Onehunga festival returns2 min read

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The much-loved Onehunga Festival is making its grand return on Saturday, 1st March at the Onehunga Bay Reserve.

Running from 10.30am until 3pm, this free community event promises to once again bring joy, entertainment, and a sense of togetherness to the community.

The festival has been a cornerstone of the local calendar since the 1990s, attracting about 4,000 attendees annually. The event celebrates the spirit of Onehunga, showcasing its vibrant culture and bringing together community groups to foster a sense of belonging.

This year’s festival is packed with free entertainment and activities that promise fun for the whole family. Highlights include a hilarious Cardboard Boat Race, hosted by the Aotea Sea Scouts, where daring contestants will test the durability of their cardboard creations in the lagoon. Local talent will take centre stage with acts sourced from community groups, so everyone can expect a mix of music, dance, and martial arts demonstrations. The entertainment is generously sponsored by Henderson Demolition, a company deeply involved in the area’s redevelopment projects.

Children’s activities include face painting, a petting farm, bouncy castles and inflatables, while local community groups will showcase their services and share information. A variety of food trucks will offer cuisines ranging from Thai and Vietnamese to African delicacies, along with plant-based options.

This year’s festival marks a new chapter, as it is now managed by a local event management company, Extension Marketing, with support from a local consulting committee that includes members of the former organising team, Business Onehunga.

The hiatus in 2024 allowed for a change of management and funding, ensuring the festival’s long-term success.

The event remains proudly funded by the MaungakiekieTāmaki Local Board and sponsored by Business Onehunga.