Festival FAQs

When will Whānau Mārama: New Zealand International Film Festival 2026 happen?

NZIFF 2026 will take place in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin, Hamilton, Tauranga, Napier, New Plymouth, Masterton, Matakana and Nelson from 29 July – 9 September 2026. 


Auckland: 29 July to 9 August
Christchurch: 6 – 23 August
Wellington: 12 – 23 August
Dunedin:  14 – 30 August
Hamilton: 27 August – 6 September
Tauranga: 27 August – 9 September
Napier: 27 August – 6 September
New Plymouth: 27 August – 9 September
Masterton: 27 August – 9 September
Nelson: 27 August – 9 September
Matakana: 27 August – 9 September

When do tickets go on-sale?

Tickets for the 2026 Film Festival will be on sale on the following dates:

Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland - Thursday July 9
Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington - Friday July 17
Ōtautahi Christchurch - Friday July 17
Ōtepoti Dunedin - Thursday July 23
Matakana - Friday July 31
Kirikiriroa Hamilton - Friday July 31
Tauranga-Moana Tauranga - Friday July 31
Ahuriri Napier - Friday July 31
Ngāmotu New Plymouth - Friday July 31
Whakaoriori Masterton - Friday July 31
Whakatū Nelson - Friday July 31

How do I use my Auckland multipass?

Information on how to purchase a multipass in Auckland can be found in this handy guide.

If you need help in redeeming a multipass that you've already purchased, please see HERE.

Please note: We use Ticketmaster as our ticketing provider as they hold the ticketing contract for The Civic, and are able to provide ticketing across all our Auckland venues. 

Why can't I purchase using the Wishlist function in Auckland

Our ticketing provider, Ticketmaster has changed the way it offers purchase options for multiple films in one transaction and unfortunately they can no longer support the functionality between the Wishlist and the Shopping Cart. 

The Wishlist can still be used to create your list of films, share with friends and identify clashes.

Is there a discount for groups?

We can offer discount pricing for groups of 20 or more. Email outreach@nziff.co.nz for more info. 

Will there be a printed programme this year?

Yes – the printed programme is out now. Keep an eye out around your city to pick up a copy and you can find locations to pick up a copy HERE.

Will you be having international filmmakers coming as guests?

Yes - we are delighted to be welcoming international filmmakers at NZIFF 2026. We will also be celebrating a wide range of New Zealand filmmakers in the festival and including Q&As and other events in the programme to enable audiences to meet filmmakers.

Why is the film festival not in the town where I live?

NZIFF 2026 takes place in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin, Hamilton, Tauranga, Napier, New Plymouth, Masterton, Matakana and Nelson.

We will be looking at additional centres for NZIFF 2027.

Is Whānau Mārama: New Zealand International Film Festival a competitive festival?

Whānau Mārama: New Zealand International Film Festival does not currently host a competitive category for feature length films. We do, however, have two short film competitions within the festival: New Zealand’s Best short films, and Ngā Whanaunga Māori Pasifika Shorts. Submissions have now closed, but our submission regulations can be found here.

When is the deadline for film entries?

Submissions for NZIFF 2026 have closed. 


Please visit the Submit a Film page for more information.