Festivals

This page lists our festivals that we run and the associated events.

Silver Festival Whangārei

The Silver Festival (1 to 14 October 2026) is an annual series of events to celebrate older adults and acknowledge their important role and contribution to Whangārei. Check out this year's events!

Whangārei Christmas Festival

The Whangārei Christmas Festival will be jingling all the way across the District from Saturday 28 November to Friday 25 December 2026.

Endless Summer Festival

The Endless Summer Festival is a vibrant programme of art exhibitions, concerts, sporting events, competitions, markets, performances and more taking place from January to March each year.

Puanga Matariki Festival

The Puanga Matariki Festival is a special celebration with a series of cultural events happening within the Whangārei District for people to celebrate together.

View our other events

What's On

Super weekend traffic changes

A major construction programme will take place from 7:00pm on Thursday 15 October to 5:00am on Tuesday 20 October 2026 to carry out service work and island construction that will help keep the Springs Flat Roundabout project moving forward. Northbound traffic will be detoured via Springs Flat Road and Great North Road before rejoining State Highway 1.

See details

Temporary Closure

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Recycling Week is coming!

This year, New Zealand’s Recycling Week is from 19 to 25 October 2026. Register for free to access official campaign resources, promotional materials and activity ideas.

Find out more and register

Announcement

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New bylaws may affect new approvals

From Friday 25 September 2026, three new bylaws are now in force: Public Safety and Nuisance Bylaw; Public Trading, Events and Commercial Filming Bylaw; and Signs Bylaw. Existing permits and exemptions remain valid, but some new approvals may be affected.
We’re updating our website to reflect the new rules. If you have any questions, email: BylawEnforcement@wdc.govt.nz.

Public notice and bylaw links

Announcement

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VHF channel change from 1 October 2026

From Thursday 1 October 2026, the VHF channel to contact Bridge Control for the Te Matau a Pohe and Kotuitui Whitinga bridges to be raised will be changing to VHF channel 10. This change is being made to improve communications between boats and Bridge Control.

Announcement

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Notice of temporary dog access rule

Under clause 10.1 of Whangarei District Council’s Dog Control Bylaw 2024, the area of Okara – former Old Boys rugby grounds playing fields is temporarily closed to the public, including for dog access, until further notice due to multiple safety hazards identified on site.

Read public notice

Temporary Closure

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Wastewater network capacity

We are carefully managing the capacity of our wastewater network in Ruakākā and parts of Whangārei Heads. Before applying for a Resource Consent or Building Consent, please contact us to find out whether your project may be impacted.

Submit an online customer request

Announcement

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Hātea walkway swing bridge temporarily closed

The Hātea walkway swing bridge on the walking trail from A H Reed Memorial Kauri Park to Whangārei Falls is closed following a failed safety inspection. We are working with specialist engineers and contractors to replace the bridge structure to ensure necessary stabilisation and safety improvements.

See the project page for details

Temporary Closure

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Broadleaf weed treatment

Broadleaf weed control treatments will be taking place at selected parks, reserves and playgrounds throughout September and October 2026. See which areas are being treated and read the guidance for visiting a treated area.

Read public notice

Announcement

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