers, directors, writers, designers and creatives to the performing arts sector, locally and nationally.

"It is a wonderful chance to bring our theatre community together for a well-deserved celebration of all that they achieved in 2025," she said.

The Ōtepoti Dunedin Theatre Awards event is supported by a Dunedin City Council Community Events grant.

There will be an entry fee for the awards ceremony to help cover costs.

Check out the finalists here: Awards celebration of year’s achievements | Otago Daily Times Online News