Companion Dogs Welcome

True Stories told Live

Join Michael Bennett for a fun, fast-paced tour through the writing toolbox of an acclaimed screenwriter, using short films, music videos, and excerpts from great movies to explore some of the most important fundamentals of storytelling for the screen. Suitable for experienced writers in search of a boot-camp refresher, for new screenwriters, and for artists coming to screenwriting from other disciplines.

Michelle Duff’s Surplus Women explores power and patriarchy. Airana Ngarewa’s Pātea Boys delivers stories grounded in masculinity, place, and what it takes to survive. Chaired by Sunday Star-Times Short Story Award winner Fiona Sussman.

Known for his rich garden paintings, this solo exhibition focuses on Karl Maughan’s early practice.

Experience the bold brilliance of Toi Koru, the first major survey exhibition of paintings by Māori master of colour and kōwhaiwhai, Dr Sandy Adsett.

Kick off Nelson Arts Festival with a boogie!

What draws us to crime, psychological thriller, and suspense stories and what do they reveal about the deepest parts of ourselves? Step inside the minds of three masterful storytellers – Michael Bennett, Fiona Sussman and Rachel Paris – as they explore the social, psychological, cultural, and political contexts driving their page-turning stories. Chaired by Sylvan Thomson. 

A theatre show created for young people that explores the knotty and necessary topics of healthy relationships, desire and consent. 

An immersive ode to cinema, turn of the millennium dance culture, and The Situationist International

Ali Mau (author of No Words for This) and Sonia Orchard (author of Groomed) examine what happens when the people you trust most betray you and shine the light on what needs to change for justice to prevail. Unflinching, insightful, and ultimately hopeful, join us to celebrate the power of collective action in shaping how we can better listen to survivors, achieve cultural shifts, and create safer communities. Chaired by Dr Nikki Evans.

A ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME STORYTELLING EXPERIENCE

Join former cage fighter-turned-writer Airana Ngarewa; award-winning journalist, broadcaster and survivor advocate Ali Mau; esteemed author Elizabeth Knox CNZM; renowned mental health advocate Dr Hinemoa Elder MNZM; Poetry Slam champion and filmmaker Matariki Bennett; academic and award-winning memoirist Ngāhuia te Awekōtuku MNZM; and artist and activist Tāme Iti, as they respond to the provocation, ‘Any Last Words?’, in this star-studded Pukapuka Talks Gala. MCed by Johny O’Donnell.

Dr Hinemoa Elder’s new book, Ara: A Māori Guidebook of the Mind, is a quest through the caves of hinengaro and a resource for anyone seeking comfort and ease amid the chaos of life. In the pukapuka, she leads us through 23 rua (caves)/chapters, offering a pathway to gather insights, face challenges, and help us navigate the complexities of our minds. Chaired by Annie Fay.

What is it really like to work in the news media? Join Ali Mau and Michelle Duff, two of Aotearoa’s most highly regarded journalists, who worked together as part of Stuff’s #MeToo team, as they speak candidly about the shifting landscape of journalism in an age of misinformation, outrage, and fragile business models. Chaired by fellow journalist Naomi Arnold.

What does your body remember?

The world’s heating up, going wild, and Hoani Hotene (Ngāti Hauā) is trying to get through it all with what…? Jokes, yep.

Uncover a trail of magic and mystery behind the scenes at the Theatre Royal.

A story about action, aroha & our Treaty. 

A brand new Kiwi kids comedy singalong! 

Take a front row seat to the raw emotional power of one of the 20th century’s most defiant musical voices.

A unique musical experience that brings together four musicians from different cultural traditions.

This one’s for the young hearts, the old hearts, and the broken hearts.  

A gentle dawn concert of Indian ragas to wake the soul.

Where timeless traditions converge with bold innovation, crafting a rich soundscape of fusion.

Battle Chorus is a social sing-along experience that brings people together for an unforgettable night of iconic melodies and sweet harmonies.

Holding Ground brings together two dynamic works in sharp contrast – one grounded in place, the other in technology.

Sunburnt psychedelic folk fit for sensitive cowboys to meander and philosophise to.

Celebrating the Ratpack Era

A new live show taking the timeless sound of PollyHill and Samara Alofa’s sonic collaboration AQUARIES into fresh atmospheres.

Hayley Sproull brings her brand new outrageous hour of comedy to Nelson Arts Festival.

One of Aotearoa’s most acclaimed singer-songwriters whose songwriting and vocal ability blends into her unique sound.