New Zealand Design Week (NZDW) 2026 has wrapped up its biggest year yet, with record attendance and international guests, marking a major moment for the country’s design community.

Across the nine-day programme, registrations increased by 70% compared to 2025. More than 100 designers and creatives took part across 49 sessions and 30 events, spanning architecture, product design, fashion, branding and innovation. Sessions at Shed 10 brought together thousands of guests, with designers taking the stage to share the different paths their work has taken and the impact they are making globally.

“It felt like a real moment of pride in what New Zealand creativity is capable of,” says Jen Jones, Founder of NZDW.

Lexus New Zealand Vice President Andrew Davis says, “It makes sense for Lexus to be part of New Zealand Design Week as design is such a big part of who we are. It’s integrated into everything we do, especially our vehicles, so being able to support designers and see that work come to life in this way is pretty special.”

Jones says the shift is not just in scale, but in how people are showing up.

“People are engaging with it differently now. They’re not just dipping in for one session, they’re building out their week and really leaning into it. That tells us a lot about where design is heading in New Zealand and it’s exciting. It’s about inspiring other designers here in New Zealand and showing that you can build a global career in design and being from here shouldn’t hold you back.”

Throughout the week, Lexus created a strong presence at Shed 10, showcasing the all-new Lexus RZ, its first dedicated battery electric vehicle with yoke steering and steer-by-wire, offering guests a glimpse into the future of Lexus’ electrified journey.

“The RZ is a great example of how we’re always considering design. You see that sense of luxury straight away, but it’s not until you actually drive it that the design really reveals itself, from the steering to the visibility and how connected it all feels. The technology hasn’t taken away from the experience, it’s actually made it better.”

Alongside this, the Lexus Design Award winners' prototypes were exhibited, giving them the opportunity to share their work with industry leaders and international guests, and connect directly with the wider design community.

“It’s about giving the next generation of designers a platform. A lot of them are still finding their way and currently in the job market, so being able to get their work in front of people they look up to and connect with them is special. That’s where the Lexus Design Award has real value.”

Several standout moments defined the week, including a sold-out Lexus hosted lunch that exceeded capacity, and near full attendance across the Design Conference.

For Jones, partnerships like Lexus have helped grow the programme.

“Having Lexus back again means we can think bigger and reach more people,” she says.

For Lexus, some of the most in-demand moments of the week involved its own hosted events.

The Lexus Soirée closed out the programme to a full room, bringing together designers, creatives and industry leaders, and offering a glimpse into what’s to come.

Looking ahead, NZDW will return from 1 to 9 March 2027, with ambitions to further expand its international footprint. Plans are already underway for new programme elements, including a dedicated fashion event and more global speakers under the theme Restore and Reimagine.