manioro festival 2026

What an incredible weekend at the MANIORO Festival 2026 in Hastings. It had been two years since I was last there, and once again, I walked away deeply inspired.

Massive gratitude to Shaqaila Uelese & Maia Wati-Cooper. for creating such a safe and courageous space where diversity is celebrated and every voice has a seat at the table. There was something powerful about listening to people I deeply admire share their stories and journeys, alongside panels filled with honest lived experiences of navigating unconscious bias, religiosity, colonialism, pain, resilience, and success.

One of the highlights for me was reconnecting with old friends and whānau, while also meeting so many beautiful new people along the way. It was a real privilege to help facilitate a panel of parents sharing their experiences of supporting their children to become their best selves within the rainbow/queer community. Their honesty, love, and courage were incredibly inspiring.

It was also special to share Shawn Wimalaratne’s and my Unconditional Pilot Project journey around the motu, with some meaningful conversations sparked around future partnerships and collaboration.

Already looking forward to the next one, with the MANIORO Festival now confirmed for November 2027.