UPSURGE Festival

UPSURGE Festival A biennial arts festival presenting international, national and local performances around the Bay of Islands region.

A biennial Festival of the arts held in and around the Bay of Islands region. Our full programme will be launched on in February 2021 so be sure to check out our website for further details and ticketing info. Do sign up for our e-newsletter updates on our website and be sure to mark the dates on your calendar!

We're delighted to share some exciting news!Planning is underway for the return of the Upsurge Bay of Islands Arts Festi...
21/07/2026

We're delighted to share some exciting news!

Planning is underway for the return of the Upsurge Bay of Islands Arts Festival in April 2027. We're currently awaiting some important funding decisions and look forward to sharing more news in the coming months.

Alongside our plans for the festival, we’re looking forward to creating more opportunities for our community to experience exceptional arts and culture throughout the year.

This September, we're thrilled to welcome one of New Zealand's most celebrated authors, Elizabeth Knox, to Kerikeri. Fresh from the publication of her acclaimed memoir, Night, Ma, Elizabeth will lead a memoir writing workshop and appear in a special in-conversation event.

Whether you're an aspiring writer, an avid reader, or simply someone who loves great books, this is a rare opportunity to spend time with one of New Zealand's most respected literary voices.

🎟 Tickets are on sale now: https://upsurgefestival.co.nz/literaryweekend/

We'd love to see you there! Please help us spread the word by sharing this post with the book lovers in your life.

This event has been made possible thanks to funding from the Far North Creative Communities Scheme, with additional support from Stay Kerikeri and Te Herenga Waka University Press.

Far North Creative Communities Scheme
Stay Kerikeri - Apartment and Studio style Accommodation
Te Herenga Waka University Press

06/05/2026

Troy Kingi was one of the highlights of Upsurge 24. He's performing at the Turner Centre. Don't miss out on early tickets!

Kia ora Upsurge whanau The incredible Atamira Dance Company will be at the Turner Centre in Kerikeri on Thursday and Fri...
04/05/2026

Kia ora Upsurge whanau
The incredible Atamira Dance Company will be at the Turner Centre in Kerikeri on Thursday and Friday night, May 7 and 8. Don't miss this incredible show from one of the country's leading dance companies. Festival-level dance in your back yard!

Rongo Whakapā
Te Tai Tokerau Tour – Whangārei, Kerikeri, Kaitaia

Following its powerful premiere in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, Rongo Whakapā now embarks on its first tour to Northland - we can’t wait to share with audiences across the region!

The debut choreographic work by Brydie Colquhoun (Ngāpuhi), one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most captivating Māori contemporary dance artists, invites audiences to slow down, witness, and connect. In an intimate environment, six dancers respond to each other and a shifting space while exploring tensions between individualism and community through entrancing movement, immersive sound design by Eden Mulholland, and distinctive spatial design by Rowan Pierce.

We are honoured to support this significant milestone in the evolving landscape of Māori contemporary dance.

Whangārei | ONEONESIX
29 April – 1 May 2026
https://www.eventfinda.co.nz/2026/rongo-whakapa/whangarei

Kerikeri | Turner Centre
7 – 8 May 2026
https://www.iticket.co.nz/events/2026/may/rongo-whakapa

Kaitaia | Te Ahu
13 – 14 May 2026
https://www.eventfinda.co.nz/2026/rongo-whakapa-kaitaia/kaitaia

Campaign Creative Direction – Osborne Shiwan
Campaign Hero Photography and Videography – Shabnam Shiwan
Campaign Drone Photography and Videography – Petra Leary

Address

Kerikeri
0245

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