The free event was held in Wellington at the TSB Arena on 6 December 2025. The event was supported by Wellington City Council.
First introduced in 2003, the Southeast Asia Festival has grown into a vibrant celebration showcasing the rich and diverse cultures that shape New Zealand’s multicultural mosaic. It is held annually in Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington, and Christchurch.
This year’s Southeast Asia Festival in Wellington featured a taste and feel of the Philippines, alongside the other Southeast Asian nations – like Thailand, Indonesia, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Malaysia – again tempting food lovers with rare heritage dishes from across the region — and for Filipino cuisine enthusiasts, there was a mouth-watering lineup on offer. From delicious chicken inasal and kare kare to crowd favourites like halo halo, visitors had a chance to savour the flavours of the Philippines while watching traditional cooking techniques up close — and capturing endless ‘Instagrammable’ moments.However, this festival was more than just a food paradise. Festival goers enjoyed dazzling cultural dance performances — including a special showcase by the Cordillerean dance group featuring traditional dances from the mountain region. Their energetic, show-stopping performance lit up the main stage, bringing the vibrant spirit of the Philippines to life for Kiwi audiences.
The exhibition showcased a diverse range of booths, including ASEAN embassies and high commissions, community organisations, migrant service providers, and businesses.
Website: https://seasia.co.nz/
Socials: Instagram: seafest_nz Facebook: Southeast Asia Festival NZ
