Waikato: A place where great things happen

Waikato is a place where great things happen. 

Every week, our events site, ‘Things to do’ bustles with local creative activity of all sorts, from film, collage, dance, painting, singing, stitching and so much more. All of this is delivered by passionate creatives and artists, welcoming us in to try something for the first time, or strengthen a skill. To connect with each other and experience or create something new. 

We have been spoilt this summer with a choice of local festivals to check out. From the Coromind ArtWorks Fest, to the Hamilton Arts Festival, The Rāhui Pōkeka Arts Festival, the Adventure Highway Art Trail (starting in Waitomo, moving through South Waikato and Ruapehu North) and the Festival of Weird (and even more-check it out here).

Attending events like this can have wellbeing benefits long after you come home. The latest research on creativity and wellbeing in Waikato states: 

‘Residents who attend or create artistic, cultural or creative events or activities at least once a month report feeling more connected to culture and community, to land and place, and self.’ 

Creative activity can contribute to activating our public spaces, helping our towns and cities to be more vibrant places. Think about when someone from out of town visits – where do you take them? It probably involves kai, and something beautiful. Is there music playing? Something that has been designed to catch your attention? Do you want to stop and take a photo? 

Creativity contributes to ‘liveability’, meaning that our favourite places are more appealing to work, play and live in. This can have great benefits for our local communities, for tourism, and local economies. 

Trying something new can even make time feel like it slows down, and make each day stand out from the flow of time. As autumn arrives, we encourage you to plan some creative bright-spots to help with the change of the season.

Take a moment to check out what is happening in your neighbourhood (share with your colleagues, friends and whānau) and add any events you might be running! You can even sign up for a monthly newsletter to get the scoop direct to your inbox.

Check out the treasure trove of vibrant creative things to do in Waikato. 

Written by: Dr. Aimee Anderson-O’Connor, Creative Waikato team member
Research quoted from: Creative Waikato & Huber Social, ‘Wellbeing and Arts, Culture and Creativity in the Waikato’, 2022, p. 50