This spring, Mīharo brings two major events to the Central Lakes, each celebrating creativity, storytelling, and cultural pride in their own way. From art that fills the gallery walls to performances that light up the stage, the Central Lakes Art Exhibition and Awards and the Central Lakes Polyfest are powerful reminders of how culture connects and inspires our communities.

Central Lakes Art Exhibition and Awards

Now open at Te Atamira Gallery and running through to 22 October, the Central Lakes Art Exhibition and Awards has transformed the gallery into a space alive with stories.

The theme for 2025 is “Legends of our Lands – Our People, Our Places, Our Stories.” Tamariki, rangatahi, and young adults from across the district have responded with imagination and heart, filling the gallery walls, ceilings, and even the floor with works that celebrate identity, connection, and place. Some entries are brand new, while others build year after year — evolving artworks that capture growth, learning, and creativity over time.

For Māori and Pasifika peoples, storytelling has always been a way of passing down knowledge and wisdom. This exhibition gives young people the chance to carry that tradition forward in their own ways, whether through painting, sculpture, or mixed media. While Mīharo provides the framework, it’s the energy of students, teachers, and whānau that brings the exhibition to life.

This year’s exhibition is also made possible by generous sponsors who believe in the power of art and young people’s voices:

⭐ Kaitiaki Award – Primary Sponsored by ICAN Models & Talent

⭐ Digital Excellence Award – Secondary Sponsored by Quality Home Services NZ

⭐ Innovation Award Sponsored by The Space To Lead

⭐ Aspiring Artist Award Sponsored by The Space To Lead

⭐ Māori Culture & Heritage section Sponsored by Māori Women’s Welfare League

⭐ Whanaungatanga Award Sponsored by Māori Women’s Welfare League

⭐ The Lion Foundation

⭐ Lottery Grants Board

⭐ Creative Communities NZ

⭐ Queenstown New World

⭐ASB

Ngā mihi nui to all the sponsors as thier support nurtures culture, talent, and the next generation of creatives across our region.

Central Lakes Polyfest

Next month, the spotlight shifts to the stage with Central Lakes Polyfest, held at the Queenstown Events Centre on 21 and 22 October, 9am–3pm daily. With more than 2,000 performers across 45 groups and 33 schools, Polyfest has quickly become a cornerstone of cultural celebration in the Central Lakes. Entry is by gold coin, making it an accessible event for whānau and the wider community.

Polyfest was born out of a need — many schools wanted to attend Murihiku Polyfest in Invercargill, but travel and costs proved challenging. Mīharo’s solution was to bring the celebration closer to home. The result is an event filled with kapa haka and Pasifika performances that radiate energy, pride, and connection.

This year’s numbers are remarkable:

• Tuesday: 1,012 participants, 21 groups, 12 schools
• Wednesday: 1,102 participants, 24 groups, 21 schools
• Total: 2,114 performers across 45 groups and 33 schools

The growth from last year’s 1,500 participants shows how quickly the festival is flourishing. Schools entering multiple groups add extra richness, with tuakana guiding their teina, building confidence, and strengthening community bonds.

Behind the scenes, Polyfest is months in the making — from coordinating schools and setting schedules, to ensuring lighting, sound, and costumes are all in place. On the day, it all comes together in a celebration that fills the venue with joy and mana.

Fresh Horizons: Growing Pathways

Alongside these two cornerstone events, Mīharo also runs Fresh Horizons, a free creative workshop for Year 11–13 Pasifika students. Held 22–24 September at Wakatipu High School, it connects rangatahi with Pasifika creatives working in fields like film, advertising, and performing arts. The kaupapa is about showing that creative pathways are real and achievable, while helping young people feel more confident in their culture and identity.

Creating Platforms Where Culture and Creativity Thrive 

From the walls of Te Atamira Gallery to the stage of the Queenstown Events Centre, Mīharo Murihiku’s kaupapa is about creating platforms where culture and creativity thrive. Whether through exhibitions, performance, or workshops, their mahi is enriching the Central Lakes, giving tamariki and rangatahi space to tell their stories with pride.

✨ Central Lakes Art Exhibition and Awards: On now until 22 October, Te Atamira
✨ Central Lakes Polyfest: 21 & 22 October, 9am–3pm daily, Queenstown Events Centre (gold coin entry)
✨ Fresh Horizons: 22–24 September, Wakatipu High School

Feature Photo credit: Sarah Lafo’ou at Central Lakes Polyfest 2024. Photographer: James and Mel Jubbs @ Studio Jubb