16 artists. 16 mentors. All culminating in one transformative year.
The Arts Foundation Te Tumu Toi has announce their 2026 Springboard Recipients, all exceptional early-career artists launching into a year of creating with the support of an experienced artist who has walked the same path. Made possible by generous New Zealanders, each recipient receives a $15,000 financial gift, and priceless mentorship from artist alumni (mentors receive a $5,000 koha for their time).
And among them this year, Wifitie Isla Macleod who will be mentored by 2025 Laureate Roseanne Liang.
Isla is an exciting emerging Director/Writer working across screen and theatre. Born in England, raised in Auckland, she trained originally as a dancer and choreographer before transitioning into storytelling.
She has co-created a series for TVNZ onDemand, was selected for the inaugural Tāhuna Screenwriting Residency and her multiple short films have screened at festivals in New Zealand, Japan, Melbourne, Taiwan and Sydney. She is currently directing the 2nd unit of TV Series Secret at Red Rocks Season 2 and writing her next short film through the A Wave In the Ocean programme led by Jane Campion and Philippa Campbell. She has directed and produced two sell-out plays under her company Hekerua Bay Productions, which earned rave reviews. She has twice directed The Excerpts from Emerging Playwrights for the Auckland Theatre Company and interned at the Globe Theatre in London. In the two years she has competed in the 48HR film competition, the panel led by Sir Peter Jackson has awarded her National Runner-Up Best Film, Best Auckland Film, and Best Script.
She is a truthful storyteller who favours themes over genre, and never forgets she works in the entertainment business.
Panel Statement: “Isla has been turning heads as an emerging theatre director. With a background in film and television, Isla has quickly developed a strong and self-determined voice. Dedicated and insightful, approaching her craft with both an intellectual and somatic approach – Isla has the potential to have a significant and impacting career as a New Zealand director.”
Congrats Isla!