L’Aperitivo Italiano in Nuova Zelanda: Il Prosecco DOC Come Nuova Tendenza

On 2 March 2025, Nelson’s Italian Festival drew over 8,000 people to Lower Trafalgar Street and Trafalgar Park for a day of food music, and community. We spoke with Flavia Spena, founder of ViaVio and driving force behind the event alongside Club Italia, about how it all started, what’s made it such a local favourite, and why now’s the time for businesses to get on board for the 2026 edition.

On 23 February 2025, Festival Italiano returned to Newmarket with record-breaking crowds and vibrant energy. We spoke with Newmarket Business Association’s CEO, Mark Knoff-Thomas, about what makes the event a standout on Auckland’s cultural calendar, what was new this year, and why it’s a golden opportunity for businesses to get in front of thousands of curious, culture-loving festivalgoers.