If there’s a region in Aotearoa that deserves a good-news burst - few would argue that Hawke’s Bay is right up there.

The brunt of Cyclone Gabrielle meant that the province has endured some heartbreaking and challenging times - and last year had to wave the white flag and postpone the annual Hawke’s Bay Arts Festival. At the time, a net loss of $150,000 depleted the reserves of organising body Arts Inc Heretaunga so deeply, that it stated there was no other choice than a “reset.” 

Short-term pain for long-term gain.

And that bigger picture is thankfully a brighter one, after announcing the festival’s programme for 2025, celebrating a 10th year milestone that some feared may not be reached.

The 10-day event (9-19 October) is packed with live performance, storytelling and creativity, through mediums like circus, music, theatre, dance, literature, and visual arts.

Festival Director Jade Baker told The Lowdown “Over the course of ten editions, the Festival has evolved significantly, shaped not just by artistic ambition, but by what we’ve learned from our audiences and communities. 

“This is a new era of the Festival under new leadership. In the past year especially, we’ve deepened that work: analysing audience data, listening carefully to feedback, and engaging stakeholders across the sector and in the community to understand both what people value and what they need from us now. The result is a programme that’s led by audience insight, not just in terms of content, but also in how we approach access, communication, and context. 

“The postponed event last year gave us space to reimagine and recalibrate. It prompted essential conversations around sustainability, relevance, and care, lessons that have directly informed how we’re moving forward.

“We’ve reshaped the Festival into a more agile, sustainable model that retains artistic excellence while being realistic about our resources and are delivering it with a small, nimble, all-female team - backed by generous and loyal funders, sponsors and supporters who believe in what we do.

“Audiences can expect a thoughtfully curated line-up of local, national and international artists, spread across venues in Hastings, Napier and Havelock North. We’ve listened carefully to what audiences have enjoyed most in past years and built a programme that offers both familiar favourites and bold new work. It’s the kind of programme that reminds you why the arts matter - bringing energy, connection, and moments that stay with you long after the event.

“We’re proud that the Festival now reflects a more collaborative, responsive, and inclusive spirit. The learning continues, and we’re excited to share what’s next, shaped by the people who are at the heart of it.”

Australian act Cirque Bon Bon has been labelled the headline act as part of a New Zealand Tour that will also take in the Taranaki and Tauranga Arts Festivals during October while New Zealand Dance Company will share its latest contemporary work, Holding Ground, theatre shows Hysterical and Guru of Chai appear and there are musical performances from the likes of soul singer Deva Mahal and jazz cabaret act The Velvet Rebels.

“Creativity bridges imagination and reality,” Baker states. “It fuels problem solving, innovation, and connection and it deserves greater recognition in Aotearoa. The arts don’t just enrich lives; they shape stronger, more resilient communities.”

Few communities have has their resilience more tested - and the Festival’s return will be something many can look forward to.

Splore some more

They’re not alone in returning from festival hiatus - with Splore confirming it is back on the the summer event calendar (22-26 February).

Rising costs, shifting audience habits and a turbulent events landscape both here and abroad were sighted as reasons why Aotearoa’s longest running festival took a break in 2025, with Splore Director John Minty stating "Festivals everywhere are under pressure - but Splore’s story is one of adaptation. We took a breath so we could build a future. Strengthen the foundations, tend to our roots.” 

Those roots go right back to 1998, and the boutique event will again be held at Tāmaki Makaurau’s Tāpapakanga Regional Park with a new music curation team. Popular DJ and queer, transgender, and people of colour (QTPOC) advocate Shaquille Wasasala - aka Half Queen - is working alongside Minty for this year’s edition, who has been sole music curator of the festival since 2005. 

Touting free camping and a family-friendly focus, the large-scale art installations and multidisciplinary performances have made Splore a beloved event among Aotearoa creatives.

Tahi does the mahi

Another to skip a year coming back bigger and stronger is Tahi New Zealand Festival of Solo Performance.

After making the decision to become a biennial event, 2024 was the first time Tahi Festival wasn’t staged since its 2019 inception. It’s a welcome return to Wellington’s 2025 offerings, with a new format for the 10-20 September run.

“The festival has evolved over the years,” says Festival Director Sally Richards. “Tahi has always been about the power of one, but we know no solo artist works alone. Our new model puts that network front and centre. We give artists the wrap-around support they need to take creative leaps, while growing a platform for their work to be seen.” 

16 shows have been announced - twice the amount from the 2023 edition - with BATS Theatre named as the home to new solo works, giving artists a dedicated space to premiere original solo pieces.  

Among those are three recipients of the festival’s newly introduced Creative Residencies, designed to offer artists time, space, and mentorship to explore new ideas and deepen their practice in a collaborative environment. 

Through a Creative NZ partnership, Raureti Ormond’s Grass Roots has come through the Māori Creatives Residency with Taki Rua Productions; There once was a boy… by Robert Lloyd via the New Work for 10–14 Year Olds Residency with Performing Arts and Young People Aotearoa (PAYPA) and Toi Pōneke Arts Centre; and an Emerging Artist Residency with BATS helping create Chloe Bettina’s show Chloe’s Revenge. Also included is HATCH, the Festival’s student showcase after a series of workshops and mentoring opportunities.

There’s also a host of established and award-winning creatives on show around the Pōneke venues, including Ngahiriwa Rauhina’s Ration the Queen’s veggies at Circa Theatre, NZ Comedy Fest best newcomer Mo Munn (Is It Off?) and Sameena Zehra (Homicidal Pacifist — Dust Off Your Guillotines) at The Hannah, Dunedin Fringe award-winning ROADKILL: The Uber-cool Musical from the mind - and in the van - of Tom Knowles and leading theatre academic, advocate and performer James Wenley bringing the audience to his own apartment with a show for when you feel lonely.

Young at art

A new Festival has sprouted up as well - with an audience that is oft overlooked on the festival front.

Auckland Live has unveiled the inaugural We The Young (16-28 September) - a festival of arts, imagination and adventures, created for Auckland’s youth. Over 19 live performances, creative workshops, interactive art experiences have been confirmed for its debut programme, designed to engage six month olds through to 16 year olds at some of the city’s most iconic venues like Auckland Town Hall, Herald Theatre, The Civic and Aotea Square. 

Creative Producer Rosa Strati told The Lowdown “An arts festival for young people has been years in the making at Auckland Live and championed by many amazing individuals across the organisation during that time. The launch of our We The Young pilot in 2025 marks the culmination of this incredible legacy of work and the start of something really exciting. 

“We are fierce advocates for the rights of young people to access high-quality, age-specific arts experiences and this festival reflects our commitment to this right - and to having a bunch of fun along the way!”

Daniel Clarke, Director of Performing Arts at Tātaki Auckland Unlimited adds “We The Young is our response to enhancing Auckland’s cultural offering, giving tamariki and rangatahi the chance to experience and participate in imaginative, world-class artforms. This festival is about recognising their place in our creative community today, while nurturing the artists and audiences of tomorrow.” 

Strati highlights the importance of age-specific arts experiences that are accessible for everyone, with multiple highly-visual, sound-based and NZSL interpreted events - with every show having a relaxed session available and over half the programme free of charge.

When asked about striking the right balance across the age ranges, Strati told The Lowdown  “It's an ongoing dance and with our pilot we are keeping things fairly compact as we test the concept. We have big dreams for the festival into the future  and will  continue to build on and evolve this process and the aspiration as we grow and develop.

“We have worked hard to offer as many opportunities as possible for our young artists to contribute creatively across many aspects of the festival. This is an element of the programming we are committed to to developing further once we have delivered this year’s pilot and established the festival as a key event in Auckland’s arts and cultural calendar for the future.”

Interactive installation Paper Planet, Stand Up Stand Out (SUSO) - the grand final of Auckland’s premier youth talent competition, The Imaginarium and theatre workshops from Massive Company are among the many stand outs, with Aotea Square set to turn into a hive of kid-friendly activity.

Parents will already have noted the Festival’s dates - the third term holidays - this could be the godsend you’re looking for to get them off the screens and into a creative awakening.

Global opportunity

The chance to get in front of some very influential eyes has been opened up for a number of Aotearoa musicians.

As part of August’s Going Global independent music summit - 24 emerging artists have been booked to perform in the two-night spotlight Going Global Festival at Whammy! And Double Whammy! on Karangahape Road (28-29 August).

Each performer or group will be given 20-minute sets to deliver the strongest songs from their repertoire. It will be a diverse line up of genres, covering everything from experimental electronica and punk to soulful pop and hip hop.

There are well recognised name among the two dozen selected, including Taite Music Prize winner Anthonie Tonnon bringing his synth-laced art-pop to the stage,  Kuki crooner and Pacific Music Awards regular winner Sam V,  Indie-pop quartet There’s A Tuesday, and hip hop heroine JessB combing with Rubi Du.

There’s also a host of those just starting to make a name for themselves in the music scene like Solo/Debut Smoke Free Rockquest winner Emerson and fellow pop rising star Lucian Rice - who only started releasing music last year - as well as Lyttleton’s Ferby, whose sound is described as glitchy, internet-raised rap.

Alt-pop group Jim Nothing told The Lowdown "It will be the first time Jim Nothing has played an industry showcase and I'm stoked we're able to do it right here in Tāmaki Makaurau", while soul artist Hinā adds "It's such a buzz to think I'll be playing new songs from my upcoming debut album, alongside a band of brilliant musicians, with some of the most respected names in the international music community.”

Pop-rock performer Sam Cullen states "My band and I are very much looking forward to joining a great lineup of kiwi acts. It's a real hoot to be involved and I'm excited to spread the good word of Aotearoa rock music while in the midst of releasing my debut album."

Fellow rocker Louisa Nicklin expresses her excitement - "Always a treat to play on a line up with my favourite local bands and have the opportunity to share what we are making down at the bottom of the world" - and R&B singer Alayna declares "Aotearoa's music scene is so rich and inspiring. It’s such an honour to be part of Going Global and to celebrate that alongside so many incredible artists."

With a number of international booking agents, festival programmers and music reps coming to Auckland for the Going Global summit, this is legitimately putting these artists right in the shop window to overseas avenues.

Independent Music NZ Chair Pippa Ryan-Kidd enthuses "We are so proud to be presenting this amazing selection of Aotearoa’s artists to our International Delegates. As with previous years showcasing, so many international opportunities can arise from this."

The doors are open to the public too - giving music fans a great opportunity to discover their next favourite local artists or the ability to say “I saw them live before they got big…”

The Big Idea has a double pass to give away to the Going Global Festival - click here to enter.  

Vale Sir Michael Hill

The arts lost one of its most passionate patrons this week with the passing of Sir Michael Hill. His philanthropy to the creative sector has been overwhelmingly generous, and played a role in his knighthood.

Famed for his jewellery stores and that catchphrase, Hill has originally dreamed of becoming a professional musician and never lost his love of classical music.

That devotion led to the creation of the triennial Michael Hill International Violin Competition in 2001 - not to mention the instrument back that allows young New Zealanders who lack access or resource to participate in classical music education to get the opportunity.

The organisation that runs the event posted on social media “Not only did Sir Michael lend his name to our iconic event, he inspired generations of international violinists who all know they are now members of the Michael Hill International Violin Competition whānau.

“He was a true artist with a keen eye for aesthetics and beauty, and an uncompromising standard of excellence. A committed amateur violinist, he practiced solo Bach every day his schedule allowed – constantly striving for improvement from which he derived enormous satisfaction. 

“Michael’s enthusiasm for music was infectious, yet his loss will be felt as much for the strong and practical advice he infused in hundreds of musicians by candidly sharing his own life lessons regarding the importance of goal setting, resilience, and the balance of being laser-focused yet not sweating the small stuff. 

“He taught us to dream big, set a long-term goal, and work very hard with imagination and open heartedness towards that goal every day.” 

They’ve paid tribute the best way they know how - with all 11 winners of the Michael Hill International Violin Competition performing in a video to honour Hill and his grieving family.

Competition Executive Director and long-time friend Anne Rodda told RNZ that Hill was "Committed, passionate, enthusiastic, he was a very creative imaginative man...Completely genuine and very, very authentic." 

Many visual artists have been supported by the Hill Family Foundation for Art and Music - with the grounds and buildings at the Hills golf resort in Queenstown housing an extraordinary curate collection of large sculpture and other artworks. He was an artist himself, his love for drawing brought him much joy.

With the amount of money, advice and opportunity that Hill has dished out to creative talents in this country and around the world - he leaves a legacy across so many facets of Aotearoa.

Screen success

Some exciting times in the local film sector - with New Zealand films set to make a splash at festivals around the world.

Short film Lion Rock - by Prisca Bouchet and Nick Mayow - has been selected to compete in the prestigious Orizzonti Short Films section at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival in late August.

The filmmaking duo told The Lowdown "For us as filmmakers, the festival has always been a centrepiece of world cinema, and being invited to take part is a dream come true. We make films for them to be enjoyed, and responded to - and we're thrilled that Lion Rock has found such a positive reception."

The pair expressed their gratitude after received funding for the original short film as part of the Dame Jane Campion and Phillipa Campbell-led 12-month intensive film school, A Wave in the Ocean - that will be well represented at the Venice Festival. 

While Campion herself will be honoured, there will also be a screening of seven additional A Wave in the Ocean student screenings, giving well established theatre creatives like Eleanor Bishop (Girl Time) and Ana Chayna Scotty (Kurī) and multidisciplinary queer artists  Freya Silas Finch (The Brightness) and Samuel Te Kani (A Very Good Boy) an opportunity to show their talents alongside filmmakers Hash Perambalam (In Conversation with Jack Maurer), Todd Karehana (Socks) and  Mingjian Cui (The Girl Next Door).

NZ Film Commission CEO Annie Murray states “The selection of Lion Rock for the Orizzonti Short Films section at Venice is a significant recognition of the creative talent nurtured, by Jane and Philippa, through A Wave in the Ocean. This innovative film school empowers emerging filmmakers to explore their unique creative voice. 

“We’re proud to support projects that encourage bold storytelling and connect New Zealand filmmakers with the world. We’re also excited to continue our partnership with this world-leading initiative by funding its next iteration, A Wave in the Ocean Part 2, Deep Dive.”

NZFC is also heralding that Māori gothic film Mārama will have its world premiere at the prestigious Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) as part of the 2025 Discovery programme, one of the world’s leading showcases for emerging cinematic voices.

Filmmaker Taratoa Stappard (Ngāti Toa, Ngāti Raukawa, Ngāti Tūwharetoa) reacts “To share my first feature with international audiences in the Discovery programme at TIFF is a huge honour. Mārama is my Māori gothic love letter to our whenua, our tīpuna and the stories that live in the shadows.” 

Mārama is one of 23 world premieres and is among the 30 countries represented in the coveted Discovery programme.

And closer to home, the New Zealand International Film Festival is set to roar into life with a number of local films grabbing shares of the spotlight.

Among them, the just realised trailer for music legend Shayne Carter documentary  Life in One Chord, ahead of its appropriate World Premiere in Dunedin on 16 August .

The Straitjacket Fits and Dimmer frontman notes; “It was intense watching your life and your people flash before your eyes like that, but it was straight up and in a lot of places just made me laugh. So that's good.” 

Good for Wood

Twice is nice for Brian Wood - named for his second stint as Director of the New Zealand Portrait Gallery.

For the second time, he’s come in to replace outgoing Director Jaenine Parkinson - but this time it’s permanent. He did so in 2021 when Parkinson was on maternity leave, but the role became vacant again as she moved to Head of Art at Te Papa.

Curator, writer, arts collector, and marketer Wood comes with a strong legacy of arts leadership roles, including at The Dowse Art Museum, Royal New Zealand Ballet, City Gallery Wellington, and Museums Wellington.

“It feels incredibly special to return - not just to a place I know and love, but to a role where I can help shape the Gallery’s future. Stepping into this role feels like coming home, but with a renewed sense of purpose and possibility. 

“I had a fantastic experience in 2021 and achieved a lot during my time there. I’m looking forward to building on that momentum and continuing the strong exhibition programme. I deeply value the Gallery’s role as a storyteller of Aotearoa’s people.

“Since finishing up my previous role with the Gallery, I’ve stayed closely connected to the arts and cultural sector - managing a performing arts company, serving as a trustee for an arts charity, reviewing funding applications, curating exhibitions, and even working in the wine industry. My time as Acting Director in 2021 was deeply meaningful—it strengthened my appreciation for the Gallery and its team. Returning now feels like both a continuation and a new beginning.”

Wood declares he has ambitious plans to grow the Gallery’s reach and impact.

“As we enter this next chapter, I want the Gallery to be a place where people see themselves reflected - not just in the portraits, but in our programming, exhibitions, and conversations. That means uplifting underrepresented voices, embracing diverse styles of portraiture, and nurturing emerging talent alongside our established artists.

“We’re also exploring ways to increase accessibility and engagement - through digital platforms, regional outreach, education initiatives, touring exhibitions, and vibrant in-Gallery events. I want the Gallery to be a living, evolving space - one that not only reflects New Zealand’s identity but helps shape, inspire, and challenge it.”

Wood will take up his post - again - on 18 August.  

Elliffe uplifted

Unique and original work can be challenging to get off the ground - which is why it’s so important it’s encouraged.

Oamaru’s Susanna Elliffe certainly feels so after winning the New Zealand Society of Authors Laura Solomon Cuba Press Prize, collecting $2,000 and a publishing contract with The Cuba Press. The experimental writer called the prize “momentous” for her career.

“Creative writing has long been the lifeblood that runs beneath everything I do, my life's passion. I love to play with language, to unstitch it, pull at the seams, weave it anew, to create something that doesn't always fit traditional publishing moulds. So to have my work recognised in this way feels nothing short of surreal. I am deeply honoured - especially to receive a prize connected to Laura Solomon. Her short stories were also surreal and strange, but also dwelled in uncanny corners of the human heart. I am grateful, moved, and more inspired than ever to keep pushing language and narrative to its edges.”

Her winning manuscript, Relic Party, is a short story collection that studies loss, both intimate and global, human and nonhuman, ranging through ugly ghosts, false relics, and desperate pilgrimages, to a dysfunctional 80's farmhouse and the speculative worlds of climate affected futures.

Belinda O'Keefe nabbed the $1,000 runner-up prize for her entry Trespassers Will Be Baked, Scrambled, Fried and Eaten.