OUR VISION
The annual Hamilton Arts Festival Toi Ora ki Kirikiriroa (formerly Hamilton Gardens Arts Festival) has been the Waikato’s premier arts event for 25 years. Our vibrant outdoor festival showcases an exciting collection of the region’s creative community and a curated selection of national and international touring shows.
With the award-winning Hamilton Gardens as its primary venue, the festival showcases the best of Waikato’s performing artists alongside a curated selection of some of the most compelling shows from across the country and abroad.
In the last three years particularly, the festival has grown into one of national significance; becoming a major contributor to sustaining many artists, arts organisations and local businesses.
Music, theatre, dance, comedy, family events and arts experiences provide opportunities to inspire, and to be inspired, each year.
OUR PEOPLE
THE TEAM
We have a wonderful team working hard to bring you a fantastic Hamilton Arts Festival in 2026:
Director
Geoff Turkington
Associate Director & Publicist
Nick Walsh
HamLit Curators
Elisabeth Easther and Bridget van der Zijpp
National Publicist
Elisabeth Easther
Production/Technical Management
Gareth Amyes, Chase Ten Hove, Aaron Chesham and the team from ACLX
Audience Experience & Zero Waste Manager
Maureen Cruickshank
Artist Liaison Officer
Rachael Bloemendal
Economic and Social Impact Project Manager
Kat Waswo
Social Media Videographer
William Fitzgerald – Te Matai Digital
Production Liaison Officer
Ric Grocott
Marketing, Design & Channel Management
KingSt Advertising
Food & Beverage
Amber Sissons, Kelsie McLellan and the team from Montana Food & Events
Venue Partners
Hamilton Gardens, Riverlea Theatre, Meteor Theatre, Hamilton City
Accountant
Helen Yates, Cleland Hancox
THE BOARD
The Hamilton Arts Festival Toi Ora ki Kirikiriroa is delivered by the Hamilton Gardens Summer Festival Foundation, a registered charitable foundation. The Foundation Board includes Chris Williams (Chair), Raewyn Sporle, Lucy Ryan, Benny Marama, Kyle Chuen, Peta Goldsworthy, Frances Oliver and Marleina Ruka.