New Zealand community leaders gather at Kahukura Workshop; Māori arts festival Kōanga set for September

The E Tū Whānau Kahukura Workshop 2026 was held in Upper Hutt in early July, bringing together representatives from 46 community organisations across Aotearoa. Participants discussed practical approaches to strengthening whānau and community wellbeing, with insights from E Tū Whānau manager Heni Turner on the value of community‑led action and Māori ways of working.

The annual Kōanga Festival will return to Tāmaki Makaurau from 10 to 20 September, staged at Te Pou Theatre in Henderson. In its 12th year, the festival showcases Māori and Pacific performing arts, including music, theatre, opera, spoken word and dance. Artistic director Amber Curreen highlighted the diverse programme, and a free Whānau Day on 12 September will offer open activities for families.