Free museum entry for New Zealanders and people living in New Zealand

After Dark: He Rā Whatiwhati Kō

Join us for a free, adults-only (16+), late-night event. Enjoy live music, workshops, performances, and a cash bar – all in the museum after dark.

When | Āhea

Fri 13 Mar 2026, 7.30 to 11.00pm

Where | Ki hea

Level 1 Cafe, Wellington Foyer, Level 2, Bush City, Te Taiao, Rongomaraeroa, the marae, Level 4

Cost | Te utu

Free event

Age

Age 16 and over

Celebrate Pride within the maramataka season of ngahuru with an evening of waiata, talks, hands-on workshops, and kai, in the museum after dark.

The whakataukī ‘He rā whatiwhati kō’ speaks to ngahuru as a busy time of harvest when the is used to dig up the kūmara. This whakataukī also acknowledges hard work, and through celebrating pride we acknowledge the hard work of our takatāpui and LGBTQ+ communities.

  • Join The Tiwhas for a special drag performance inspired by ngahuru and LGBTQ+ icons of Pōneke and watch the House of Marama perform on Rongomaraeroa.

  • Bring your best moves to the dance floor with DJ KAYSEEYUH.

  • Enjoy a seasonal dinner inspired by the season of ngahuru, created by Te Papa chefs.

  • Take your photo in a set created by Telly Tuita and bring your best 'fit for accessorising by Suzanne Tāmaki to show off on the runway.

  • Spend time with a section of the AIDs memorial quilt and learn about Pōneke community members who are remembered through this taonga.

R16 Event. A full schedule will be released closer to the event.

Matariki After Dark 2024. Photo by Neil Price. Te Papa (245644)

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