Kowhai Festival is back and bigger than ever

Warkworth will celebrate community and creativity at the Kowhai Festival on Saturday October 18.

A bumper programme is planned making it the largest festival Warkworth has seen since pre-covid days, with not one but two stages.

“We’ve gone back to how it used to be,” says festival organiser Jason Paul, who’s been at the heart of bringing the iconic springtime event to life this year.

“The markets are back to their full stretch, going all the way down Baxter Street again – just like the Golden 50th festival in 2019.”

The festival’s theme is Hidden Beauty, a nod to discovering the special moments and places that often go unnoticed. Local shops have been invited to decorate their windows and create displays to help bring this to life.

The day promises to be packed with activities for all ages with over 120 market stalls, two stages of live entertainment, kids’ amusements, food trucks and a new focus on showcasing community talent.

The festival is also running a new art show called the College Art Competition with $500 worth of prizes up for grabs, which is open to local schools and young artists. Entries close October 13. For enquiries contact: kowhaifestival@gmail.com.

New in 2025: Rodney’s Got Talent – Community Stage from 1pm to 4pm

In a major expansion, the festival is introducing a second stage – the Community Stage – at Lucy Moore Park, which will host a talent show that runs from 1pm to 3pm, with a prizegiving to follow.

“This is the biggest thing we’re doing differently,” Paul says. “We’ve never done a talent show before, so we’re really excited about Rodney’s Got Talent – it’s all about the kids getting up and having a go.”

Entertainment will start on the Community Stage with school kapa haka performances and cultural acts from 9am to midday, followed by The AlphaBeatz (Andy Richards).

A relaxed picnic atmosphere is encouraged so bring a blanket, find a comfy spot on the grass and enjoy the entertainment.

Live music – Wharf Street Stage from 11am to 9pm

The main Wharf Street Stage will host live music with plenty of performances. Plus there will be lawn games nearby for the kids (and big kids). You won’t just find talent on the main stages though, expect to see a variety of performers and buskers as you wander around the festival.

Markets, food and local flair from 9am to 4pm

Queen Street’s Kowhai Market will be bigger than ever showcasing over 120 stalls from local artisans, food producers and creatives. Sustainability remains a priority, with all vendors required to comply with a waste minimisation plan.

Food tuck highlights include:
• J and J Catering & Coffee
• Smoke Junction BBQ
• Wonky Dogs
• Bon Appétit Crêperie
• Lalele Organic Gelato
• Donut Dudes
• Mr Whippy
• Chocolate-covered strawberries

Matakana Winegrowers and Bohemian Cider will run the on-site bar.

Family fun

The festival is full of entertainment for tamariki. The bounce pass for the bouncy castle is priced at $10 with all-day jumping. The tea cups and merry-go-round have their own pricing, the rock wall climbing and mini mack truck are gold coin donations, and the face painting also has its own pricing.

Community involvement and sponsors

The festival wouldn’t be possible without the passion and dedication of the organising committee who are all volunteers:
• Jason Paul
• Jessica Paul
• Justin Oliver
• Cynthia Oliver
• Steve Popham
• Natasha Butler
• Erryn Noordhoek

While key partners for 2025 include Rodney Aluminium, Hire Works, Rodney Youth Project, Harcourts Cooper & Co and the Warkworth Hotel.

Getting there

With Warkworth’s new 999 loop bus now in place, there’ll be no shuttle buses or overflow parking at Mahurangi College this year.

Keep an eye on the festival’s website https://kowhaifestival.nz/ and Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/Kowhaifestival/ for full road closure details and accessibility info.

Locals and businesses keen to be part of the action can reach out via email: kowhaifestival@gmail.com