Show description
New Zealand Design Week (previously Auckland Design Week) returns in 2026 with A New Energy – a bold nine-day celebration of design.
Across Auckland and Aotearoa, NZDW brings together designers, brands, professionals, and the design-curious for a nine-day celebration of creativity and innovation.
Guided by the curatorial theme People + Place, this year’s programme explores the vital relationship between design, humanity, and community in an increasingly digital age. Expect conversations that challenge convention, installations that inspire interaction, and experiences that highlight the power of design to foster connection and belonging.
New Zealand Design Week 2026 features an expanded partner programme, new regional collaborations, and a major relocation to Shed 10 on Auckland’s Queen’s Wharf – home to the Design Depot, where our Design Days and the Design Conference take place.
With over 40 event sessions across the city, from exhibitions and open studios to keynotes by global design leaders including Briar Hickling and Vincent Lowe, NZDW is set to be the largest and most dynamic yet – with more exciting speakers and sessions to be revealed.
Highlights include:
- Design Days (Sun 8 – Mon 9 Mar): Immersive public and professional events celebrating local voices and creative exchange – with free access on Sunday 8 March.
- The Design Conference (Tue 10 Mar): A one-day series of panels and keynotes spanning architecture, digital design, placemaking, and industrial design.
- Design Depot (Sun 8 - Tue 10 March): Featuring the Design Objects Store and Launchpad Exhibition, supporting emerging designers and innovative products.
Plus, free events across partner showrooms, galleries, and studios throughout the nine days.
New Zealand Design Week champions the energy and diversity of Aotearoa’s design community, from the edge of the world, to the heart of the global stage.
Limited release Early Bird tickets are on sale now.
Discover the full programme and join us in March for New Zealand Design Week 2026.
