Auckland Council is delighted to announce the return of World of Cultures – a vibrant multicultural festival that offers Aucklanders a chance to share and enjoy the diverse cultures from all over the world that make up Tāmaki Makaurau. From 21 March, explore free and low-cost activities and events across the region that celebrate cultural food, dance, art, games, discussion, music and more…
This year’s World of Cultures festival brings with it an impressive programme of 120 events spread throughout Tāmaki Makaurau over two weeks, culminating with CultureFest, a full day closing event on Sunday 6 April. Aucklanders can expect an exciting and varied series of events ranging from thrilling performances, film, art and music to inspiring talks and discussion, cooking classes and workshops, and even story time and cooking classes for tamariki - offering something for everyone to enjoy.
Auckland Council’s Head of Events Glynn Leggat says the team are thrilled to put together another World of Cultures programme for Aucklanders.
“We come back bigger and better, year on year, and it’s always great to see Aucklanders turning up to support our rich and diverse communities. Every year, we kick off on International Race Relations Day (21 March), so fitting as a day to celebrate and connect with other cultures. Whether you’re into cooking, eating, dancing, music, art, travelling and learning something new, or simply enjoying a day out with friends and whānau, this festival is for you,” Glynn Leggat says.
Community Committee chair Councillor Angela Dalton says the festival is a great opportunity to celebrate the diversity that makes up Tāmaki Makaurau.
“World of Cultures isn’t just a multicultural festival, it’s a snapshot of our people here in Auckland,” says Cr Dalton.
“It’s a wonderful opportunity to champion the rich tapestry that makes up our communities while taking a trip around the world through food, music and learning something new along the way.”
The World of Cultures festival is on for two weeks from 21 March and offers incredible opportunities to immerse yourself in cultures from all over the world!
Cooking classes:
Sign up to cooking classes and learn to make Korean ttoekguk, Chinese dumplings and Hong Kong street food or bring the little ones along for cooking classes and learn the art of Japanese mochi and ohagi, and Vietnamese summer rolls.
Performances and Bonsai:
Don’t miss out on a performance by The Transglobal Ensemble, a pop-up collaboration with musicians from culturally diverse backgrounds residing in Tāmaki Makaurau; discover the beauty of bonsai with Dragon Bonsai Day 2025, and much more!
CultureFest:
CultureFest is a full-day celebratory event on Sunday 6 April that marks the end of the World of Cultures festival and brings with it over 100 captivating stalls celebrating diversity. Embark on a global journey through music and the culinary arts, marvel at the arts and crafts and unique fair-trade goods on offer. Plus, enjoy from the thrilling line-up of musicians like Stinky Jim, Swap Gomez, Ozi Ozia, Roskill Chinese Group, Ayar Khomus, KMK Kaumaakonga, Modle, Auckland Mariachi Band, Rubi Du and Latinoaotearoa.
For the full programme, please visit: worldofcultures.co.nz
EDITORS NOTES
Festival highlights include:
Cooking classes: Korean tteokguk, Japanese mochi and ohagi (for kids), Chinese dumplings, Hong Kong street food, Vietnamese summer rolls (for kids)
The Transglobal Ensemble: Inspired by Ethno New Zealand and Transglobal Music Sessions, Arts Connections Oceania is presenting the transglobal ensemble, a pop-up collaboration with musicians from culturally diverse backgrounds residing here in Tāmaki Makaurau. The event features musicians from Aotearoa New Zealand, India, Iran, Ghana, France, USA, Sweden and more.
Workshop Fiestas de la Costa Caribe Colombia: Tierra Viva Colombian Dance Group proudly presents Fiestas de la Costa Caribe, an electrifying showcase of Colombia’s vibrant Caribbean coast culture. Through a dynamic blend of traditional dance styles, including cumbia, fandango and porro, our dancers bring to life the music, stories, and spirit of the region. With intricate costumes, live drumming, and exuberant choreography, the audience will be transported to the sun-soaked beaches and lively streets of Colombia's Caribbean.
Circle of Stories: Circle of Stories is a 4-hour workshop for 12 women to explore Brazilian culture through art, movement, and self-discovery. Each participant will decorate a traditional saia rodada (full skirt) with personal stories, using collage, hand-stitching, and paint; they will also try movements from Afro-Brazilian danças de roda (circle dances). Led by dancer/therapist Sarah dos Santos and multidisciplinary artist Robbi Carvalho, the workshop provides a supportive space for creative expression and cultural learning. Open to women aged 20+, it’s a unique opportunity to explore art, dance, and culture in a safe, nurturing environment.
Ahurea: Rongoa no te Ao. Healing practices from around the world: Celebrate cultures by learning about rongoa and their healing practices. Learn about ayurvedic practices from India and the medicinal properties of the spices you have in your very own pantry. Participate in a rongoa Māori workshop to understand the healing properties of our native plants or settle your mauri in a tai chi and breathing exercises workshop. And much more…
Rangatahi cultural master chef: Join us for a series of foodie cook-offs in our youth studio here at Hubwest, located in Henderson. Rangatahi will bring cultural recipes into youth studio from their elders at home and over a series of days, cook for each other, thus learning about each other's culture through food and manaakitanga.
Dragon bonsai day 2025: Discover the beauty and tradition of bonsai at Dragon Bonsai Day 2025! This unique event celebrates the art of Chinese Penjing and Japanese Bonsai, featuring a stunning display of miniature trees crafted by New Zealand artists.
NFACT Creative Hub celebrating diversity and inclusion: Join us for a special morning tea hosted by New Settlers family and Community Trust (NFACT) and the Creative Hub. We’ll be gathering with talented female artists and makers from diverse refugee and migrant backgrounds who have often felt isolated and disconnected from the wider community. Enjoy traditional tea, delicious treats, and engaging cultural performances.
CultureFest: CultureFest brings all the World of Cultures programme to a single location with this full-day event that celebrates and champions diversity. Join in on the fun and explore the different kinds food, music, games and traditions as you embrace the rich tapestry that makes up Tāmaki Makaurau. Musical headliners include Stinky Jim, Swap Gomez, Ozi Ozia, Roskill Chinese Group, Ayar Khomus, KMK Kaumaakonga, Modle, Auckland Mariachi Band, Rubi Du and Latinoaotearoa.
