Iconic Auckland Eats 2025 Top 100 Dishes Revealed After Record Number Of Nominations
Presented by Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, on behalf of Auckland Council, Iconic Auckland Eats celebrates the diversity and quality of Auckland's food scene and its hospitality industry. Inclusion in the annual Top 100 list is driven by personal nomination stories submitted by the public about their favourite dishes. Any dish can be nominated to become an Iconic Auckland Eat, whether it's sold from a local bakery, market stall, food truck, café or fine-dining restaurant. Nominations are reviewed by judges to determine the Top 100 list.
In 2025 Iconic Auckland Eats celebrates two milestones – its fifth anniversary and a record number of nominations. This year the public submitted 3109 nominations through the Iconic Auckland Eats website, an increase of 67 per cent from the 1857 nominations received in late 2023 for the Top 100 list announced in early 2024.
'Iconic Auckland Eats continues to grow as a celebration of Auckland's culinary scene,' says Tātaki Auckland Unlimited Director Destination, Annie Dundas. Tātaki Auckland Unlimited launched Iconic Auckland Eats in 2020 with the support of Restaurant Hub, New Zealand's largest online restaurant booking network.
'Food fans active on social media love to share content about dishes they love and learn about new ones to try. Our friends in hospitality have really embraced Iconic Auckland Eats and encourage their customers to nominate dishes. We have very passionate people in all parts of Auckland who want to share food stories from their region. It's been really nice to see how that's evolved in the past five years and helped to boost the success of hospitality businesses,' Dundas says.
In 2025, there are 77 dishes new to the Iconic Auckland Eats Top 100 list, with 39 businesses debuting on the list.
'It's wonderful to see how Auckland's dining options offer such variety – this is reflected with the new additions to this year's list,' Dundas says.
Of the 23 dishes returning to the Iconic Auckland Eats Top 100 list in 2025, only two have been on the list since its inception – lamingtons from Sugar at Chelsea Bay and Depot's fish sliders.
Nominations are assessed by judges on a range of criteria: a dish that's well-loved, representative of local culture and people, a timeless classic, and/or a 'signature dish'. The list not only celebrates food, but also in-store experiences, people, history, heritage and culture.
This year's judges were Annie Dundas, along with renowned food-industry figure and The Kitchen Project Manager, Connie Clarkson and Restaurant Hub co-owner, Mark Gregory.
The Top 100 list is compiled from the judges' recommendations and an evaluation of nominators' stories about their favourite dishes.
In a new initiative for 2025 there are five winning dish-nomination stories, instead of one story. In previous years the winning nominator won vouchers to eat all Top 100 dishes from the year's Iconic Auckland Eats list, but this year the five winning nominators will each receive $500 worth of vouchers to spend at their choice of Iconic Auckland Eats Top 100 list venues.
Connie Clarkson says Iconic Auckland Eats shows off food offerings not just in the city centre, but in neighbourhoods across the region. 'Iconic Eats is a love letter from the food lovers of Auckland to the cooks, chefs and their whānau who step up to the plate to deliver the food that brings them joy every day. It transcends place, price, nations and neighbourhoods, complexity, simplicity and time. We are really lucky.'
Mark Gregory says; 'For me, Auckland's restaurant scene is more than just a collection of great places to eat; it's a dynamic expression of the city's personality — inventive, confident, and increasingly global in outlook. The range of cuisines and styles in the Iconic Auckland Eats Top 100 list showcase the region's cultural diversity — where local influences sit alongside East Asian, Middle Eastern, and European traditions, often blended in uniquely Aotearoa ways.'
Iconic Auckland Eats also provides an opportunity for visitors to Auckland to learn about the region by enjoying its food.
'We've seen Iconic Auckland Eats picked up internationally, whether it's from journalists coming here and writing about it or travel agents popping information into itineraries. It's nice to share the places that Aucklanders think of as great with visitors and each other,' Dundas says.
Karen Thompson-Smith, Tātaki Auckland Unlimited Head of Tourism, says she is thrilled with Iconic Auckland Eats' building momentum.
'Food and beverage services are a vital part of Auckland's vibrancy and are a major contributor to the region's visitor economy. We know that trying local cuisine is a must-do activity for most visitors coming to New Zealand,' she says.
In the year to March 2025, food and beverage services accounted for 17.4 per cent of domestic and international visitor spending in Auckland, according to Infometrics.
For more information on Iconic Auckland Eats, visit aucklandnz.com/iconic-eats @visitauckland #iconicaucklandeats
*Dish previously included on an Iconic Auckland Eats Top 100 list
** Business new to the Iconic Auckland Eats Top 100 list
Business name Dish name
Agak Agak Food** Malaysian Nasi Campur
Ahi Tuna Hūhunu
Ailimteh Nasi Lemak Bungkus** Nasi Lemak Bungkus
Alma Beef Tongue, Preserved Lemon, Olive
Amano Chitarra, scampi, tomato & chilli*
Apéro Seared Lamb Rump, Jus with Carrot Purée and Kasundi
Aryeh** Black & White Thoughts
Ashby Pies** Beef Cheek & Cheese Pie
Azabu Volcano Sushi Rolls*
Bali Nights Ikan Bakar Jimbaran*
Banh Mi Boy Lemongrass Chicken Banh Mi
Bar Magda Noel's charcoal steak, soy butter, scallion
Bari's Pizza** Deluxe Pepperoni Pizza
Beast & Butterflies** Market Fish of the Day, scampi bisque, mussels, prawns, burnt tomatoes, fennel
Bestie Cafe Towpath Cheese Toastie
BFC Korean Chicken** Seasoned Cup Chicken
Boda Eggplant Bibimbap
Bossi Olive Fritte
Bridgehouse Warkworth** Fresh Steamed Mussels
Broke Boy Taco Birria Tacos
Bunga Raya X.O. CHICKEN
Burnt Butter Diner Chilli Fried Eggs
Candela Lamb belly pintxo with mojo verde
Carmel - Israeli Street Food Crispy Falafel Pita*
Casita Miro Churros Con Chocolate
Cassia Pani Puri*
Cheese On Toast Bacon Jam Toastie*
Cibo West Coast whitebait omelette with ginger, soy & lime butter
Cocoro The Sashimi Platter*
Depot Fish Sliders*
Duo Raw Fish on Toast
Eden Noodles Dumplings In Spicy Sauce*
Esther Puff bread & taramasalata
Farina Padella Isabella
Farm House Cafe Pimp My Cheese Scone - Benedict Pimp
Fatima's Lamb Chawarma
Federal Delicatessen Chicken Salad Sandwich*
First Mates, Last Laugh** Pan-Fried John Dory
FishSmith Battered Westmere Butchery Pork Sausage
Forest** Smoked purple kumara, caper brine glaze, Marmite cream, rosemary greens, paprika
Forester Bar & Grill** Skin-on Snapper
Fort Greene** The Reuben
Frat's Pizza** Hawaiian Pizza
Gemmayze Street Babaganouj*
Gerome Rolled Baklava, Greek Nuts, Gooseberry Compote, Metaxa Syrup, Mascarpone
Giapo World Famous Hokey Pokey
GOAT By Sid Chopra** GOAT Champaran
Hapunan Adobo Del Diablo*
Hello Beasty Prawn + Crab Toast*
Hill House Cafe Pimp My Scone - The OG Pimp
Huami Fruit Wood Roasted Peking Duck*
INCA Spicy Tuna Tostada
Ipoh Malaysian Cuisine Lorbak
Izu** Tuna Ceviche
Jia Qi Sweets - Chow Luck Club Foodie Market** Dragon's Beard Candy
Khu Khu** Kumara Spring Roll
Kingi Hot smoked kahawai from Little Barrier with horseradish
Lebanese Grocer** Chicken Shawarma
Leigh Eats** Fish & Chips
Lot Nineteen Cinnamon Rolls*
Lucky Gs Thigh Guy
Mae Nam Khong** Drunken Spicy Duck
Mairangi Bay Bakery** Braised Beef Short Rib Pie
MASU by Nic Watt Wagyu Kimchi Gyoza Black Origin Wagyu Beef & Kimchi Gyoza, Pickled Cucumber, Soy Vinegar
Mekong Baby Braised Crispy Pork Belly, Caramelised Chilli & Soy, Asian Slaw*
Metita** Handpicked Beef Scotch, 55 day dry-aged, palusami purée, ravigote
Mint As Waiheke Island, Burgers & Shakes** Mint As Burger
Moxie Restaurant** Beef Wellington, potato and truffle foam, pumpkin seed and parsley pesto
Mumbaiwala** Dahi Puri
Nanam Lechon
Ockhee Tofu BBQ Gui
Ohui Restaurant** Pāua Tortellini
Onslow Chatham Islands Crayfish Éclair, Organic Egg, Spiced Bisque, Herbs
Our Land** East Coast Brisket
Paradise Lamb Biryani*
Peach's Hot Chicken Peanut Butter Mousse Pie
Pici Pici Cacio e Pepe*
Prego Risotto All'Anatra
Ragtag Duck Carnitas Tacos*
Ramen Takara** Jade Ramen
Red Crab** Sweet And Sour Chicken
Rhu** Honey toast with whipped yoghurt and nectarines
Richoux Patisserie** Steak, Jalapeño and Cheese Pie
San Ray** Quinoa Toast with Smoked Fish and Pickled Egg
Shelley's Kitchen** Malaysian Spiral Curry Puffs
SkyBar Gold Bar*
Smiths Matakana** Chef's Loaded Fries
Sugar at Chelsea Bay Raspberry Lamington*
Tacoteca** Ora King Salmon Aguachile (please note this changes with the season so fish varies)
Tala Raw Ramen
Tempero** Pão de Queijo (Cheese Bread)
The 'Ansum Pasty Company** Proper Cornish Pasty
The Blue Breeze Inn Steamed Bao Bun with roasted pork belly & pickled cucumber*
The Engine Room Twice Baked Goats Cheese Souffle*
The Glass House Brick Bay Leigh Skin-On Snapper
The Local Waiheke Fish Taco
The Lodge Passionfruit Drizzled Pavlova
The Sugar Dealer** Raspberry Cheesecake Brownie
Tiger Bar & Restaurant** Korean Fried Cauliflower, Gochujang Glaze, Sesame, Kimchi
Vietnam Cafe Spare Ribs Rice Noodles Soup
The five winning dish-nomination stories
Noel's charcoal steak, soy butter, scallion from Bar Magda – nominated by Elle Pitts
They have turned that steak into something great. Cooked over charcoal perfectly, and then that sauce. I could drink that sauce. I could bath in that sauce...smothered over the perfectly cooked and seasoned steak. Just divine.
Deluxe Pepperoni Pizza from Bari's Pizza – nominated by Simran Patel
It combines halal pepperoni and bell peppers [capsicums] with delicious, hot honey. Out of all the halal pepperoni pizzas I've had around the world this has to be the best! Halal pepperoni is so hard to come across, so that's another reason why it deserves to win.
Dumplings in Spicy Sauce from Eden Noodles – nominated by Karol Troncoso
Every time I visit Eden Noodles; I watch the lady at the door making dumplings with such precision. Her care and skill make every bite perfect. These dumplings reflect Auckland's diverse food scene – handmade, flavourful, and crafted with passion.
Risotto All'Anatra from Prego – nominated by Jodi Pretscherer
It is like a creamy bowl of happiness. I can't eat this without having my 17-year-old and husband 'taxing' it. It's a must-have at this iconic restaurant.
Spare Ribs Rice Noodles Soup from Vietnam Café – nominated by Joshua Jo
This dish has been a favourite of mine since I was 10 years old. I'm nearly 40 now and nothing has changed, in the best way. The dish's flavour, quality, and presentation remain consistent, and I'll gladly drive from the other side of Auckland for it.
Notes:
Now in its fifth year, Iconic Auckland Eats aims to support the hospitality sector and showcase Auckland's world-class cuisine and diverse food story
An initiative by Tātaki Auckland Unlimited on behalf of Auckland Council, Iconic Auckland Eats is an annual list of the top 100 dishes available in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, as nominated by the public and reviewed by a judging panel
Iconic Auckland Eats submissions are nominated by food-loving locals and visitors to Tāmaki Makaurau, who also share a brief story about why they love the dish. There were 3109 nominations submitted 5 February - 5 March 2025 via aucklandnz.com/iconic-eats
Food and beverage services employ more than 150,000 people in the Auckland region, 15 per cent of the total Auckland workforce.
More than 32,000 businesses, or 14 per cent, of Auckland's businesses are in the food and beverage-service sector. [Data source: Infometrics]
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
RNZ News
2 days ago
- RNZ News
Council-backed venue brings Pacific-led theatre to Auckland stage
The cast of Tafatolu perform at Basement Theatre. Photo: Basement Theatre Auckland Council is bringing Pacific-led theatre to the heart of the city by funding the venue for Tafatolu , a new 50-minute play blending Sāmoan mythology, live music and physical theatre. The production has not received direct council funding, but its debut at Basement Theatre aims to show how subsidised access to city venues can shape the stories seen by Auckland audiences. Emily Trent, Auckland Council's head of arts and culture, says the venue support is part of a wider commitment to ensure the city's arts scene reflects Auckland's diverse population. "Auckland Council has facilitated Tafatolu by funding the venue where it is being held," Trent says. "The production itself has not received any direct funding from the council. "However, through our regional grants and cultural initiatives, the council does prioritise opportunities that reflect Auckland's diverse population. "This results in multiple events and artworks being brought to life that reflect Auckland's unique identity, which includes the cultures of Pacific peoples." Trent cites an example: in the last financial year, 43 out of 246 applicants - approximately 20 percent - who received funding from the Creative Communities Scheme, delivered in partnership with Creative New Zealand, were Pacific-led or for Pacific communities. "Seven of 46 grants from the council's Regional Arts and Culture fund were for initiatives led by Pacific communities and/organisations, or those that demonstrated strong outcomes for Pacific artists. They included Black Grace, Siva Afi Festival, and Ngā Rangatahi Toa. "Two major annual events with a Pacific focus are regularly funded by Auckland Council, Polyfest and the Pacific Music Awards. Together, they represent 19.2 percent in value of funding delivered from the Regional Events fund," Trent says. The council also supports various Moana Oceania and Pacific arts and culture initiatives, including Te Maeva Nui 2025, a major Cook Islands/Kūku 'Airani cultural festival, and the Lagi-Maama Academy, which assists grassroots and smaller groups to exhibit and perform across the city. Current examples are Taimwanuokai|Forget Me Not by artists Kaetaeta Watson and Louisa Humphry MNZM at Māngere Arts Centre, and Noken/Men by Veronika Kanem at the Central Library. The council's backing extends to the Aotearoa Arts Fair, featuring Niuean-New Zealand artist Sully Paea MNZM, presented by Fresh Gallery Ōtara, along with other exhibitions at council facilities such as the recent Fafangu: to Awaken at Māngere Arts Centre. Basement Theatre, a hub for independent and emerging performances in Auckland. Photo: Basement Theatre Tafatolu , written and directed by Nikeidrian Lologa-Peters (Te Arawa, Ngāi Tūhoe; Magiagi, Papase'ea - Samoa), combines the traditional Sāmoan Fale Aitu theatre form with contemporary storytelling to explore themes of friendship, identity, and growth under the gaze of Sāmoan gods. The story follows best friends Tautai and Maau, whose refusal to change draws the attention of Nafanua, the goddess of war, Fiapoko, the god of knowledge, and Fa'ataualofa, the god of love. Lologa-Peters says the central city location matters as much as the production itself. "We tell our stories at home, in community halls, in churches but they also belong in our city's main theatres. That visibility matters for the next generation of storytellers." Lologa-Peters directs the production, which features performances by Tristin Katoa, Lologa-Peters, Josephine Mavaega, Lijah Mavaega, and Nētane Taukiuvea. Lijah Mavaega is also the musical director and composer, while Fuimaono-Tuimafuiva Falesātaua Joshua (Mush) Iosefo is the dramaturg, and Jonjon Tolovae is responsible for costume design. LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
The Spinoff
6 days ago
- The Spinoff
All the celebrities* running in local elections around the country this year
Alex Casey takes a Hollywood tour through the star-studded candidates list. For those who love to follow weird local celebrity gossip, it's slim pickings out there at the moment. Noel Edmonds has gone quiet, Brad Pitt has left the building by way of McDonald's drive-thru, and Jay-Jay and Minou's love story can only sustain interest for so long (although admittedly mine is yet to wane). We are left with nothing but mourning for Sam Neill's beloved duck Magda, and there's not even a season of Celebrity Treasure Island this year to numb the pain of it all. If you've been left wondering what happened to all the quirky and interesting well-known personalities of Aotearoa, I recently discovered where many of them have been hiding out: local body politics. And while it took a little while to weed out the real big names from the flagrant imposters (looking at you Tony Bennett in Dunedin, Paul Williams in Waimakariri, Bill Hammond in Upper Hutt City), this year boasts a truly impressive number of celebrities* hitting the campaign trail. Anne 'The Champagne Lady' Batley-Burton (Auckland) The champagne importer, cat enthusiast and Real Housewives of Auckland star made big headlines in June, first announcing that she would be running for Auckland Council's Waitematā Local Board before also revealing that she was accidentally bowled over by her husband's car while trying to rescue a roaming cat. Running on the centre-right C&R ticket, Batley-Burton told the Herald she wants to reduce crime in Auckland's CBD ('quite scary'), stop the 'free for all' of housing intensification, and make desexing and microchipping free for cat owners. For more insights, here's a tipsy dispatch after I spent a whole day sipping champagne with her in 2017. Jamaine Ross (Auckland) You may know him for being crack-up on things like Frickin' Dangerous Bro, Guy Mont Spelling Bee, 7 Days and Have You Been Paying Attention, but Waitākere Ranges Local Board candidate Jamaine Ross now has a serious message: don't vote for him. 'Please don't,' the comedian pleaded from the front seat of his car in a recent video. 'This isn't a gag, this isn't a joke, this isn't some kind of weird reverse psychology thing to try and convince you to vote for me. Don't vote for me. I don't want to do it, OK?' Intriguing, confusing and conversation-starting for sure. Michael Organ (Whanganui) Famous for a star turn in the David Farrier documentary Mister Organ, Michael Organ is running for one of 10 Whanganui General Ward councillor positions on Whanganui District Council this year and I am genuinely too scared to write anything else. Pennywize (Wellington) Let the chills continue with this homage to an evil clown who famously lures kids into drains with paper boats and then eats them. Luckily, this Pennywize (with a z) is mostly looking to return 'sanity, common sense, swamps, moa and hokioi Haast's eagles to the streets of Te Whanganui-a-Tara' in their mayoral bid this year. If your blood is curdled by the idea of a horror sound-a-like roaming the streets, you just wait till you hear who is running in Ōamaru (Ferdie Kruger). Teal Mau (Wellington) Hairdresser Teal Mau captured our hearts when he competed with wife Sophia in My Kitchen Rules NZ in 2017. 'The coolest MKR chef remains 'international man of mystery' Teal, who it is revealed everyone is scared of because he looks a lot like Johnny Depp and almost never talks,' we wrote at the time. The comparison appears to have stuck around, not helped by the fact that Mau recently responded to a NZ Herald question about Depp with the phrase 'parley' – a pirate negotiation term lifted directly from The Pirates of the Caribbean movies. Mau is running for one of three Pukehīnau/Lambton General Ward councillor positions on Wellington Council, where he wants to give business owners a voice, keep young people in the city, and presumably find the beating heart of Davy Jones. Will Hall (Christchurch) He's faced down the Ferndale Strangler, but how might he handle the constituents of Christchurch? You might recognise Will Hall as Dr Kip Denton from Shortland Street, or the mutton-chopped Mike McCarthy from Westside, but the actor has more recently been gunning for a new role: repping the good people of Heathcote Ward on the Waihoro Spreydon-Cashmere-Heathcote Community Board. Running with the campaign slogan 'where there's a Will, there's a way,' Hall told Stuff in 2022, when he unsuccessfully ran for ward councillor, that there was Nothing Trivial (another show he starred in for several years) about his acting background: 'I'm new to politics and that's an advantage; no preconceptions, I'm independent, energetic with common-sense.' Mandy Mayhem (Dunedin) In a way, Mandy Mayhem being one of the 1,000 people in the Dunedin Study is about as famous as you can get. OK, so you're involved in the world's most detailed longitudinal study of human development? That DO impress-a me much. The Dunedin mayoral candidate is also a ringmaster, a black belt in taekwondo, spent six years on the Waikouaiti-Coast Community Board, and was elected as a Dunedin City councillor in 2022. She's also been described as a ' pirate queen ' – just don't tell Teal up in Wellies or we might have to hose down the Black Pearl. Suzanne Prentice (Invercargill) She's performed with Dolly Parton, Johnny Cash and basically every single New Zealand child alive for the Kids for Kids national tour in the 90s and 2000s, but these days you're more likely to find country music legend Suzanne Prentice in a meeting than on the big stage. First challenging Tim Shadbolt for the mayoralty in 2010, Prentice has since become a familiar name in Invercargill local politics and is now dreamin' her dreams of being re-elected to the Invercargill Licensing Trust in 2025. (PS: I don't know what the NZ equivalent of an EGOT is, but Prentice has already nabbed a New Year's honour and a star on the walk of fame this year alone.) Steve Broad (Invercargill) Speaking of Invercargill crooners, it's only bloody Steve Broad from NZ Idol and X Factor NZ! First arriving on our screens in 2005, all wide eyes and long hair, the blondini from the south came third in season two of NZ Idol (later won by Rosita Vai). A whole decade later, he returned to the singing competition stage for X Factor NZ in 2015, a season so massively overshadowed by the Kills-Moon explosion that we all forgot his moving rendition of ' Summertime Sadness '. He outlasted suit thief Joe Irvine, but Broad was eliminated in the quarter finals. In 2023, he successfully ran in the Invercargill City Council byelection, and will be looking to ' Stay ' on as a councillor in 2025. Paddy O'Brien (Invercargill) Invercargill's stardust continues to shine with O'Brien, the world's first ever professional rugby referee who is also standing for re-election to the Invercargill Licensing Trust this year. O'Brien refereed the first ever professional match between the Hurricanes and the Blues in 1996, and went on to referee 80 more Super Rugby matches, two Rugby World Cups, and 218 first-class matches. Marcus Lush (Invercargill) OK, Invercargill is basically Madame Tussaud's at this point. Although he called 'bullshit' on the celebrity title back in 2022, there's no denying that councillor candidate Marcus Lush is a heavy hitter to round out the city's cavalcade of celebri– sorry, notable characters. He has been in the public eye (and/or ear) since the late 80s, be it fronting documentary series like Off the Rails and South, or hosting stints on bFM, Radio Live and his current late-night gig on Newstalk ZB. An impressive CV, but even someone as experienced as Lush can admit his shortcomings. 'I'm not a Kardashian,' he once told The Spinoff. 'It's not like I've done a sex tape.'
Scoop
15-07-2025
- Scoop
Autaia Unveils Two Nights Of Rangatahi-Led Haka Theatre
Haka Theatre showcase, Autaia is back and this time, it's twice as exciting. For the first time, it will span two evenings giving more schools and kura than ever a chance to unleash their ihi, wehi and wana on stage. Returning to Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre on Thursday 28 and Friday 29 August, Autaia 2025 will feature 12 schools and kura from Tāmaki Makaurau, Te Tai Tokerau and, for the first time, Waikato. Presented by Hawaiki TŪ and Auckland Live (a division of Tātaki Auckland Unlimited), this year's event embraces the theme 'He Hawaiki Hou – A Return, A Renewal, A Rising'. Founder and Artistic Director of Autaia, Kura Te Ua, says that it's humbling to see how Autaia is evolving and the impact it's having on rangatahi, their kura, and wider communities. 'This year we've found ways to keep the kaupapa growing. Our rangatahi deserve to be seen, heard, and celebrated. Autaia creates space for them to stand confidently in their own light and unapologetically express who they are and who they are becoming,' says Te Ua. The new two-night format introduces new categories which will showcase high-impact performances. Each school will present an original haka theatre piece, conceptualised, choreographed and performed by the students. The three creative categories include: Haka Bracket: Haka infused with theatrical storytelling Haka Musical: Haka blended with song, drama, and characterisation Haka Movement: Storytelling through Haka Movement and choreography With NCEA credits, mentorship from industry professionals, and a platform to showcase their talents on stage and behind the scenes, Autaia celebrates identity, artistry and rangatahi leadership. 'As part of our extension plan, we're excited to welcome our first kura from Waikato to the Autaia stage. Their unique style and deep connection to their hapori bring fresh energy to the kaupapa, showing that haka theatre connects and empowers rangatahi far beyond Tāmaki Makaurau,' says Te Ua. 'Through bold creativity and the lived experiences of rangatahi, each Autaia performance becomes a powerful expression of te ahurea Māori and a reminder that He Hawaiki Hou is within our reach,' Te Ua adds. ' Autaia shows what's possible when we back our taiohi-rangatahi and the creative sector,' says Helen Te Hira, Director of Māori Outcomes at Tātaki Auckland Unlimited. 'As the region's cultural agency, we're proud to support Autaia alongside senior Māori creatives as it grows into a bold, future-focused platform. Through Auckland Live, we help create spaces — on stage, behind the scenes, and beyond — where taiohi-rangatahi can thrive, lead, and shape the creative future of Aotearoa'. Tickets are now on pre-sale for Autaia 2025, promising to be an unmissable showcase of the next generation of storytellers redefining haka theatre. Schools and kura performing at Autaia 2025 are: Tāmaki Makaurau Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Hoani Waititi Marae Ngā Tūmanako o Kahurangi – Auckland Girls' Grammar Te Whānau o Tupuranga – Kia Aroha Campus Te Kura Kaupapa Māori a rohe o Māngere Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Te Kōtuku Te Kura Tuarua o Pukekohekohe Massey High School Ngā Puna o Waiōrea Te Tai Tokerau Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Te Rāwhitiroa Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Kaikohe Te Rangi Āniwaniwa Waikato Ngā Taiātea Wharekura Autaia takes place at Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre, Aotea Centre, on Thursday 28 August & Friday 29 August 2025, from 7 PM to 9 PM. Tickets go on sale to the General Public on Thu 17 July, 9am from: Note: Auckland Live is the premiere organisation for performing arts, culture, entertainment and events in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland. As Aotearoa New Zealand's largest performing arts organisation, we proudly present a programme of live arts and entertainment across our iconic venues: Aotea Centre, The Civic, Auckland Town Hall, The Cloud, Shed 10, Viaduct Events Centre, Bruce Mason Centre, and Aotea Square. Auckland Live is part of Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, a council-controlled organisation. Tātaki Auckland Unlimited (TAU) is Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland's cultural, events and destination agency. It is an Auckland Council-controlled organisation that works to make Auckland a vibrant place to live and visit, through events, experiences and taonga (treasures).
