Creativity, culture and heritage hui
Creatives, cultural leaders, businesses and community groups from across the motu are being invited to attend a new four-day creative and cultural hui taking place this June.
The Te Muka Toi | Te Muka Tākata Hui will be held in Queenstown and Wānaka from 12-15 June, 2025.
Its aims is to bring people together to help weave creativity, culture, and heritage into the fabric the community and make Queenstown Lakes a a globally recognised creative and cultural destination by 2034.
The hui is a key initiative under the district's Creativity, Culture and Heritage Strategy, and is being put on by Three Lakes Cultural Trust and Queenstown Lakes District Council, with support from Creative New Zealand and local organisations.
The programme will includes discussions, hands-on workshops, and networking sessions — all focused on strengthening the creative sector and encouraging real, practical action.
The hui kicks off on in Queenstown with a deep dive into the creative economy — how industries like film, design, and technology are already shaping our region, and what more can be done to support innovation and resilience. That afternoon, a Creative Showcase in Glenda Drive, Frankton will spotlight local projects that merge creativity, technology, and business impact.
On day two, the hui moves to Wānaka, where the focus turns to hands-on workshops designed to equip creatives with practical tools for success. Topics will range from building effective collectives and designing immersive experiences, to mastering social media strategy. The afternoon will feature a Creative Speed-Dating session, aimed at connecting creatives with venues, spaces, and community partners eager to support fresh collaborations.
Saturday’s sessions at Te Atamira in Queenstown continue the momentum, focusing on empowering creatives, with workshops throughout the day all designed to offer artists tangible tools and fresh inspiration. The afternoon then features a Creative Speed-Dating session, followed by an evening at Country Lane School House Studios.
The hui concludes on Sunday with open studios and cultural heritage tours.
Full programme and registration details will be released soon at www.tewahitoi.nz/whats-on/creative-and-culture-hui
