Kirikiriroa Hamilton Zinefest 2026

There's a great line up events on each month in the central city.

Inspired by the brilliantly dark imagination of Roald Dahl, the Tony Award–winning musical Matilda celebrates the wild spirit of childhood, the limitless power of imagination, and the uplifting journey of a young girl determined to change her destiny. The show has earned 47 international awards and continues to captivate audiences of all ages around the globe.

At the heart of the story is Matilda, a remarkable girl blessed with extraordinary intelligence, sharp wit, and even mysterious psychokinetic abilities. Neglected by her cruel parents, she finds comfort and encouragement in her kind-hearted teacher, Miss Honey. As their friendship grows, Miss Honey begins to see and nurture Matilda’s exceptional gifts.

But school is far from easy. The fearsome headmistress, Miss Trunchbull, despises children and rules with intimidation and harsh punishments. Armed with courage, cleverness, and a fierce sense of justice, Matilda may be the very hero her classmates need.

Note: The Children's Cast will alternate between performances.

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27 June - Saturday: 7:30 pm

28 June - Sunday: 2:00 pm

30 June - Tuesday: 6:30 pm

1 July - Wednesday: 6:30 pm

2 July - Thursday: 7:30 pm

3 July - Friday: 7:30 pm

4 July - Saturday: 2:00 pm & Saturday: 7:30 pm

5 July - Sunday: 2:00 pm

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This May, Opus Orchestra presents a powerful evening of orchestral and vocal music, pairing a major New Zealand opera by Dame Gillian Karawe Whitehead with one of Beethoven’s most exhilarating works.

At the heart of the programme is The Journey of Mataatua Whare, a moving opera in concert telling the true story of the great wharenui taken overseas without consent and returned home in 2011.

Exploring history, identity, loss and return, this unforgettable performance features outstanding New Zealand soloists alongside the Waikato University Voice Programme Ensemble.

An evening of depth, drama and powerful storytelling you won’t want to miss

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Music Director Emeritus James Judd and the NZSO perform three works that were well loved from their first performance, and one new work that is sure to enjoy the same acclaim.

Beethoven’s Seventh Symphony premiered to wildly ecstatic applause, and its famous Allegretto funeral march was immediately encored. Tchaikovsky likewise enjoyed a rapturous reception for his Second Symphony. This symphony, sometimes nicknamed Little Russian, should really be nicknamed his Ukrainian Symphony, given its loving use of Ukrainian folk tunes. Similarly, New Yorker Jessie Montgomery alludes to folk and popular music in her work Strum — specifically Appalachian fiddle music and jazz — resulting in a piece that, the composer writes, “transforms into ecstatic celebration”.

We complete this exuberant programme with a new commission from Kiwi composer Anthony Ritchie, who will undoubtedly add another musical gem to this concert of favourites.

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