What’s on: Autumn 2025 highlights

Sara Langdon is inspired by the green terraces and craters changing in the light; the views of the dormant volcanic forms differing from one location in the city to the next are all aspects of the landscape that drive her work, a graceful dance of shadow and light.

An Auckland-based contemporary landscape artist, she draws from these mountainous and volcanic forms, meticulously rendering each landscape to invite the viewer into the setting as a whole. Framing each mountain, each subject almost as if it were a portrait or the protagonist in a novel, Langdon’s work offers a striking perspective on the natural world around her.

Salt and Light III brings together her distinctive practices alongside Matt Payne. United in their reverence for the land, Langdon and Payne’s paintings offer a visual dialogue on the enduring power and complexity of nature. parnellgallery.co.nz

Jazz Festival
7–21 April, Tauranga

The Tauranga Jazz Festival is New Zealand’s longest-running jazz event. Held annually over Easter in Tauranga, it features world-class performances, including the National Youth Jazz Competition, concerts at Baycourt Community & Arts Centre, and vibrant street parties. The 62nd festival promises a diverse line-up of local and international artists. jazz.org.nz

New Zealand Festival of Nature

Dunedin is like no other because of its unique southern ocean animals. Penguins, sea lions, albatross and fur seals love the ocean and breed inside the city’s boundary, making it the perfect host for the Wild Dunedin NZ Festival of Nature. This year’s theme ‘Ōtepoti Dunedin Rocks’ focuses on Dunedin’s unique geological history and the contribution it makes to our environment. wilddunedin.nz

The Firebird

Loughlan Prior’s The Firebird – a fairy tale of a desert world where water is infinitely precious – was a hit in 2021. The national tour was cut short due to Covid restrictions, so 2025 is the first time that The Firebird has been seen in the South Island. Tracy Grant Lord’s stunning designs, coupled with immersive projections by POW Studios, provide the backdrop for expressive choreography, all built on the foundation of Stravinsky’s epic score. The Firebird will be paired with one-act ballet My Brilliant Career. rnzb.org.nz

Aotearoa Art Fair

Viaduct Events Centre, Auckland

One of the most significant art events in New Zealand’s cultural calendar, the Aotearoa Art Fair welcomes thousands of local and international visitors each year.

The fair spotlights the breadth and diversity of contemporary art in our region, bringing together leading galleries from New Zealand and Australia to showcase a range of works by emerging and established artists. artfair.co.nz

Friends Biennial Art Auction

16 May
Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū, Christchurch

Since 1999, the Friends have held fundraising events, the proceeds of which have been specifically used to acquire contemporary artworks for the gallery’s collection. This year, alongside great food, refreshing beverages and a lively auction, you have the exclusive chance to purchase a limited-edition artwork produced by Wayne Youle. All funds raised go directly to the continued growth and vibrancy of Te Puna o Waiwhetū. christchurchartgallery.org.nz