What does the budget 2026 mean for us? May 29, 2026 20:03

I'll be honest — this week's budget was a bit of a gut punch for a lot of us in the arts and craft world.

And look, I know it's tough out there for everyone right now. The cost of living isn't letting up, things feel uncertain, and this budget hasn't exactly made anyone feel better about it. So I want to say upfront — I get it. We're all navigating a lot.

But for those of us in the arts, there's an extra sting. Funding through pools like Creative NZ is going to get more competitive. Smaller organisations and community events — the ones that quietly do so much to keep creative culture alive around the country — are already stretched thin, and this isn't going to make it easier.

I've been sitting with this, and I wanted to share some thoughts. Not to be doom and gloom about it — but because I think it's worth saying out loud.

"The NZ art and craft world has never really run on government funding alone. It runs on people."

People who choose to buy something handmade instead of something mass-produced. People who share a maker's post, leave a review, come to a market, or just tell a friend about someone whose work they love. That stuff is the real engine — and no budget can take it away.

So if you've been thinking about picking up a piece of glass art, or finding a gift for someone that actually means something — this is me gently saying, now's a good time. Not because I'm trying to sell you something (okay, maybe a little), but because every purchase from a NZ maker right now is a small act of defiance against the idea that art doesn't matter.

It does. You know it does. That's probably why you're here.

And if now's not the time to buy — genuinely, no pressure — that's completely fine too. Share something. Comment on a maker's post. Show up to a local gallery or market when you can. It all counts.

> "We rise by lifting each other — and we've always been pretty good at that."

Aotearoa's makers are a tough, creative, generous bunch. We'll be alright. Especially with people like you in our corner.

Thanks for reading, and for caring. It genuinely means a lot.

— Kate x

*Red Hot Glass — Made by hand. Made to keep.*
*www.redhotglass.nz — @redhotglassnz*