Events

Innovative Indigenous performances on display at biennial arts festival.

Experience contemporary performances by leading Tāngata Whenua, Tāngata Moana, and global indigenous artists. Kia Mau is a biennial festival. Led with Māori and Pasifika voices in mind, it seeks to celebrate Indigenous performance. The two-week festival will present dance, theatre, music, and visual art in a fresh way. Expect to be challenged and thrilled by new work from Aotearoa and beyond.

In te reo Māori, ‘kia mau’ is a call to hold fast. It’s about firmly holding onto what matters to ensure that it is kept and retained. Kia Mau festival celebrates the new while connecting to the past. The programme reflects this approach, with a curated selection of established art industry figures alongside emerging talents.

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Musicians perform on stage as part of Avaiki Nui Social Returns.

Avaiki Nui Social Returns

9 June 2025Michael Fowler Centre

Dances perform on a stage, bathed in golden light as part of Ka Mua Ka Muri.

Ka Mua Ka Muri — Atamira Dance Company

5 June 2025The Opera House

Five dancers wearing white under purple and turquoise lights.

New Zealand Fringe Festival

14 February – 8 March 2025

Image of Maoriland signage on top of a building. Large blue letters against textured orange and brown roof cladding.

Māoriland Film Festival

26 – 30 March 2025Ōtaki

Two street performers dresses in silver and blue with disco balls on their heads are dancing and waving as a part of the CubaDupa street festival in Wellington.

CubaDupa

29 – 30 March 2025

Five dancers dressed in traditional Chinese garments walk along the street.

Lunar New Year

1 – 16 February 2025

Two Royal New Zealand Ballet dancers illuminated by warm amber light, performing in a spacious, minimalist setting.

Royal New Zealand Ballet 2025 Season

14 March – 8 November 2025St James Theatre

A collage of circus performers, magicians and illusionists on a black background.

Circus of Illusion Magic Show

22 March 2025St James Theatre

A large group of twenty-plus dancers from The Royal Family Dance Crew stand in a triangular group, with a main dancer in the front holding their hands up, and everyone else to the side. They all wear white shirts and black pants.

The Royal Family Dance Crew — Honour The Crown

11 May 2025The Opera House

Five people wearing traditional Māori outfits, performing a dance on a stage.

Te Rā o Waitangi

6 February 2025Waitangi Park