We’re still reflecting on moments from Aspiring Conversations 2026 - the conversations that linger, the ideas that sparked, and the sense of connection in the room…

This energy carries us forward…
Planning for Festival of Colour 2027 is already underway! Our Artistic Director, Sophie Kelly, is deep in the programming which is shaping up beautifully.

We’re also excited to welcome two new team members: Daz Coppins (General Manager) and James Wilson (Funding and Partnerships Manager).
Let’s meet the team!

Daz Coppins - General Manager

Wānaka Festival Of Colour, General Manager - Daz Coppins (Photo: Ray Tiddy)

With over 20 years’ experience delivering concerts, festivals, and major entertainment projects across New Zealand, Canada, and Australia, Daz Coppins returned home in 2020 after 15 years overseas, and has called Wānaka home with his whānau since 2022.

His background spans concert touring, operations, and technical production, most recently with Live Nation APAC, managing production and logistics for major tours across New Zealand and Australia.  His career spans large-scale event delivery and business leadership, including leading teams behind major events such as RISING Festival and Melbourne Music Week.

Alongside live events, Daz has led global digital music education programmes, building international communities at scale. He is also a professional musician in his own right, currently playing in rock band, EAST YORK and local act FIONA & THE GLOW one of Aotearoa’s emerging live acts. He previously spent seven years based in Canada touring internationally as a session musician, including performances at New Orleans Jazz Festival and Warped Tour.

Now stepping into the General Manager role for Festival of Colour, Daz is focused on strengthening local connection while continuing to grow the festival’s national profile.

“I’m really excited to step in as General Manager at Festival of Colour and be part of a festival which has such a strong connection to the community,” says Daz. “The Festival of Colour and Aspiring Conversations have built an incredible reputation over the years. My intention is to support and honour this foundation while helping create space for the festivals to continue to grow.”

“Wānaka is such a special place to live, with a natural connection to the arts, and there is real potential to deepen the relationship between the festival and the community. I am looking forward to working closely with the Trust, Ngāi Tahu, partners, and artists to build a festival all Wānaka locals can truly get behind and be super proud of.”

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James Wilson - Funding & Partnerships Manager

Wānaka Festival of Colour, Funding & Partnership Manager - James Wilson.

With more than 20 years across the arts, culture, and heritage sectors, James brings a collaborative approach to fundraising - helping organisations share their stories and connect with funders, audiences, and communities.

Originally trained as a theatre director, his career began in London with organisations including the Lyric Hammersmith, Tate Modern, and Orange Tree Theatre, before making Aotearoa New Zealand home in 2005.

Since then, he’s held leadership roles with Massive Theatre Company, Q Theatre, Tauranga City Council, and Creative New Zealand.

James has also contributed widely through governance and advocacy, including serving on the executive board of Performing Arts Network New Zealand, where he co-chaired for four years. He is currently Chair of The Incubator Creative Hub, and a board member of Tahi Festival and Alzheimer’s Society Western Bay of Plenty.

He’s driven by one simple idea: helping organisations build the partnerships and support they need to flourish. We’re so excited to have James join the team as we build towards Festival of Colour 2027.

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