About
Celebrating how design shapes life in New Zealand and beyond.
Whanganui and Palmerston North, 16-25 October 2026
Festival of Design Aotearoa is a national festival celebrating how design shapes life in New Zealand and beyond — from the streets we walk to the systems we rely on and the stories we tell.
The 10-day event will be anchored in Whanganui — Aotearoa's UNESCO City of Design — and extend to Palmerston North, bringing together designers, technologists, businesses and communities.
Across both cities, galleries, theatres, public spaces and unexpected locations will come alive. Each city connects through a festival hub, linking people, ideas and everyday spaces through creativity and light.
It's a festival where big ideas meet everyday life — inviting everyone, from practising designers to the simply curious, to see, test and co-create the future of design in Aotearoa.
Explore the programme
Discover what’s on, plan your visit and find events across Whanganui and Palmerston North.
FAQs
Festival of Design Aotearoa is a national festival celebrating how design shapes life in New Zealand and beyond, from the streets we walk to the products we use to the systems we rely on and the stories we tell. Launching in October 2026 and anchored in Whanganui, Aotearoa’s UNESCO City of Design, with events across Whanganui and Palmerston North, the festival will bring together designers, technologists, businesses, and communities. Festival of Design Aotearoa is where big ideas meet everyday life, inviting everyone, from practising designers to the simply curious, to see, test, and co-create the future of design in Aotearoa.
Check the events page to explore what’s on and plan your festival.
The programme includes a mix of events and experiences across the festival, including:
Exhibitions and installations
Talks, panels and labs
Workshops and live performances
Public activations across the city
Check the events page to explore what’s on and plan your festival.
The design industry, the public and anyone curious about how design can shape better futures.
The Festival of Design Aotearoa is proudly supported by the New Zealand Government’s Events Boost Fund. Presented by Whanganui District Council in partnership with Palmerston North City Council and the Central Economic Development Agency (CEDA).
Yes. We’re actively seeking volunteers to support the festival. You can register your interest by selecting Get Involved in the footer.
The Festival of Design Aotearoa is open to everyone. Some events are free, some are free with a ticket, and some require a paid ticket. Start with the events page to see what’s on and plan your festival.
The inaugural programme brings together designers, makers, artists and organisations from across Aotearoa and beyond. Selected through an open expression of interest process, it showcases a diverse range of ideas, perspectives and creative practices.
Festival of Design Aotearoa is intended to be a biennial event, returning every two years. Each edition will continue to grow, bringing new ideas, perspectives and collaborations to the programme.