"I thought there was a desire for this type of festival and we had amble and generous support from Bay businesses. I just hoped that people would support it. It just proves to me that if we bring good things here Hawke's bay people will support the arts."
Mr Leiser said the first event was run on a "hunch and going out on a limb".
"This time round you know what you didn't know and build on that legacy. My challenge is to top last year's success."
With some shows already sold out it looks like Mr Leiser is well on track to meet his challenge.
He says a number of people missed out last year so that's why they decided to include venues other than the spiegeltent.
There will be performances at Iona College music theatre, Napier Municipal Theatre, Century Theatre, plus some art galleries. However, the heart of the festival will be at the Village Green and this year there will be a festival garden where you can meet friends for a bite to eat and a drink, or just sit and relax before and after shows.
"We have also gone deeper in terms of the offerings with theatrical experiences from people like Guy Masterson in Shylock to River Seeds Collective in Edge of a Raindrop. which is very topical at the moment. There's theatre pieces, great dance, cutting edge alternative dance . . it's all very exciting," Mr Leiser said.
Asked to pick his top three must see shows he thought long and hard. "First would have to be Daffodils."
Others must agree because this show is already sold out.
"Next would be White Guitar, the story of a grandmother's dream for a better life for her grandchildren. Third would be a fun night out at the Songs For the Fallen.
He also highly recommends Guji Guji for children.
"It's a beautifully crafted high quality work for children not often seen in theatre.
"Mr Leiser says the reason he does what he does is that the arts festival allows us to offer a mixture of experiences in a safe set of entertainment venues. "We want you to push your boundaries, broaden your palette in the arts, try something different - you will most likely be rewarded.
"I have been careful with my selections for the festival. We have chosen quality acts and of course its an opportunity for local acts to shine.
"We had people approaching us wanting to be part of it. There's been lots of interest.
"The festival will be an annual event for the foreseeable future and time will tell. But I believe that if Nelson can have an annual arts festival than so can Hawke's Bay. We have the population and the diversity."
pf■enTickets are selling fast so if there is something you want to see book now.
Programme: ww.hbaf.co.nz/2016-programme/