Auckland Design Week (ADW) 2026 has launched with a gathering of the design community at Lexus of Auckland. Now in its third year, and running from 2–10 March 2026, activity will centre on its new home at Shed 10 in Auckland’s CBD — the ‘Design Depot’ for the event — hosting a diverse programme of exhibitions, workshops, and its flagship Design Conference.
Lexus continues its strong support of Auckland’s leading design event for a second year, elevating its role to Presenting Partner to reflect its commitment to fostering innovative and human-centred design.
The 2026 theme, People + Place, explores the vital relationships between people, communities, and the environments we inhabit — physical, cultural, and digital. It encourages innovative, sustainable, and inclusive design practices inspired by indigenous knowledge and contemporary expression.
The week will include Public and Pro Design Days and events spanning multiple venues around Tāmaki Makaurau and engaging partners such as IKEA, Dulux, Coco Republic, and Konei. A special partnership with Whanganui & Partners and Chatham Air, will also offer an exclusive day trip from Auckland to the UNESCO City of Design via a chartered jet.
The annual Design Conference returns, with confirmed keynote speakers so far including Briar Hickling, co-founder of architecture and interior design practice Linehouse — with studios in Auckland, Hong Kong, and Shanghai — along with Vincent Lowe, who will share his experience as former Global Art Director for Nike Running and with brands including Apple, Google, and Adidas.
As part of her mission to showcase Aotearoa’s design talent, ADW founder Jen Jones recently travelled to the Barcelona and Dutch Design Weeks to share ideas and connect with the global design community. She was proud to note that Auckland Design Week’s calibre stands shoulder to shoulder with international events — an impressive achievement given its relatively recent inception.
“Those who know me, know I’m constantly creating and ideating for ADW and its future. Since launching three years ago, the event has gone from strength to strength, which is a testament to the quality and engagement of Aotearoa’s design community,” she says.
“The move to the larger venue of Shed 10 is an exciting evolution. I’m confident this year will be our best yet. The team and I are curating an incredible lineup to highlight design in all its forms — and, importantly, create a home where our community can collaborate and connect.”
For more information about Auckland Design Week, visit www.aucklanddesignweek.com.
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