He Kete Rau Mahara: Our People, Our Place
He Kete Rau Mahara: Our People, Our Place is a community-wide celebration of the unique history and heritage of Rotorua.
Sponsored by Friends of the Rotorua Library
He Kete Rau Mahara has been held annually in November since 2020. It is held in November, in recognition of the signing of the Fenton Agreement on 25 November 1880.
Visit the Great Te Arawa Stories website to learn more about the Fenton Agreement and the establishment of Rotorua township.
He Kete Rau Mahara 2026
Connect with local stories, culture and creativity! Enjoy a day of FREE family fun, featuring vintage cars, hands-on activities, cultural performances, museum and archives experts, a vintage photobooth, children's toys and much more. There's something for everyone to enjoy.
Sat 7 Nov, 10am-12pm
Rotorua Library and Jean Batten Square
Free. No bookings required.
Find out more about He Kete Rau Mahara 2026
Pakiaka competition:
Help capture the story of Rotorua, one photograph at a time
Saturday 7 November to Friday 25 November
Upload a photograph to Pakiaka and show us what makes Rotorua great. From treasured local landmarks to everyday moments that bring our community together, every image adds to our story.
Share your photo and be in to win!