News
We have our finger on the arts pulse of the Coromandel Peninsula and Hauraki rohe.
Learn all about the local creative community through our news and interviews.
April 2026 Pānui/ Newsletter
News from around the rohe on what’s been happening in the creative industries!
Harp in Hauraki
A concert by highly acclaimed and award winning Breton harpist and singer, Kevin Le Pennec, on 20 March saw a small but really keen audience turnout at the Monkey House Lounge and Cabaret.
Whangamatā Art Trail Back This Eater
The much-loved Whangamatā Arts Trail returns for Easter, promising a vibrant weekend of creativity, connection, and discovery across the community. With 10 unique hubs open to the public, this year’s trail invites locals and visitors alike to step inside studios, gardens, and pop-up exhibition spaces.
March 2026 Pānui/ Newsletter
News from around the rohe on what’s been happening in the creative industries!
The Thames Paint Out 2026
“What the hell is going on? There are all these people painting everywhere!” was heard countless times on Saturday, February 28th. While some passers-by just had a curious peek at the artists in the heart of the Grahamstown market, others were on a mission—tracking 38 artists from the War Monument in the hills down to the waterfront.
Mercury Bay Art Escape – on now
Open studios: 7-8-9 & 14-15-16 March 2026
This year, the event proudly marks its 20th anniversary. Check out the work of more than 50 talented local artists.
February 2026 Pānui/ Newsletter
News from around the rohe on what’s been happening in the creative industries!
Get Creative: Coromandel Arts Funding Open Now
Local artists and creative groups, it’s your chance to bring your ideas to life! Applications for the Creative Communities Scheme are open now, offering funding to support arts projects across our district. This funding round is open from Monday 2 February, and closes...
Mercury Bay Art Escape 2026: Celebrating 20 Years of Creativity
In 2026, Mercury Bay Art Escape proudly marks its 20th anniversary. It has grown into the Eastern Coromandel’s premier arts event, showcasing the work of more than 50 talented local artists.
Making Friends Exhibition
We are the friends that make, we are making friends. An exhibition of new work from two amazing creative powerhouses, 14-22 Feb, Hauraki House Gallery, Kapanga/ Coromandel
Dub in the Valley
Dub in the Valley is an outdoor reggae soundsystem gathering held at the historic Kauaeranga Valley Hall, Thames, to celebrate Waitangi Day and Bob Marley’s Birthday!
How satiSfied were you with this year’s artbeat festival?
We want to make next year even better, so if you could answer a few simple questions about this year’s festival would help us a lot. Thanks so much!
Artbeat 2025 – It’s a Wrap!
Our third coromandel artbeat spring festival saw 95 creative events across our rohe, from live music gigs, artist open studios, workshops, local theatre, makers markets, exhibitions, community events, and festivals. The online program was diverse, offering something...
Silent Movies Live: A Performance to Remember!
I grew up watching Mad Movies, which featured snippets of many great silent films – so I had early exposure to the genre. As an adult, I’ve watched a few complete Charlie Chaplin movies, but I’ve never had a chance to experience one in a theatre with a large audience.
Ahi Kaa: Rekindling Connections as Māori Clay Artists Return to Driving Creek
In early November, Driving Creek welcomed Ngā Kaihanga Uku (The Māori Clay Artists Collective) & Friends back to Kapanga for their first visit in almost ten years.
December 2025 Pānui/ Newsletter
News from around the rohe on what’s been happening in the creative industries!
Celebrating 10 Years of Steampunk The Thames!
Join in the delightful madness of the 10th annual Steampunk Festival, running over four days from November 6th to 9th. Come and enjoy the fun, entertainment, competitions, dancing, prancing, games, and gadgets. The perfect opportunity to unleash your creative side and get amongst it! Bring the family, there’s fun for everyone.
November 2025 Pānui/ Newsletter
News from around the rohe on what’s been happening in the creative industries!
True Tales – Stories from Coromandel Hauraki
If the skeletons in the closet are something that interest you, you should get your hands on some of the ‘True Tales’ publications, written by locals and often with some unexpected surprises!
October 2025 Pānui/ Newsletter
News from around the rohe on what’s been happening in the creative industries!



















