The Creation Voyages

A musical exploration of Aotearoa's creation myth, featuring story by Robert Sullivan and imagery by Gavin Bishop

The Creation Voyages, from New Zealand Poet Laureate Robert Sullivan’s award-winning children’s book Weaving Earth and Sky is an exciting new performance series from the New Zealand String Quartet – Te Rōpū Tūrū o Aotearoa. Through music and storytelling, with imagery by Gavin Bishop, the NZSQ vividly reimagines Aotearoa’s creation myths in an engaging, whānau-friendly performance.

Across 45 minutes string quartet meets live storytelling. NZSQ violinist Peter will narrate Ranginui and Papatuānuku’s embrace, their separation and the rise of the Atua, while accompanied by live sound effects and music played by the NZSQ on their unique instruments. Including, Pokarekare Ana, excerpts from Vivaldi’s Four Seasons and Holst’s Planets Suite.

The NZSQ premiered The Creation Voyages at Tūranga Library in Christchurch in May 2026. We are now planning to bring this special concert to more places around Aotearoa.

Keep an eye on this page, the NZSQ social media or sign up to our email newsletter, to be among the first to find out where we'll bring The Creation Voyages next. All performances are completely free to attend.

Sat, 15 Aug
The Creation Voyages | Auckland
Central City Library
More info
15 Aug 2026, 11:00 am – 11:50 am
Central City Library, 44/46 Lorne Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
A musical exploration of Aotearoa's creation myth, based on New Zealand Poet Laureate Robert Sullivan's award-winning children's book, Weaving Earth and Sky.
Sat, 15 Aug
The Creation Voyages | Takaanini
Takanini Library and Community Hub
More info
15 Aug 2026, 1:30 pm – 2:20 pm
Takanini Library and Community Hub, 30 Walters Road, Takanini, Auckland 2112, New Zealand
A musical exploration of Aotearoa's creation myth, based on New Zealand Poet Laureate Robert Sullivan's award-winning children's book, Weaving Earth and Sky.
Sat, 19 Sept
The Creation Voyages | Blenheim
Marlborough Library Te Kahu o Waipuna
More info
19 Sept 2026, 12:00 pm – 12:50 pm
Marlborough Library Te Kahu o Waipuna, 15 High Street, Blenheim Central, Blenheim 7201, New Zealand
A musical exploration of Aotearoa's creation myth, based on New Zealand Poet Laureate Robert Sullivan's award-winning children's book, Weaving Earth and Sky.
Multiple Dates
Sun, 02 Aug
The Creation Voyages | Wellington
Te Matapihi ki te Ao Nui Central Library
Details
02 Aug 2026, 1:00 pm – 1:50 pm
Te Matapihi ki te Ao Nui Central Library, 65 Victoria Street, Te Aro, Wellington 6011, New Zealand
A musical exploration of Aotearoa's creation myth, based on New Zealand Poet Laureate Robert Sullivan's award-winning children's book, Weaving Earth and Sky.
Multiple Dates
Sun, 02 Aug
The Creation Voyages | Wellington
Te Matapihi ki te Ao Nui Central Library
Details
02 Aug 2026, 11:00 am – 11:50 am
Te Matapihi ki te Ao Nui Central Library, 65 Victoria Street, Te Aro, Wellington 6011, New Zealand
A musical exploration of Aotearoa's creation myth, based on New Zealand Poet Laureate Robert Sullivan's award-winning children's book, Weaving Earth and Sky.
Sat, 01 Aug
The Creation Voyages | Kilbirnie
Ruth Gotlieb (Kilbirnie) Library | Te Aw
Details
01 Aug 2026, 1:30 pm – 2:20 pm
Ruth Gotlieb (Kilbirnie) Library | Te Aw, 101 Kilbirnie Crescent, Kilbirnie, Wellington 6022, New Zealand
A musical exploration of Aotearoa's creation myth, based on New Zealand Poet Laureate Robert Sullivan's award-winning children's book, Weaving Earth and Sky.

More information about upcoming performances coming soon

Where should we voyage next?

If you'd like us to visit your school, community centre or library then please get in touch with us to let us know where we should bring The Creation Voyages next: nzsq@nzsq.org.nz

Thanks to

Robert Sullivan, Gavin Bishop, Tānemahuta Gray, Penguin Random House & Creative New Zealand