July in Taranaki

The second half of 2026 is here, and in July there are plenty of things going on around Taranaki.  Here are some of our picks, and some of the events you’ll hear Paul talking about on your Taranaki Day Show between 10 and 3 weekdays.

And make sure to listen each Thursday at 1.30 and Friday at 10.55 for The Hits List, updated for the weekend, thanks to Collective First National – Real People, Real Results.

If you have something to include on The Hits List – email [email protected]

* regular events listed below these one-off dated events
* all information is correct at time of publishing. To be used as a guide only.  Check official venue and event pages for additional information and confirmations.

Events Calendar: updated Tue 30 July

TARANAKI WINTER FEST
Continues until Wed 8 July
presented by TAFT, experience winter in Taranaki at its most vibrant, creative and alive! A diverse programme rich in storytelling, featuring theatre, comedy, live music, and dance from international, New Zealand, and local artists, alongside the much-loved Speakeasy literary sessions.    Step out of the cold, discover something new, and experience an arts festival like no other as Winter Fest lights up the season.

THE NEW ZEALAND YOUTH CHOIR 
Wed 1 Jul, 7.30pm, St Andrews Presbyterian 
with Guest choir Ombre, They won the ‘Choir of the World’ 2025.

MAGIC MEN AUSTRALIA
Fri 3 Jul, 7pm, NP Club
Magic Men Australia is taking over the world, breaking attendance records across Australia, New Zealand, Europe, U.S.A, South America and Canada! This is global entertainment at its peak.  And for the first time, the show presents TikTok and world-famous Instagram superstar Will Parfitt, with a combined following of over 20 million. Get ready for a night you’ll never forget Magic Men delivers Australia’s most talented performers, high-energy choreography, jaw-dropping acrobatics, and cheeky crowd interaction, all packaged into a world-class touring production.  This event is R18

PUANGA | MATARIKI: AN EVENING OF KŌRERO, PERFORMANCE AND REFLECTION
Friday 3 July, 6.00–8.00pm, Puke Ariki Foyer, Free
This opening night event marks the Māori New Year and includes a welcome from Ngāti Te Whiti, kōrero from Te Poihi Campbell on the significance of Puanga and Matariki in our region, a guided moment of remembrance and reflection, and a kapa haka performance. Everyone is welcome to what will be a really special evening for the community.

MATARKI FAMILY ART SPECIAL
Sunday 4th, 10.30-12, Govett Brewster Art Gallery
In this free Family Art Special Session, we discover the stars within the Matariki cluster and what they represent.  Using art making activities we connect each star to the environment and everyday life.

STRATFORD DISTRICT COUNCIL - PUANGA - FREE EVENTS
marking the Māori New Year with events for all ages and interests.
Puanga signals a time to gather, remember those who have passed, celebrate what’s been achieved, and set intentions for the year ahead. Over the next few weeks, locals and visitors can get involved in a range of activities.
Puanga rākau reflections and aspirations activity | until 7 July
Percy Thomson Gallery Foyer
•    Write down your burdens or the names of loved ones you’ve lost in the past year and these will be burned as part of our celebration event.
•    Hang your aspirations and goals for the year ahead on our Puanga rākau.
Te mātauranga o te poi workshops: Saturday 4 July, 10am or 1pm
Stratford War Memorial Centre – FREE and limited spaces available, Register here
•    Delivered by the Whakaahurangi Māori Women’s Welfare League, these hands-on workshops are a wonderful opportunity to connect, create, and learn together
•    Discover the rich history and cultural significance of poi, make your very own poi to take home, and learn some fun and easy poi movements in a relaxed and welcoming environment.
•    With a choice of either a morning or afternoon session, each workshop runs for approximately two hours and is suitable for ages 11 years and over.
Ngā Taonga Tuku Iho (the treasures passed down): Saturday 4 July, 10am – 3pm
Function Facility, Stratford War Memorial Centre – FREE
•    A display of Māori art by Whakaahurangi Māori Women’s Welfare League Raranga Rōpū
•    Discover the beauty of Māori craftsmanship through raranga, tukutuku, and tāniko, celebrating culture, stories, and connection.
•    Puanga/Matariki-themed activities will be available for younger children, giving whānau the opportunity to relax and enjoy the exhibition together.
 Puanga Flag Competition
Check out our winning designs from the Puanga Flag Competition flying down Broadway from until 15 July. You can see all entries on display at the Library and Visitor Information Centre.
Puanganui-o-te-rangi | Thursday 9 July, 4pm - 7pm
War Memorial Centre, Stratford – FREE
A collaboration between Ngāruahine Iwi Health Service and SDC, this is a free community event for all ages and focuses on entertainment, education, and hauora; a Māori philosophy of health and wellbeing.
Visitors will enjoy an evening inspired by the stars, including:
•    Lighting displays
•    Entertainment from Fire poi by Fire and Flow and Kapa Haka
•    Weaving wānanga with Māori Women’s Welfare League
•    Glow face painting
•    Hands-on activities for tamariki
•    Health and wellbeing stations
•    Free sausage sizzle, and much more.
To stay up to date with Stratford’s Puanga celebrations visit Stratford.govt.nz/Puanga

SOUTH TARANAKI HAPPENING HOLIDAYS (SCHOOL HOLIDAY PROGRAMME)
Mon6 – Fri 17 July, various locations
With so many activities, there’s no chance for tamariki to claim they’re bored. Features activities taking place at the seven South Taranaki District LibraryPlus centres, the Hāwera Aquatic Centre, and a wide range of community run events. From rugby skills sessions and cupcake decorating to roller skating, craft workshops, and the all-new Big Bounce event. Something for every age and interest.  Visit www.southtaranaki.com/happeningholidays for more information.

THE 100: HISTORY REIMAGINED
July 9 - July 18, TSB Showplace, NP
This special show has been created by the New Plymouth Operatic Society in partnership with the TSB Showplace to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Theatre. Featuring the most iconic songs, dances, and moments from over 25 beloved musicals - all in one unforgettable night, with songs from shows such as Mamma Mia, Joseph, Matilda, Les Miserables, 42nd Street, and We Will Rock You (plus many more, old and new). The history of the Showplace will be incorporated partly during the show, and also via graphics / video presentations pre-show and during the interval.
Visit npos.co.nz for more info, and to book.

BATTLE AT THE BEACH / PRE-SEASON RUGBY – Taranaki v Wellington
Friday 24 July, Corbett Park, Kaitake
This match continues the Bulls’ tradition of taking top level footy to smaller towns. The Bulls will even run out in a special blue and black Kaitake strip. The day will honour local legend David Jennings, who contributed decades to the club. Tickets are limited, so fans are being urged to get in early, following sold-out Manaia preseason fixtures with Principal Partner Yarrows the Bakers in 2023 and 2025 and the Firstgas Urenui Showdown in 2024