Creative Northland Community Art Spaces

14/08/2026

Consul-General Furuya met with Ms Aki Art Fukuoka, an award-winning Japanese illustrator based in New Zealand who created the cover and illustrations for Sally Rippin’s Billy B. Brown books.

18/07/2026

We have three more Community Kōreros coming up! If you haven't had the chance to attend one yet, we'd love to welcome you.

Free to attend – everyone is welcome

🗣️ Have Your Say – Complete the Survey & Join the Conversation!
Help shape Whangārei's UNESCO Creative City bid by completing our short community survey. It only takes a few minutes, and everyone who completes it goes in the draw to WIN one of 3 local prizes!

➡️ A double pass to Journey Mobile Saunas
➡️ A private 1/2 day trip to the Poor Knights Islands for 10 People with Fish Tutukaka
➡️ A Family pass to Waipu Scottish Migration Museum

📝 Complete the survey here:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScEv0l2n3mbIusHeQqqspuEzzYBq9pMPkQ8MbXXvr0Phws3Pw/viewform

If you want to know more? Come along to one of our upcoming Community Kōrero sessions to ask questions, share your ideas, and help shape the future of creativity in Tai Tokerau.

Upcoming Community Kōrero:

📅 Tuesday 21st July | 12pm - 1pm
📍 Riverside Theatre, Whangārei
🔗 https://events.humanitix.com/community-k-rero-unesco-opportunity-forsyth-barr-riverbank-centre-whangarei

📅 Thursday 23 July | 6.30pm–8.00pm
📍 Semenoff Stadium, Level 3 Lounge, Whangārei
🔗 https://events.humanitix.com/copy-of-community-k-rero-unesco-opportunity-semenoff-stadium

📅 Wednesday 29 July | 6.30pm–8.00pm
📍 Octagon Theatre, Whangārei
🔗 https://events.humanitix.com/community-k-rero-unesco-opportunity-octagon-theatre-whangarei-6rr75huf

Find out more about the UNESCO bid here:
https://creativenorthland.my.canva.site/the-unesco-opportunity

18/07/2026

Last day today... don't miss out.

16/07/2026

UNESCO isn't just about World Heritage Sites 🏛️

Did you know UNESCO also has a Creative Cities Network? It's a global network of cities that use creativity as a driver for economic development, innovation and stronger communities.

That's what Creative Northland and Whangārei District Council are exploring with a bid for Whangārei to become a UNESCO Creative City of Crafts and Folk Art – and Northland NZ is proud to support the journey.

This isn't just about the arts. Creativity helps drive tourism, innovation, food and beverage, manufacturing, technology, education and many of the industries that make our region thrive.

Right now, the project team wants to hear from as many people as possible before they submit an Expression of Interest. Whether you're in business, the creative sector, or simply passionate about the future of Te Tai Tokerau, your perspective matters.

Here's how you can get involved:
📅 Attend a community consultation event on 21, 23 or 29 July
💻 Complete the online survey

🔗 Find out more and have your say:
https://creativenorthland.my.canva.site/the-unesco-opportunity

15/07/2026

About 100 teachers were taught dance, art and music therapy to support calm classrooms.

14/07/2026

What could becoming a UNESCO Creative City mean for Whangārei and Tai Tokerau? Find out more and have your say...

14/07/2026

Northlanders are being encouraged to back Whangārei’s bid for global recognition of its art and storytelling craft. 👇

13/07/2026

Flax and fabric are being weaved into Whangārei's Canopy Bridge to support a Unesco bid.

12/07/2026