The Spinoff’s top pick of events from around the motu. Here’s the best for the week November 27–December 4.
Welcome to The Spinoff event guide, your weekly, curated selection of gigs, events and exhibitions happening across Aotearoa. If you want to pitch your event for future guides then please use this handy form.
Tāmaki Makaurau
Visual art: Portage Ceramic Awards Exhibition
Te Uru, 420 Titirangi Road
On now until February 8
Free
The Portage Ceramic Awards celebrates the rich heritage of pottery in West Auckland. For a list of finalists, see the exhibition website.
Market: The D*List Market and Crafting Day
322 New North Road
10am–2pm Sat, December 6
Free
“There will be stalls by local disabled makers, delicious kai, zine-making, friendship bracelet making and more!” This market day is part of the D*List‘s celebrations of International Day of People with Disabilities. All disabled, Deaf, tāngata whaikaha and friends and whānau of disabled community members welcome.
Ahuriri
Music: The New Zealand Symphony Orchestra presents Summer Brass
Napier Municipal Theatre, 119 Tennyson St
10am–11am Wed, December 10
$18–$47.50
“Internationally acclaimed musician and conductor Gail Williams joins the NZSO Brass and Percussion for a celebration of all things Brass! Summer Brass is a great concert for the whole whānau, featuring a mix of bold classics, fantastic fanfares and even the odd Christmas carol or two. Prepare to be entertained!”
Taratahi
Visual Art: Self-Guided Tour of Stonehenge Aotearoa
51 Ahiaruhe Rd
10am–4pm for the month of December
$5–$20
“Our self-guided tour includes a map and a 12-minute audio-visual presentation to help you uncover the secrets of the henge. Afterward, head down to the stone circle and try out its unique acoustics — clap your hands and hear the echo respond, or whisper and see how far your voice carries.”
Whakatū
Music: A Cathedral Christmas
Nelson Cathedral
2pm, December 6 & 7
$15–$35
“NBS Nelson City Brass and the Nelson Cathedral Choir bring you the 2025 edition of one of the most popular concerts in Nelson’s fabulous festive season. The band and choir – brimming with outstanding soloists – present traditional favourites alongside modern offerings in the splendour of Nelson’s beautiful Cathedral. These concerts sell out every year so get your tickets now!”
Ōtautahi
Music: Nadia Reid – Enter Now Brightness tour
The Piano
7.30pm Fri, December 5
$65
“This December acclaimed songwriter Nadia Reid journeys back to New Zealand and Australia in celebration of Enter Now Brightness; her critically lauded fourth album which was released on Chrysalis in February 2025.”
Ōtepoti
Visual art: Signature Ink Guided by Artist Kat Allard (Workshop)
Dunedin Public Art Gallery
2pm Sat, December 6
$20
“Blend your very own perfect pigmented ink! In this taster class, suitable for all experience levels, participants will blend and create their own signature ink colour, and then swatch and label it. Along with learning about ink-making process and blending a colour, you can add sparkles, and scent to your ink if you wish.”
