Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington is transforming its architecture and design school into an immersive visual arts sanctuary for CubaDupa festival goers on 28–29 March, called Whanga—The Cove.
Born from a new creative partnership between the University and the CubaDupa crew, Whanga promises to surprise, soothe, and spark your senses. Step inside and you’ll find sculptural installations, ambient soundscapes, hands on creative activities, screenings of poetry, and animated short films—all nestled within an indoor forest, complete with living trees. You can even pull up a chair and ask a real life philosopher your deepest (or weirdest) questions about existence.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Nic Smith says the project demonstrates the University’s creative impact and commitment to the city: “CubaDupa thrives on imagination and bold ideas, and this partnership allows our University to contribute something truly special to Wellington.”
Professor Rawinia Higgins (Tūhoe), Deputy Vice-Chancellor—Māori and Kaitiakitanga, says Whanga embodies the spirit of manaaki and connection.
“Whanga means a cove or sanctuary in te reo Māori. Whanga showcases the incredible creative talent emerging from our university, and we’re proud to extend our manaaki to the city as part of this iconic Wellington festival. We’re inviting everyone to step off the busy streets and take a moment of calm inside the multisensory world being crafted by our students, staff, researchers, and alumni,” she says.
CubaDupa Festival Director Bianca Bailey says the partnership is adding something truly special to this year’s festival.
“We’re thrilled to have Victoria University on board. Whanga—The Cove brings a whole new dimension to CubaDupa—a space that’s imaginative, welcoming, and a little bit magical. It’s the perfect example of how CubaDupa thrives when the city’s creative community comes together.”
Visitors will be greeted by Whispers from Te Ngahere, a serene, uplifting installation made from paper that has been inspired by the wind in the trees. Created by exhibition designer Vioula Said, with the help of a team of design students, the work interprets the subtle pulse of the ngahere (forest) into a gentle spatial experience that sets the tone for everything inside.
The partnership also spills out into the festival streets, with CubaDupa’s Glover Park Stage taking on a fresh identity as the Vic Uni Glover Park Stage, spotlighting rising talent from the New Zealand School of Music and alumni performers throughout the weekend.
Whanga—The Cove will be open throughout the festival at the heart of the CubaDupa precinct. If you need a breather, a moment of wonder, or a burst of creative energy—the cove awaits.
See the Whanga programme: www.cubadupa.co.nz/venues-2026/whanga-the-cove/
See the Vic Uni Glover Park Stage programme: www.cubadupa.co.nz/venues-2026/glover-park-stage/
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Victoria University of Wellington: Kassy Hayden, 022 016 2100; email media@vuw.ac.nz
CubaDupa: Cheree Ridder, 027 577 3520; chereeridder@gmail.com