Festival Events
SCULPT NATURE
Brook Waimārama Sanctuary
18 – 27 Oct | Sanctuary opening hours
Immerse yourself in nature at the Sanctuary and witness six artists from around Aotearoa create sustainable, ephemeral artworks using only natural materials.
SLIP
Suter Theatre
Wed 23 Oct, 6.30pm + Thurs 24 Oct, 8pm | 50 min
A medieval figure eyeballs the audience, snacking on Doritos to the soundtrack of crunched celery. Live Foley art, cinematic sound and dance meet (un)reality in dancer/choreographer Rebecca Jensen and sound artist Aviva Endean’s ode to the complexity of our current world.
ESTHER SWIFT
Mussel Inn
Wed 23 Oct | 8pm | 90 min + Interval (15 min)
Likened to Kate Bush, Anna Meredith and Björk, Esther Swift explores ritual, connection, isolation, and the natural world with pedal harp and voice, spanning genres from classical chamber to Scottish folk music. Prolific, bold, innovative – all the way from Scotland for this special performance.
WAKA OF DREAMS: PUNANGA POHEWA
Refinery ArtSpace
24 Oct – 23 Nov | Gallery opening hours
Crochet extraordinaires Lissy and Rudi Robinson-Cole are among THE most exciting contemporary visual artists in Aotearoa right now with their ngā toi celebrating cultural heritage through captivating storytelling and artistic innovation. We are immensely proud to commission their new large-scale project, Waka of Dreams.
PUKAPUKA TALKS 2024
Various Locations
Thu 24 – Wed 30 Oct | Various times
We’re proud to feature a star-studded line up of 22 of Aotearoa’s most beloved authors and exciting new voices.
MYTHS & LEGENDS
Lee Woodman Studio + Nelson Airport
Throughout Festival
Via ceramics, papier maché, textiles, poetry, pen and ink, Sam Duckor-Jones builds communities, casting a fluorescent pink lens across the fears and triumphs of an aspirationally shimmering live-alone gay in 21st century Aotearoa.
MANU TUTETUTE
Atelier Studio|Gallery
Throughout Festival | Gallery opening hours
Renowned around the world for their visual storytelling in public spaces, urban artists Charles and Janine Williams explore the intricacies of identity vs cultural misconceptions in this exhibition of mixed media works – a must-see celebration of ngā toi Māori!
MYTHS, MAGIC, FANTASY & TIME TRAVEL
Te Noninga Kumu Motueka Public Library
Thurs 24 Oct | School booking
Elma Turner Library
Fri 25 Oct | School booking
Our 2024 Schools Programme features three stellar storytellers – Lauren Keenan, Rachael King, and Claire Mabey – who share their spellbinding tales (think ‘writers are rock stars’ vibe) and support tamariki to create their own.
WORKSHOPS WITH ARTISTS
Workshops With Artists
Various venues | Throughout Festival
Keen to get right amongst the arts action and grow your skills under the guidance of our amazing Festival artists? We hear you!
HINEUKURANGI
The Suter Art Gallery Te Aratoi O Whakatū
Throughout Festival | Open daily 9.30am – 4.30pm
Leading Māori ceramicist Carla Ruka brings together a collective of artists to explore the powerful symbolism of clay in a new exhibition at The Suter Art Gallery. Delving into the realm of Hineukurangi, the Māori deity of clay, this showcase offers a unique perspective on Māori culture and artistry.
STOP MAKING SENSE: SURREALIST LEGACIES
The Suter Art Gallery Te Aratoi O Whakatū
Throughout Festival | Open daily 9.30am – 4.30pm
‘It was so Surreal’, is a common expression of strange visual phenomena which may feel fantastical, absurdist, dream-or nightmare-like, or as if ‘reality’ is muddled with the bizarre. The genes of Surrealist art are widespread in contemporary art practices today, but also in visual culture at large, such as film and advertising; so much so, we take them for granted.
MAKE ART NOT WAR
Cultural Conversations
Throughout Festival | Tues – Sat, 10am – 2pm
A participatory art installation to create paper cranes for all people who have lost their lives during the current crisis in Palestine. Origami cranes are the Japanese art form Senbazuru, a traditional belief that by folding 1,000 origami cranes, one’s wish would come true.
NCMA LUNCHTIME CONCERTS
NCMA
Thurs 24 Oct | 12.30pm | 50 min
Midday music delights are back to brighten your lunch hour! First up: Rosemary Galton and Kyoko Takashima.
TUNE UP
Kirby Lane
Thurs 24 Oct | 5pm | 180 min
Come celebrate the future of Aotearoa music right here in Whakatū! Tune Up will again transform Kirby Lane into an outdoor music hub with an amazing line up of rangatahi musicians.
BE LIKE BILLY?
Theatre Royal
Thurs 24 + Fri 25 Oct | 6.30pm | 70 min
After wowing us in Thoroughly Modern Māui, award-winning Rutene Spooner returns to celebrate showband legacy, idolise the greatest Māori showman and tussle with the future of Māori in entertainment. This is everything but an impersonation show. Can you be like Billy without being the butt of the joke?
ABBY HOWELLS
The Boathouse
Thurs 24 Oct | 8pm | 55 min
Aged 11, Abby wrote a romance set in the Navy in the wake of World War II. Now 33, she returns to this tale of love, loss, nautical trauma and deeply undiagnosed Autism in her hilarious Billy T Award winning comedy show.
DEVILLE MUSIC HUB
Deville Music Hub | Thurs 24, Fri 25, Sat 26
Doors Open 8pm | Support Act 8.30pm | Main Act 9.30pm
Featuring true icons of Aotearoa music and the most exciting new talent, the Deville dancefloor is ready for you, music lovers!
SHEPHERDS REIGN
Deville Music Hub
Thurs 24 Oct
Doors Open 8pm | Support Act 8.30pm | Main Act 9.30pm
Rhythms of the Pacific recreated on thundering toms and traditional pātē paired with huge live performance, Shepherds Reign bring their fierce Polynesian pride to our opening night. Shepherds Reign are a rare presence who demand the world stage.
HOUSING FOR ALL
Suter Theatre
Fri 25 Oct | 12.30pm | 60 min
From accessible housing design to the tiny house movement, and everything in between, what happens when people step outside the box in housing design and development? Join architect and housing advocate Jade Kake, disability rights advocate, essayist and poet Henrietta Bollinger and local visionary Miriana Stephens, who is leading Te Āwhina Marae’s redevelopment project, in conversation with Min Hall.
OTHERHOOD: CHILDLESS, CHILDFREE & CHILD ADJACENT
Suter Theatre
Fri 25 Oct | 5.30pm | 60 min
In Aotearoa the number of people who will never have children is growing. Kathryn van Beek, one of the Otherhood anthology’s three co-editors, is joined by contributors Iona Winter, Henrietta Bollinger and Lily Duval for a more inclusive conversation about what makes a fulfilling life.
ESTHER SWIFT
NCMA
Fri 25 Oct | 7pm | 90 min + Interval (15 min)
Likened to Kate Bush, Anna Meredith and Björk, Esther Swift explores ritual, connection, isolation, and the natural world with pedal harp and voice, spanning genres from classical chamber to Scottish folk music. Prolific, bold, innovative – all the way from Scotland for this special performance.
THABANI GAPARA
Deville Music Hub
Fri 25 Oct
Doors Open 8pm | Support Act 8.30pm | Main Act 9.30pm
Join acclaimed saxophonist Thabani Gapara and his band in a vibrant celebration of his new album Dzindza (ancestry) which blends traditional African rhythms with contemporary jazz sounds. From original Afro Jazz compositions to reimagined familiar classics, these flamboyant and infectious rhythms will get your feet stomping.
EVOKING THE DIASPORA
Suter Theatre
Sat 26 Oct | 10.30am | 60 min
Multi-generational migrant stories are finding compelling new ways of being told in the capable, creative hands of two of the best debut novelists in Aotearoa, Jade Kake and Saraid de Silva. Both explore belonging and the legacy of intergenerational trauma while mastering a unique way of sharing the diasporic experience. Chaired by Nathan Joe.
MYTHOLOGY & MYSTICAL REALISM
Suter Theatre
Sat 26 Oct | 1pm | 60 min
Rachael King and Lee Murray both evoke ancient mythological creatures from distant shores in their latest novels: the vengeful kelpie and the nine-tailed fox spirit, húli jīng. In this session they will explore how myth not only maketh mystical realism but also elucidates key contemporary challenges. Chaired by Claire Mabey.
TENACIOUS WĀHINE
Suter Theatre
Sat 26 Oct | 3.30pm | 60 min
In her very first festival appearance following the publication of Kataraina, Becky Manawatu discusses the highly anticipated sequel to her bestselling debut novel, Auē, alongside friend and fellow kaituhi Māori Talia Marshall, whose essay collection, Whaea Blue, is one of this year’s most anticipated non-fiction pukapuka. Chaired by Nuki Tākao.
COURTNEY DAWSON
Theatre Royal
Sat 26 Oct | 8pm | 50 min
From broke solo mum to award-winning comedian and TV star in five years – is this a dream? Join Courtney Dawson for a hilarious wakeup call filled with warm, anecdotal humour and banger punch lines.
RHOMBUS
Deville Music Hub
Sat 26 Oct
Doors Open 8pm | Support Act 8.30pm | Main Act 9.30pm
Iconic Te Whanganui-a-Tara collective Rhombus are true masters of their unique, distinctively South Pacific sound – spiced with funk, soul, reggae and electronic dub wobbly bass. From 2002 album Bass Player to 2024’s Remixes and Archives Volume 2, the return of Rhombus with Lisa Tomlins & TK Paradza is not to be missed.
BLOODY MINDED
Suter Theatre
Sun 27 Oct | 10.30am | 60 min
RNZ presenter Susie Ferguson recounts her years as a war correspondent while battling endometriosis and discusses her breathtaking memoir on tenacity and self-belief, which shines a light on a health system that isn’t made for us and proves the importance of being loud with our truths. Chaired by Naomi Arnold.
VICTORY POETRY SLAM II
WORKSHOP: Victory Community Centre
Sun 27 Oct | 12.30pm | 120 min | Koha
PERFORMANCE: Victory Boxing
Sun 27 Oct | 5pm | 75 min | PWYC
These folx were so amazing in 2023, we had to bring them back! Join acclaimed artists Sheldon Rua and Talia Stanley for a workshop and/or exclusive live performance from the Victory Boxing ring – bring a poem or just come to listen. With special guest Nathan Joe at the Slam performance.
FLY HERE, FLY THERE, MY BIRD
Suter Theatre
Sun 27 Oct | 1pm | 60 min
Join us to celebrate Patricia Grace’s eighth short story collection, the astonishing Bird Child and Other Stories, as well as her remarkable writing life over almost 50 years. In this intimate kōrero with Becky Manawatu, she will discuss her latest book, her approach to writing and how she has collaborated with her talented whānau.
ENVIRONMENTAL ADVOCATES
Suter Theatre
Sun 27 Oct | 3.30pm | 60 min
Conservation advocates Mike Joy and Dave Hansford both know what it’s like to raise their voices, especially when others disregard, or don’t agree, with scientific evidence. They discuss the role storytelling must play in triumphing over commercial and political agendas. Chaired by Debs Martin.
WHISPERS IN THE STREETS
Whakatū City Centre
28 Oct – 3 Nov
The whispers return to our city’s bollards! Led by artist and tutor Klaasz Breukel, Level 5 & 6 NMIT Digital Art & Design students share their reflections on how the arts can carve a path forward through the cresting waves of a fast-changing world.
LITTLE GREEK TAVERNA LONG LUNCH
The Boat Shed Cafe
Mon 28 Oct | 12pm | 240 min
Be transported from the Boat Shed Cafe to the Greek island of Naxos in this special opportunity to savour some of the dishes featured in what has been described as the ‘most delicious of novels’, The Secrets of the Little Greek Taverna, featuring Whakatū Nelson’s very own bestselling author and restauranteur Erin Palmisano. Chaired by Nicola Galloway.
SOUNDS OF THE SANCTUARY
Brook Waimārama Sanctuary
Mon 28 Oct | 12pm + 4pm | 80 min
We invite nature lovers and music aficionados alike to immerse themselves in a magical fusion of music and the natural world at the Sanctuary. New Zealand String Quartet presents an unforgettable experience that evokes the beauty of nature and birdsong.
TUHAYMANI’CHI PAL WANIQA (THE WATER FLOWS ALWAYS)
Suter Theatre
Mon 28 Oct | 3.30pm | 20min
Dive deeper into the relationship between tangata (people) and wai (water) with our mini documentary film festival; featuring short film Tuhaymani’chi pal waniqa (the water flows always).
PEOPLE + WATER SERIES
Suter Theatre
Mon 28 Oct | 3.30pm, 4pm + 6.30pm
Flowing out of our curatorial statement, we explore the space between tangata (people) and wai (water) with a mini documentary film festival. Come ride the waves with us!
KO AU TE AWA, KO TE AWA KO AU – I AM THE RIVER, THE RIVER IS ME
Suter Theatre
Mon 28 Oct | 4pm | 86min
Dive deeper into the relationship between tangata (people) and wai (water) with our mini documentary film festival; featuring Ko au te Awa, ko te Awa ko au – I Am The River, The River Is Me (Aotearoa, 2024).
GAZA SURF CLUB
Suter Theatre
Mon 28 Oct | 6.30pm | 90min
Dive deeper into the relationship between tangata (people) and wai (water) with our mini documentary film festival; featuring Gaza Surf Club (Germany, 2016).
AFTER DARK III: SIX-LEGGED GHOST HUNT
Brook Waimārama Sanctuary
Mon 28 Oct | 8pm | 90 min
Join RNZ’s Critter of the Week researcher, illustrator, and author Lily Duval for a twilight romp through Brook Waimārama Sanctuary to learn more about our insect world – particularly the vital role ‘six-legged ghosts’ play – and how you can care for these creatures and their habitats.
MURIWAI
NCMA
Tues 29 Oct | 7pm | 90 min (incl. Interval)
Award-winning musicians and collaborators Ariana Tikao (Kāi Tahu) and Bob Bickerton have joined forces to create Muriwai. A confluence of two rivers, their music merges Māori and Celtic musical traditions through Celtic harp, vocals, and taonga puoro.
NOW YOU KNOW HER NAME
Pūtangitangi Greenmeadows Centre
Tues 29 Oct | 1pm | 60 min
In a world first, on the day the global sales embargo ends, hear Jacqueline Bublitz talk about her new novel, Leave the Girls Behind, the dazzling follow-up to her 2022 Ngaio Marsh Award–wining debut novel, Before You Knew My Name. Chaired by Susie Ferguson.
ELDRITCH ECHOES: A CINEMATIC SOUNDSCAPE
INSTALLATION OPEN: 18A
Tues 29 + Wed 30 Oct | 5pm | 60 min | Koha
PERFORMANCE: 18A
Thurs 31 Oct | 9pm | 90 min | PWYC
Piezo transducers wired to locally found objects, augmented electronica and real-time projection of ghostly hints of underlying sound coalesce in a series of sculptural instruments. From the creators of Piki Mai, see a new multimedia work develop across two days or join for the final performance.
UNSETTLED
Te Noninga Kumu Motueka Public Library
Tues 29 Oct | 6pm | 60 min
Cristina Sanders and Lauren Keenan are two of Aotearoa New Zealand’s preeminent historical fiction writers. Journey back in time with them to experience life through the eyes of those who history books have, to date, largely neglected. Chaired by Sylvan Thomson.
AIGA
Theatre Royal
Tues 29 Oct | 6.30pm | 65 min
An exploration of identity, desire, family, and of being disabled and Pasifika, AIGA (Sāmoan for family/whānau) is ground-breaking theatre told through the lens of Pacific Toa award-winner Lusi Faiva.
SUITCASE SHOW
Suter Theatre
Tues 29 + Wed 30 Oct | 8pm | 55 min
A traveller arrives at a border with a stack of battered suitcases. From them, whole worlds emerge… Renowned for inventive staging, Trick of the Light (The Bookbinder) guide us through dark comedic tales told via lo-fi shadow play, dancing hands and a 70s stereo.
PLOTTING HISTORICAL FICTION WORKSHOP
Elma Turner Library
Wed 30 Oct | 1pm | 120 min
Cristina Sanders, author of Mrs Jewell and the Wreck of the General Grant (shortlisted for the Jann Medlicott Acorn Prize in 2023) and her latest book Okiwi Brown, leads this workshop on how to outline a historical fiction story and make a start on writing it.
COCKTAILS & COOKING TALES
Kismet
Wed 30 Oct | 5.30pm | 60 min
MasterChef NZ 2022 winner Sam Low will discuss his bestselling cookbook, Modern Chinese, during this cooking demo and kōrero with his friend, celebrated poet and playwright Nathan Joe. Enjoy Kismet’s special matching cocktail/mocktail suggestions followed by a chance to taste Sam’s concoction.
COUCH STORIES
NCMA
Wed 30 Oct | 7pm | 90 min
True stories told live without pictures or notes: Couch Stories returns with the much-loved couch and all new stories. This year, we’re thrilled to host the 20th edition of this popular event, with tales centred around the theme: Time.
RHYS MATHEWSON
Te Noninga Kumu Motueka Public Libary
Wed 30 Oct | 7.30pm | 75 min
The Boathouse
Thurs 31 Oct | 8pm | 75 min
From starting to relapse after five years of sobriety to today, do not miss this “…sharp, smart, vulnerable, and surprisingly moving work of comedy” about mistakes, addiction, compassion and how to live. Rhys Mathewson (7 Days) is unflinchingly honest and side-splittingly funny.
NCMA LUNCHTIME CONCERTS
NCMA
Thurs 31 Oct | 12.30pm | 50 min
Midday music delights are back to brighten your lunch hour! This week, enjoy a stunning hour with pianist Ya-Ting Liou.
PRIMA FACIE
Theatre Royal
Thurs 31 Oct, 6.30pm | Fri 1 Nov, 8pm | 100 min
Tessa is a criminal defence lawyer at the top of her game: defending, cross-examining, playing to win. But when the tables turn, she finds herself at the mercy of this system. After West End and Broadway seasons, don’t miss this exceptional Aotearoa production during its national tour. Directed by Lyndee-Jane Rutherford, and starring Mel Dodge.
HAZ + MILOUX
Deville Music Hub
Thurs 31 Oct
Doors Open 8pm | Support Act 8.30pm | Main Act 9.30pm
The perfect pairing of two boldly creative artists is found in veteran producer Haz Beats (Home Brew) and soul-heavy vocalist Miloux. A striking fusion of jazz, soul and hip hop topped with soaring vocals – expect to be completely enraptured!
DEVILLE MUSIC HUB
Deville Music Hub | Thurs 31 Oct + Sat 2 Nov
Doors Open 8pm | Support Act 8.30pm | Main Act 9.30pm
Featuring true icons of Aotearoa music and the most exciting new talent, the Deville dancefloor is ready for you, music lovers!
MASK CARNIVALE 2024
Whakatū Nelson CBD
Fri 1 Nov | 5-10pm
Mask Parade starts at 5.15pm | Carnivale from 5.45pm
What better way to celebrate 30 years of Nelson Arts Festivals than with this all-time favourite – please join us for the street party of the year, Whakatū! There’s so much to enjoy: the parade, pop-up performances, a whole zone curated by the amazing folx at Pasefika Arts and Culture Collective (PACC), a stellar music line-up, and delicious kai from our food vendors. We can’t wait to see you there!
THE YOUNG VIRTUOSI
NCMA
Fri 1 Nov | 7.30pm | 100 min (incl. Interval)
South Korean-born Yeyeong Jenny Jin has won many awards, including the 2023 Michael Hill International Violin Competition. 2023 Sydney International Piano Competition winner, Jeonghwan Kim joins Jenny as part of a 10-centre tour for an evening of mesmerising sonata.
SLOW ART DAY
Participating galleries
Sat 2 Nov | 10am – 4pm
Good art is good for you, and that’s why we’re prescribing you a day dedicated to browsing, looking and listening. Slow Art Day returns with a slow-paced but jam-packed programme of artist talks and beautiful exhibitions all over town.
MOON
Suter Theatre
Sat 2 + Sun 3 Nov | 10am | 45 min
A clown dressed as Napoleon lands on the moon. Bubbles go everywhere. Intergalactic sounds emanate from a spaceman. What on earth is happening on this moon? These new dads have made a show that their kids would like. Bring yours, especially if they’re 7 and under!
BY WHAKATŪ RESIDENCY SHARING
Residency Period: Sat 14 Sept – Sat 2 Nov
Residency Sharing: Refinery ArtSpace
Sat 2 Nov | 2pm | 45 min
We’re proud to again gift a paid residency to an artist from Te Tauihu, to progress their mahi or trial new ideas. This will culminate in a sharing during the Festival where the selected residency artist can show the community what they’re working on. Our 2024 recipients are Hariata Herekoe and Chloe Loftus.
STOP MAKING SENSE
Theatre Royal
Sat 2 Nov | 4pm | 88 min
Experience the greatest concert film of all time like never before: Stop Making Sense was shot over three nights at Hollywood’s Pantages Theatre in December 1983 and features Talking Heads‘ most memorable songs. Dance floor tickets available!
THE BUTTERFLY WHO FLEW INTO THE RAVE
Theatre Royal
Sat 2 Nov | 8pm | 70 min
A three-day rave condensed into an award-winning art performance: three dancers, non-stop, endurance, club culture. A spectacle of the human body as victim to music, passion and our endless desire to achieve more. Prepare to be (literally) moved. Dance floor tickets available!
WERO (CHALLENGE)
Deville Music Hub
Sat 2 Nov
Doors Open 8pm | Main Acts 8.30pm – 1.30am
Join us for an unforgettable night at Wero, a curated club event that honors and celebrates the vibrant contributions of BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ communities within Aotearoa’s electronic music scene. This unique gathering is more than just a club night; it’s a powerful homage to those who have dared to challenge societal norms, push boundaries, and reshape the cultural landscape.
NEILSON SINGS NELSON
Neudorf Vineyards
Sun 3 Nov | 2pm (Doors 12pm) | 90 min + Interval (15 min)
The incredible, award-winning Tami Neilson performs a collection of her favourites from Willie Nelson’s Songbook, while sharing stories of working with the man himself.
WOW STORIES: ON CREATIVITY, TENACITY AND DREAMS
Theatre Royal
Sun 3 Nov | 5pm | 90 min
Join World of WearableArt Founder & Ambassador Dame Suzie Moncrieff, Show Director Malia Johnston and award-winning designer Gill Saunders for an entertaining evening of memories.