H-J Kilkelly (Kāi Tahu) is an award-winning producer, and sometimes writer, from Ōtepoti. As co-director of Prospect Park Productions alongside Emily Duncan, H-J played a central role in raising the profile of southern artists and, through Ōtepoti Theatre Lab and Ōtepoti Writers Lab, working to address gaps in infrastructure, access, and professional development, particularly for emerging writers in Aotearoa.

H-J has produced for high-profile companies, festivals and independent projects, gaining recognition for work that is both artistically innovative and culturally resonant. Faovale Imperium, a decolonisation performance for museums/galleries, has ignited interest globally.

H-J is known for leadership in creating opportunities for the Māori theatre and dance community, teaches for Toi Whakaari’s Bachelor of Performing Arts Management and has designed symposiums and workshops for organisations including Toi Māori, BATS and Playmarket.

H-J received the 2023 Arts Foundation Out of the Limelight Award, which acknowledges dedicated theatre practitioners vital to the sector.