Auckland Arts Festival

03/06/2026

The Auckland Festival Trust (TAFT) would like to congratulate Evan Davies on the award of his recent ONZM. Evan has generously volunteered his time to the Festival board of trustees since he was appointed in 2015. He took on the role as Chair of the Finance Committee from 2021. Whilst the board regretfully acknowledged Evan's retirement this year as he completes eleven years of service in June 2026 we are deeply grateful for his unwavering support of the value of the Festival and the significance it has for our wider cultural sector.

27/05/2026

Fa'amālō atu! Hurō! E rere ana ngā mihi nui ki a koe, Posenai i āu mahi whakahirahira.
We are so thrilled to hear that Samoan musician, composer and producer Posenai Mavaega has been named as the 2026 Pacific Artist in Residence at the University of Canterbury. Congratulations Pos on this incredible achievement. We look forward to seeing the magic you will create. Karawhua. Mālō le galue!

🎶 For the first time in its 30-year history, MBC Pacific Artist in Residence at UC, funded by Creative New Zealand, has selected a musician.

Highly respected Samoan musician, producer and arts leader Posenai Mavaega has been named the 2026 Pacific Artist in Residence.

Posenai says the residency is an opportunity to honour the stories, relationships and musical traditions that have shaped his work.

Welcome to UC, Posenai 🌺

Posenai Mavaega (right), pictured with Tumaru Mataio – UCSA - University of Canterbury Students' Association President (left).

Pacific Arts - Creative New Zealand

25/05/2026

He aituā. E rere ana ngā whakaaro aroha ki te whānau Topp i te rirohanga o te tuawahine, o Jools ki te huinga o te kahurangi.

Te Ahurei Toi o Tāmaki Auckland Arts Festival acknowledges with sadness the passing of artist, musician, entertainer, warrior Dame Jools Topp. Jools and her artist, entertainer sister Lynda have been a strong presence in the arts world for many years. We send our condolences and strength to the family at this time.

E te tuawahine, moe mai rā, okioki atu rā.

| Dame Jools - one half of the Topp Twins with her sister Lynda - brought joy to generations of New Zealanders.

15/05/2026

Part of what makes the Festival so wonderful is the community of amazing people that work here. Our experiences from a variety of backgrounds and passion for the arts come together to create a Festival full of joy, connection and manaakitanga. Thanks to our partner instax NZ for helping us capture some of our special moments. Keep an eye on the 'work with us' page on our website for opportunities to join the Festival whānau soon!

15/05/2026

Part of what makes the Festival so wonderful is the community of amazing people that work here. Our experiences from a variety of backgrounds and passion for the arts come together to create a Festival full of joy, connection and manaakitanga. Thanks to our partner instax NZ for helping us capture some of our special moments this Festival. Keep an eye on the 'work with us' page on our website for opportunities to join the Festival whānau soon!

06/05/2026

Check your inbox - our monthly 'Explore the Arts' email is full of fabulous arts events to attend this month - and competitions to win free tickets!
Arts lovers, sign up here: https://arep.co/m/festival-news

Or, you can check out all the info on our website.

- RBG: of Many, One Auckland Theatre Company
- Disney's The Little Mermaid National Youth Theatre
- Curator Tours Corban Estate Arts Centre
- Silent Kōrero The Arts House Trust
- Forever Tomorrow: Chinese Art Now Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki