Ngā Aho Whakaari 30th Anniversary Celebration

Join us as we celebrate 30 years of Ngā Aho Whakaari, honouring three decades of Māori storytelling, creativity and excellence across the screen industry.

Ngā Aho Whakaari empowers, promotes and advocates for Māori voices and stories within the Aotearoa New Zealand screen industry. For 30 years, our collective has championed Māori storytellers, strengthened our industry, and helped ensure our stories are told by us, for us.

This special evening brings together the people who have shaped our journey from pioneering filmmakers and broadcasters to emerging storytellers carrying the kaupapa into the future. Together we’ll reflect on the stories that have defined us, celebrate those who have led the way, and look ahead to the next generation of Māori screen excellence.

Guests will enjoy an evening of celebration, connection and entertainment, including reflections on 30 years of achievement, special acknowledgements, a two-course meal, and the opportunity to reconnect with colleagues and friends from across the industry.

Event Details

Date: Wednesday 28 October 2026
Venue: Hunua Room, Aotea Centre, Tāmaki Makaurau
Time: 6.00pm – 10.00pm
Please be seated by: 6.50pm for the formal programme.

Your Ticket Includes

• Drink on arrival

• Two-course meal

• Full anniversary programme

• Evening entertainment

A cashless bar will be available throughout the evening.

Programme

6.00pm – 6.50pm
Networking, drink on arrival and 30-Year Exhibition

7.00pm – 9.00pm
Ngā Aho Whakaari 30th Anniversary Celebration

9.00pm – 10.00pm
Entertainment and continued celebrations

Important Information

R18 Event
This is an R18 event. Valid ID may be requested upon entry.

Entry
The easiest access is via the Civic Car Park entrance (corner of Greys Avenue and Mayoral Drive). As you drive into the car park, use the double doors on the left, which provide direct access to the Hunua Room entrance.

Alternatively, enter through the main Aotea Centre entrance and follow the event signage to the Hunua Room.

Parking
Parking is available at the Civic Car Park (corner of Greys Avenue and Mayoral Drive). Standard parking charges apply, with a maximum daily rate of $25.

Ticketing
Please have your Humanitix ticket ready for scanning on arrival.

Questions
For any event enquiries, please email admin@ngaahowhakaari.co.nz.

We look forward to celebrating this milestone with you as we honour the people, stories and kaupapa that have shaped Ngā Aho Whakaari over the past 30 years, and together look toward the future of Māori storytelling.

Ngā Aho Whakaari - 30 Tau is sponsored by Whakaata Māori, NZ on Air, Rangiata Sky, Screen Auckland, TVNZ & Screen Rights.

Ngā Aho Whakaari is funded by Te Mātāwai, Te Māngai Pāho and NZ Film Commission.