The call for Tuku 25 Whakatū events is now open

​Sign up and start celebrating the unique and diverse heritage of Whakatū.

From 23 March to 4 May 2025, the Tuku festival is six weeks of events to share (tuku) Nelson’s unique stories of people and place.

Every year, multiple organisations and community groups run their own events throughout Nelson with support from Nelson City Council. Events are hosted by the community for the community.

Last year, Tuku 24 delivered 120 events, enjoyed by an estimated 18,000 people. The cultural diversity of events rose for the fifth year running, with 44% of events representing non-Pākehā/European heritage. Tuku is the most culturally diverse Council-led Heritage Festival in New Zealand.

Events must have a focus on heritage through stories of people and place, and be open to the public. Council is looking for a broad range of event ideas from our vibrant and diverse community – surprise us!

There are community grants available to those that need a little extra support. Grants generally range from $500 to $2000. Grants aim to subsidise event costs to keep charges for attendance down (ideally, free). In this way, Council can help the whole community access your activity.

An information pack, event registration forms and grant application forms are available now on tukuwhakatu.nz.

The deadline to submit ideas and lodge a grant application is 5pm 8 January 2025.