Oho Mai – The Awakening: 8 Aug – 18 Oct 2026
Oho Mai brings together three contemporary Māori artists from our region, Garry Nicholas, Joanne Kahui, and Stephen Thorpe whose practices reflect the richness and evolving nature of te ao Māori. Working across a range of mediums and approaches, each artist offers a distinct perspective grounded in kaupapa Māori, whakapapa, identity, and connection to place.
Through painting, sculpture, raranga, and tā moko, Oho Mai explores both contemporary expression and cultural continuity, celebrating the strength and vitality of Māori creativity today. The exhibition highlights how artists continue to draw from mātauranga Māori while responding to the world around them in innovative, thoughtful, and deeply personal ways.
Ōrongomai Tū Tonu: 17 Aug – 22 Nov 2026
In August 2026, Ōrongomai Marae marks 50 years in Upper Hutt with an exhibition that brings together the people, moments, and movements that made it possible.
From the bold decision to establish a marae in the heart of a growing city, this exhibition traces how Ōrongomai came into being. It celebrates the visionaries, builders, and cultural leaders who shaped its foundation, including the powerful legacy of Mā-wai-hakona, whose performances carried Ōrongomai onto national and international stages.
At its heart, this is a story of belonging: how a community created a place for itself, and how that place continues to serve, welcome, and grow. Ōrongomai Tū Tonu invites you to experience a living history and the people who continue to shape it.
Poi Making: Tradition in Motion: 1 and 8 Oct 2026 | 10.00am – 2.00pm
Free entry. No bookings required
Create your very own poi to take home.
Sonic Boom – A Concert Experience for Kids: Friday 2nd of October, 4.00 pm
Cost: NZ$24.00 – NZ$80.00 + BF
A high-energy live concert experience delivering the ultimate family night out! SONIC BOOM brings the excitement of a real rock concert to young audiences, packed with epic sing-a-longs, huge dance moments, and nonstop fun.
Featuring some of New Zealand’s most experienced musicians, the band has decades of combined experience performing across New Zealand and around the world at festivals, major events, and live venues—bringing world-class musicianship and rockstar energy to every show.
Expect flashy guitar solos, bold costumes, big crowd interaction, and a show bursting with colour, surprises, and feel-good moments that kids (and parents!) will love.
The concert also stars 10-year-old drumming sensation Indy Monroe, fresh from performances at Christmas in the Park, Balloons Over Waikato, and the Americana Festival. Indy brings serious talent, big personality, and inspiring young-star energy to the stage.
Got a little one who loves to sing, dance, or air guitar? Come and give them an unforgettable first concert experience!
𝗦𝗢𝗠𝗘 𝗢𝗙 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗦𝗢𝗡𝗚𝗦 𝗬𝗢𝗨’𝗟𝗟 𝗛𝗘𝗔𝗥!
- K-Pop Demon Hunters
- Katseye
- Bruno Mars
- Taylor Swift
- Pharell Williams
- Minions
- Queen
- Katy Perry
- Chappell Roan
- Bruno Mars & Rose
- Cotten Eyed Joe – Rednex/ Minions
- SING
- Shakira
Please note: Show contains use of strobe.
Book here: https://www.iticket.co.nz/events/2026/oct/sonic-boom-a-concert-experience-for-kids
Lunchtime Live! 6th of October 2026, 1.00 pm
Entry by donation
Piano, performed by students from Te Kōkī New Zealand School of Music.
Aroha String Quartet | Classical Expressions: Thursday 8th of October, 7.30 pm
Cost: NZ$35.00 – NZ$165.00 + BF
Around the World in 90 Minutes; buckle up and travel around the globe with the Aroha String Quartet, with stopovers to sample the music of seven different countries on five continents – Europe, Asia, South America, North America and Zealandia.
The journey begins in Austria with a sunny, sparkling piece by the father of the string quartet, Josef Haydn. The programme then travels overland to Russia for Shostakovich’s Elegy & Polka and backtrack to Spain for Turina’s evocative Bullfighter’s Prayer, followed by New Zealand with the lovely Toccatina by Ross Carey. After interval the quartet takes us to China for an arrangement of the famous folk song Er Quan Ying Yue composed by blind erhu player A Bing. This music depicts the moon reflecting on the Er Quan spring. In Eastern Europe selections from Miniatures by Georgian composer Sulkhan Tsintsadze features with the world tour finishing in Argentina with Tango Ballet by tango-master Astor Piazzolla. This will be an exciting musical journey!
Haydn – String Quartet in E-flat Op 64 No 6
Shostakovich – Elegy & Polka
Turina – Bullfighter’s Prayer
Ross Carey – Toccatina
A Bing – Er Quan Ying Yue (Reflections of the Moon on Er Quan)
Tsintsadze – Miniatures
Piazzolla – Tango Ballet
ABOUT THE GROUP
Acclaimed as demonstrating “accomplished brilliance, soulfulness and sublime intensity in perfect balance and tonal unity” (The Dominion Post), the Aroha String Quartet is firmly established as one of New Zealands finest chamber music ensembles.
Founded in 2004, this versatile Wellington-based quartet is known for its passionate musicality, impressive technique, and multicultural innovation.
Haihong Liu Violin
Konstanze Artmann Violin
Zhongxian Jin Viola
Robert Ibell Cello
Book here: https://www.iticket.co.nz/events/2026/oct/aroha-string-quartet-classical-expressions
Well Made Craft Festival 2026: Saturday 10 October | 10.00am – 2.00pm
Join us for a day full of creativity and craftsmanship!
Explore beautifully made crafts, meet the makers behind them, and shop for unique handmade pieces. Take part in hands-on workshops, enjoy artisan foods, and be inspired by the creativity all around you.
Please note, some Well Made Craft Festival Workshops will run until 4.00pm.
Stallholder applications are now closed.
Sourdough Bread Making Workshop: 10th of October, 9.30 am – 1.00 pm
Cost: NZ$85.00 + BF
In this workshop Anna will take you through the different stages of the sourdough bread making process for the home baker.
During the workshop you can help prepare and bake two styles of rustic sourdough bread. Anna will teach you about ingredients, equipment and how to make and maintain a healthy starter.
Throughout there will be the opportunity to nibble away on the fresh bread with a selection of different spreads.
This event is held in the Comercial Kitchen
Suitable for ages 12+
Bring an apron and a small jar to take home some established starter.
Book here: https://www.iticket.co.nz/events/2026/oct/sourdough-bread-making-workshop
Skin Lab: Wounds, Bruises & Alien Effects Workshop: Saturday 10th of October, 10.00 am – 1.00 am
Cost: NZ$28.00 + BF
Create realistic special-effects makeup and bruises, cuts, wounds and alien skin.
This event will be held in The Professionals Recreation Hall
Suitable for ages 10+
Book here: https://www.iticket.co.nz/events/2026/oct/skin-lab-wounds-bruises-and-alien-effects-workshop
Upcycled Bike Tyre Earrings Workshop: Saturday 10th of October, 10.00 am – 11.30 am
Cost: NZ$35.00 + BF
Join us for a creative jewellery-making workshop where sustainability meets style.
Using recycled bike tyre rubber, you’ll create one feather earring design before designing two unique pairs that reflect your own creativity.
Learn simple cutting and assembly techniques, explore different shapes and textures, and leave with three pairs of handcrafted earrings.
Everything is supplied—just bring your imagination!
This event will be held in The Green Room, which is only accessible by stairs
Suitable for ages 10+
Book here: https://www.iticket.co.nz/events/2026/oct/upcycled-bike-tyre-earrings-workshop
Face Painting Masterclass Workshop: Saturday 10th of October, 12.00 pm – 1.00 pm
Cost: NZ$45.00 + BF
\A face painting masterclass with Margo. Each booking includes two participants who work in pairs while learning professional face painting techniques.
This event will be held in The Professionals Recreation Hall
Suitable for ages 10+
Book here: https://www.iticket.co.nz/events/2026/oct/face-painting-masterclass-workshop
Beeswax Wraps Workshop: Saturday 10th of October, 1.00 pm – 2.00 pm
Cost: NZ$30.00 + BF
Brenda, a local Beekeeper, will take you through the steps of making your own organic set of Beeswax Wraps, with tips on how to use and look after them.
Attendees are to bring along their own choice of 100% cotton fabric, 1 meter uncut as we will cut the fabric on the day. You will be given 100g of wax wrap mixture, to use to refresh your wraps in the years to come.
This event is held in the Creative Classroom
Suitable for ages 12+
Book here: https://www.iticket.co.nz/events/2026/oct/beeswax-wraps-workshop
Copper Foil Stained Glass Suncatchers Workshop: Saturday 10th of October, 1.00 pm – 3.00 pm
Cost: NZ$80.00 + BF
Join Jo Conroy from Redlow Gypsy, a Whanganui based glass artist, as she instructs a workshop on the basics of the copper foil technique.
With a wide range of pre-cut designs to chose from Jo will take you through a step by step class to create your own stained glass suncatcher.
This event is in The Green Room.
Suitable for ages 10+
Book here: https://www.iticket.co.nz/events/2026/jul/copper-foil-stained-glass-suncatchers-workshop
Fermentation & Pickling Workshop: Saturday 10th of October, 2.00 pm – 4.00 pm
Cost: NZ$65.00 + BF
Learn the art of fermentation and pickling while creating two delicious preserves to take home.
Discover the basics of preserving food in this beginner-friendly, hands-on workshop.
You’ll learn the difference between fermentation and pickling, how to prepare vegetables, balance flavours with herbs and spices, create natural brines and vinegar pickles, and safely store your preserves.
During the workshop you’ll make:
- A 400 ml jar of sauerkraut
- A 400 ml jar of seasonal party mix pickles
You’ll also receive recipe cards to recreate both recipes at home. All ingredients, equipment and jars are provided, making this the perfect introduction to preserving seasonal produce.
This event will be held in the Commercial Kitchen.
Suitable for ages 12+
Book here: https://www.iticket.co.nz/events/2026/oct/fermentation-and-pickling-workshop
The Tempestuous: 11th of October, 8.00 pm
Cost: NZ$25.00 + BF
Penny Ashton is back and this time is skewering the Bard Himself. The brain behind Promise & Promiscuity, Olive Copperbottom and Austen Found is heading out on her 6th Arts on Tour odyssey with her new critically acclaimed solo musical.
Sicily’s beloved King Enzo is dead. Now Princess Rosa, a stroppy spinster, must navigate the tempestuous waters of belching Step-Fathers, lusty suitors, popping cod pieces and menopausal witches, to face her destiny. Award Winning Comedian Penny Ashton (writer and director of Circa’s smash hit Sense and Sensibility, Promise and Promiscuity, Olive Copperbottom) presents her latest literary solo musical with this Shakespearean frolic. She’ll spark 13 characters into life in an Elizabethan tale of magic, meddling and puffed bull’s puzzles.
“Incredibly clever, the script is just so smart.” Radio NZ
“Masterful ‘shrewd comedy’ a tempestuous triumph…a phenomenal play.” The Post
“Surely at some point we get to call Penny Ashton a national treasure?” Flat City Field Notes
“Phenomenal energy, vivacity, versatility, inventiveness and humour.” Theatreview
Please note: This show is PG14
Audience care: This show contains flashing lights, mild coarse language, and audience participation.
Book here: https://www.iticket.co.nz/events/2026/oct/the-tempestuous
Piano Scholarship Concert: 18th of October, 3.00 pm
Cost: NZ$10.00 – NZ$20.00 + BF
A recital by Lana Ritchie – recipient of the Upper Hutt Piano Trust Scholarship.
Kapustin: Concert Etude Op. 40 No. 1, “Prelude”
Kapustin: Big Band Sounds, Op. 46
Gershwin/Earl Wild: Seven Virtuoso Etudes No. 1 – “Liza” No. 4 – “Embraceable You”
Gershwin: Rhapsody in Blue (for Solo Piano)
INTERVAL
Scriabin: Piano Sonata No. 4 in F-sharp Major, Op. 30
Liszt: Concert Paraphrase on Rigoletto, S. 434
Rachmaninoff: Piano Sonata No. 2 in B-flat Minor, Op. 36 (1931 revised version)
Book here: https://www.iticket.co.nz/events/2026/oct/piano-scholarship-concert
Source: Whirinaki Whare Taonga
21/09/26
The Upper Hutt Connection 