Something special is happening in our region.
From 16-25 October 2026 the inaugural Festival of Design Aotearoa will be taking place across Whanganui and Palmerston North, bringing together a whole bunch of designers, makers, creatives, and curious minds from across the country (and world) to celebrate the many and varied ways design shapes our lives. There’ll be loads of free events, chances to visit interesting spaces, and heaps of ways to connect with talented people doing really cool things.
For us in Whanganui, the festival feels particularly meaningful. As a UNESCO City of Design, our city is recognised for its rich creative culture and the role design plays in shaping our identity. We’re fortunate to have an amazing collective of artists, architects, craftspeople, educators, entrepreneurs, innovators and more who, through their creativity, help make this a neat city to live and work in.
The Black Pine team is proud to be small part of that story, and on Sunday 18 October we’ll be opening our studio doors as part of the festival and inviting people to come in for a coffee and a chat about all things architecture.
You’re welcome to bring any half-formed ideas, frustrations, questions you’ve never had a chance to ask – or just come with an open mind! We’ll also have an open discussion on “The True Cost of Bad Design” which explores how bad design carries hidden costs that extend far beyond a project’s up-front construction budget.
The open day is free and we’d love to see you here, but more than anything we’d encourage you to get out and experience the festival for yourself. Support local designers. Visit a space you’ve never entered before. Start a conversation. Be inspired!
Check out the details of our Open Day here, or explore the festival’s event planner here.