ARONUI is a bold and distinctive indigenous arts festival held in Rotorua — the heart of Te Arawa territory and one of the most significant centres of Māori culture in Aotearoa. Celebrating award-winning indigenous artists across theatre, music, writers talks, live performance and visual arts, it creates a platform for indigenous creative voices that is both artistically rigorous and deeply connected to the cultural identity of Rotorua and its people.

The festival takes its name and its spirit from the idea of excellence in indigenous arts — presenting work that is rooted in te ao Māori while engaging with the full range of contemporary artistic forms and conversations. Performers and artists from across Aotearoa and beyond come together in Rotorua for a programme that challenges, celebrates and affirms the continuing vitality of indigenous culture in the modern world.

For visitors to Rotorua, ARONUI offers an experience of Māori arts that goes beyond cultural tourism to genuine artistic encounter. It is a festival made by and for indigenous communities but open and welcoming to all — a reminder that Rotorua's cultural significance extends far beyond its geothermal attractions to the living arts and living culture of tangata whenua.