Wānaka Festival of Colour

25/05/2026

We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Dame Jools Topp — an extraordinary entertainer, activist, trailblazer and beloved national treasure.

We are so incredibly grateful that Jools and Lynda were able to join us at our last Festival, sharing their warmth, humour, generosity and infectious spirit with our community. Their in conversation session with us brought immense joy to our audiences and the memory of their time with us will stay with us forever.

Dame Jools made an extraordinary contribution to Aotearoa through her music, performance, courage and advocacy. Alongside Lynda, she brought humour, humanity and real heart to generations of New Zealander. Together, they championed inclusion, equality and social change, leaving an impact that extends far beyond the stage and will continue to inspire us all for years to come.

Our heartfelt thoughts are with Lynda, their whānau, friends and the many people across the country whose lives were touched by Dame Jools’ remarkable life and contribution.

Moe mai rā Dame Jools. Thank you for the laughter, the music and the joy you have shared with us.

30/04/2026

We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Carla Van Zon — a visionary leader and an extraordinaryforce within the Aotearoa arts community. Our thoughts are with her whānau, friends, and all those whose lives she touched.

It’s with heavy hearts that today we share news of the passing of arts rangatira Carla van Zon ONZM (1952-2026).

Much-loved and respected by the arts community in Aotearoa and internationally, Carla worked for the New Zealand Festival for 20+ years including as artistic director 2002-2006. A former dancer, Carla championed the arts and artists all her life and in her roles at the Festival, Creative New Zealand and at Auckland Arts Festival, she shared her passion with audiences. She remained a close friend and mentor to our co-directors Tama Waipara and Dolina Wehipeihana, along with other staff and Board members, and she leaves behind a legacy which stretched across the world.

We will be sharing tributes to Carla on our website, festival.nz

Moe mai rā e te tuhi māreikura 🌿

31/03/2026

What a ride!

We’ve laughed, thought, pondered, questioned, debated, listened, learned and connected and we are beyond stoked with the result.

A huge thank you to our naming rights sponsor, for backing bold ideas, big conversations and this festival as a whole.

Thank you to all of our supporters, sponsors, speakers, performers, and especially every single person who came along. You brought the energy, curiosity and openness that made this festival what it was.

And a massive shoutout to our incredible volunteers and crew the people behind the scenes keeping the wheels turning and the whole thing humming.

What a few days. What a crowd. What a festival.

Time for thinking.



nz


The Guardian

Mitre 10 Mega Wanaka

29/03/2026

CANCELLED: Tonight’s Kiwi Country performance with Te Radar & Ruth Spencer.

Due to country-wide travel disruptions, we are sad to announce that tonight’s performance of Kiwi Country has been cancelled.

We have contacted our ticketing provider, who will process refunds as soon as possible.

We apologise for any inconvenience, especially at such late notice.

We’ll look forward to bringing Te Radar and Ruth back in the future!

29/03/2026

CANCELLED: Tonight’s Kiwi Country performance with Te Radar & Ruth Spencer.  

Due to country-wide travel disruptions, we are sad to announce that tonight’s performance of Kiwi Country has been cancelled.

We have contacted our ticketing provider, who will process refunds as soon as possible.

We apologise for any inconvenience, especially at such late notice.

We’ll look forward to bringing Te Radar and Ruth back in the future!

29/03/2026

We’ve laughed.
We’ve questioned.
We’ve leaned in, sat back, and seen things differently.

Big ideas. Bold conversations. Moments that landed and stayed.

Aspiring Conversations has been buzzing and you can feel it in every room!

But we’re not done yet.

There are still a few shows left.
A few last chances to be in it, not just hear about it.

Come for the whakaaro.
Stay for the unexpected.
Leave with something that sticks.

Tickets: link in bio
📸 by Deanna Gerlach

29/03/2026

We are starting to land the plane but not without going out with a bang!

The last talks/shows of Aspiring Conversations are packed with moments that will move you, challenge you, and stay with you long after.

People Have The Power
A bold, future-focused kōrero on leadership, community, and the role we all play.

Selene (QT - Te Atamira)
An intimate, cinematic theatre experience exploring the light and dark within us. Selling fast…

Taking Off
A moving tribute to Brian Turner — poetry, music, and story woven together.

Te Radar – Kiwi Country
A heartfelt, humorous dive into rural Aotearoa, where everyday objects tell big stories.

Tickets are flying — don’t miss the final chapter.
https://www.iticket.co.nz/go-to/aspiring-conversations

28/03/2026

Today at the final day of Aspiring Conversations:

We’re going out with bold ideas and unforgettable storytelling, from Healthcare in Crisis and Feel the Fear to People Have the Power.

Then as the day unfolds:
✨ Selene, a powerful, intimate theatre experience exploring who we are and who we’re becoming
✨ Taking Off - A Celebration of Brian Turner: poetry, music and memory
✨ Te Radar - Kiwi Country: stories, humour and heart from rural Aotearoa

One day. A full spectrum of kōrero.

Don’t miss it.

Final tickets: https://www.iticket.co.nz/go-to/aspiring-conversations

28/03/2026

SELENE is calling… and you’re answering!

The 6pm show has officially sold out, and for good reason. This one is something special!

But don’t worry… there’s still a chance to experience it.
Tickets are still available for the 8.30pm show... for now.

SELENE is a bold, intimate explosion of myth and memory.
A story about growing up.
About light and darkness.
About everything wild, strange and human within us.

With cinematic storytelling and a powerful score, this is theatre that pulls you in and doesn’t let go.

If you missed out on 6pm, this is your moment.
8.30pm is your last chance, don’t wait.
https://www.iticket.co.nz/events/2026/mar/aspiring-selene

28/03/2026

Coming up next: Taking Action on Climate Change

What if we stopped talking… and actually did something?

This powerful session dives into what real climate action looks like beyond lip service. From cutting fossil fuels to rethinking how we farm and live, this is a conversation about the changes we can make and the ones we can’t avoid.

With three incredible voices at the forefront of climate policy, law, and international negotiations, this is your chance to hear what’s next!