World of WearableArt has cancelled a second performance following the death of a crew member at Wellington's TSB Arena yesterday.
The 2:30 Saturday matinee of the 2026 WOW Show: Glo! would no longer go ahead, after Friday night's 7:30pm performance was also cancelled.
In an update shared to Facebook, WOW said the crew member who died following a medical event worked in a "highly specialised area of production" alongside a close-knit team who had been deeply affected by the loss.
"While the result of a medical event - and the production has extensive contingency plans in place - we are dealing with an exceptional set of circumstances," the organisation said.
WOW said changes to the behind-the-scenes operation of the show were now needed to allow the season to continue safely.
The team would work on those adjustments during the day on Saturday, with the show expected to return to the stage for the 7.30pm performance that night.
"We understand there is deep disruption and disappointment to many WOW fans as a result of cancellation and are so very sorry," WOW said.
"This has been an extremely difficult decision to again make."
Affected ticket holders had been contacted with information about transferring to another performance or receiving a refund.
All other performances were proceeding ahead as scheduled.
Emergency services were called to TSB Arena at around 10.15am on Friday following reports of a person experiencing an apparent medical event.
Police said medical assistance was provided but the person died at the scene.
WOW later confirmed to 1News the person was a member of its crew, describing them as a "beloved and valued member of the WOW whānau".
Additional support was being provided to cast and crew.
"Our thoughts and support continue to be with the crew member's family and the wider WOW Whānau," WOW said in its latest update.
"We also extend our immense gratitude to the outpouring of aroha and support we are receiving. It means the absolute world to us at this extremely difficult time."
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