25 years. 8 new Laureates. 1 big night!
Join The Arts Foundation Te Tumu Toi in celebrating a milestone moment – 25 years of amplifying Aotearoa New Zealand’s most outstanding artists – and honouring eight new Laureates who are shaping our country with their creativity and vision.
This is the one night of the year our creative community comes together in full force. Expect kai and libations from some of the best local names, powerful performances, and the big reveal of this year’s most outstanding artists – the 2025 Arts Foundation Te Tumu Toi Laureates.
Date: Friday 17 October 2025
Location: Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre, Aotea Centre, Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland
Time: 6:00pm-11:00pm
6:00pm – Kai and Libations
6:45pm – Awards presentation in the Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre
9:00pm – Post awards drinks
Tickets: $100 + booking fees
World-class musicians and DJs headline this year’s Laureate Awards line-up:
- Black Grace: following the awards ceremony, expect a surprise performance from Aotearoa New Zealand’s leading contemporary dance company, founded by 2005 Laureate Neil Ieremia ONZM.
- Simon O’Neill (2005 Laureate, world-renowned opera singer) joins forces with Horomona Horo (2024 Laureate, composer and musician, known for his expertise in taonga pūoro) for a unique performance.
- Nathan and Jaimie Haines: Nathan Haines is an internationally renowned musician, producer and jazz innovator. Jaimie Haines is a celebrated designer and DJ with a gift for weaving style, music and atmosphere into pure magic. Together, this powerhouse duo are in demand at the world’s top events – and they’ll be leading the charge to welcome us to the Laureate Awards and help us celebrate post Awards!
This celebration wouldn’t be possible without these champions of creativity:
- One NZ – who generously top up each Laureate Award with $5,000 every year, directly supporting our nation’s artists
- Auckland Live – our venue partners who gift us the use of their beautiful space, The Aotea Centre
- Stuff & The Post – amplifying arts stories to Aotearoa!
- Collective Hospitality, Craggy Range Winery, Sawmill Brewery, AF Drinks, Four Pillars, Antipodes, and Huia Estate – keeping the celebration flowing with food and drink
Find out more at thearts.co.nz
For ticket enquiries, please contact Todd todd@thearts.co.nz
