What is Kōwhai Fan Fest?

Kōwhai Fan Fest is a celebration of makers, artists, and performers, created by and for the local cosplay and cosplay-adjacent communities. We are a small team of four based out of Christchurch who enjoy cosplay at varying levels and are committed to giving small businesses and the local community a platform to showcase their talents.

Our Goals and Values

As an organisation we have three core values:

• Local
• By and for our local Cosplay and fandom communities
• Celebrating local creatives and businesses
• Showing off Christchurch as a unique destination for travel and tourism
• Inclusive
• Low barrier to entry for attendees, vendors, performers
• Diverse by default; We will endeavour for People of Colour, indigenous and queer representation throughout our activities
• Growth
• Our events are a success if our participants:
• Grow their networks of people with similar interests and goals
• Are inspired to create something and know who can help them in their creative pursuits
• Know more about the opportunities Christchurch offers for fans of all flavours

Meet the Team

Bridget

@snodcos

Vendor Co-ordinator

Bridget is an admin of Canterbury cosplay and loves helping nerds come together, make friends and goof off. A research analyst by day, she also brings project management experience and drive to get stuff over the line. ⁠

Daisy-May

@porcelaindoll.cosplay

Stage CO-ORDINATOR

Daisy-May co-runs TLC, a group that entertains children by bringing their favourite characters to life. She is currently studying to become a teacher. She champions diversity and drives a culture of inclusion and representation.⁠

NOEME

@nompire_productions

Audit and Compliance

Noeme is the Executive Director of Nova Orbis Legal and has an extensive background working for conventions in Australia, such as Smash as Director of People. A lawyer by day and idol by night, her legal expertise are pivotal to the team's success, and her insider knowledge of convention planning is priceless.⁠

Emily

@iamprettyawesome_

Design and marketing

Emily is an all-round creative, with years of experience working as a Graphic Designer in NZ and Japan, with a particular focus on design for Youth and events. She is eager to show off our incredibly creative local talent, and give more opportunities for cosplayers to have fun and meet one another.⁠