• New Zealand Design Week (NZDW) 2026 – formerly Auckland Design Week (ADW)

• Rebranded since 1 January 2026
• Festival Dates: 2-10 March 2026
• Location: Shed 10 (The Design Depot), Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland
• 2026 Theme: People + Place
• Key Speakers: Briar Hickling (Linehouse), Vincent Lowe (Nike/Apple/Google), Tom Dixon

Auckland Design Week rebrands to New Zealand Design Week (NZDW)

Auckland Design Week (ADW) has officially transitioned to New Zealand Design Week (NZDW) to reflect its rapid growth and national mission. Effective 1 January 2026, the rebrand aligns with a long-term strategy to champion Aotearoa’s design industry on a global scale. The third and largest edition of the festival will run from 2-10 March 2026, anchored at the Shed 10 ‘Design Depot’ in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland.

The Launchpad Collective

Expanding the National Design Footprint

The move to NZ Design Week represents a maturing creative economy. While Shed 10 remains the central hub – currently nearing full capacity due to high exhibitor demand – the program has expanded to include:

• The Launchpad Collective: A new platform specifically spotlighting emerging designers and young businesses
• Regional Collaborations: A special partnership with Whanganui & Partners and Chatham Air featuring a chartered day trip to the UNESCO City of Design
• City-Wide Events: A curated selection of partner-led workshops and exhibitions featuring brands like IKEA, Dulux, Coco Republic, and Konei

New Zealand Design Week 2026 Highlights & Partnerships

The upcoming festival will blend Public and Pro Design Days with a curated selection of partner-led activations. Notable collaborations include:

• Presenting Partner: Lexus returns for a second year, reinforcing its commitment to human-centered innovation.
• Key Industry Players: Collaborative efforts with IKEA, Dulux, Coco Republic, and Konei.
• Regional Spotlight: A unique partnership with Whanganui & Partners and Chatham Air, featuring an exclusive chartered day trip to the UNESCO City of Design

2026 Theme: People + Place

The curatorial theme for 2026, People + Place, guides the week’s programming. It invites designers to examine how communities and environments intersect to shape the future of Aotearoa. This theme emphasizes sustainable, inclusive, and indigenous-informed design practices nationwide.

Global Voices at the 2026 Design Conference

The Design Conference returns as a cornerstone of the festival. Hosted at the NZDW Design Depot: Shed 10 on Auckland’s Queen’s Wharf; this day-long event includes six sessions – headlined by Tom Dixon and Briar Hickling – along with networking, exhibitor access, and exclusive entry to the coveted Lexus Soirée. Breaks are scheduled throughout the day, with food and beverages available for purchase from local vendors. 

Tom Dixon

The rebrand ensures New Zealand’s design story is recognized internationally. “The new name reflects our identity as a national platform that fosters connection and elevates Aotearoa’s presence in the global design conversation,” says founder Jen Jones.

New Zealand Design Week – first edition

For professionals and general public, exhibitions free admission
Design Conference March 10, paid admission
Design Days March 8-9 paid admission
Size: around 30 activities, 50 brands  
Visit nzdesignweek.com website for more info