Culture News & Articles
Robbie Williams BRITPOP World Tour Hits Auckland & Christchurch This November
1 week ago | 210 viewsRobbie Williams will perform two New Zealand shows in November as part of his BRITPOP world tour, supported by the Government’s $70 million Major Events and Tourism Package. Tourism Minister Louise Upston highlights the significant economic benefits concerts bring, including increased tourism and local business revenue, and emphasizes the importance of government investment to attract major international acts. This initiative aims to boost New Zealand’s global competitiveness in hosting large-scale cultural and sporting events, contributing to a strong tourism and hospitality sector in 2026.
Tags: Robbie Williams Louise Upston BRITPOP Eden Park One New Zealand Stadium New Zealand Major Events and Tourism Package Linkin Park Ultra Music Festival FIFA World SeriesGovernment Invests $60K for 51st Polyfest Celebrating Pacific Culture and Youth
2 weeks ago | 159 viewsThe New Zealand Government is investing $60,000 to support the 51st Polyfest in 2026, celebrating Pacific culture, youth leadership, and community strength. Alongside cultural support, the Government is improving Pacific peoples' quality of life through initiatives in safety, education, health, housing, and employment. Polyfest 2026 will feature diverse Pacific stages and promote environmental stewardship under the theme of Pacific youth as eco-warriors.
Tags: Polyfest Dr Shane Reti Pacific Peoples Minister Ministry for Pacific Peoples Toloa STEM scholarships Alo Vaka Cook Islands Niue Samoa TongaGovernment Invests $10M to Upgrade National Ringatū Marae Complex in Bay of Plenty
2 months ago | 413 viewsThe Government is investing over $10 million from the Regional Infrastructure Fund to upgrade the National Ringatū Marae Complex in Bay of Plenty, enhancing infrastructure resilience and creating 71 jobs, particularly for Māori youth. The new complex will serve as a cultural, educational, and civil defence hub, preserving the heritage of the Ringatū faith founded by Te Kooti and supporting the broader Māori community. This initiative follows similar investments in other significant marae and aims to strengthen rural marae as vital community assets.
Tags: Shane Jones Tama Potaka Te Kooti Ringatū Rātana Bay of Plenty Wainui Marae Māori Development Regional Infrastructure Fund Ringatū Church IncorporatedTop Baby Names in New Zealand 2025: Noah and Isla Lead the Trends
2 months ago | 522 viewsNew Zealand’s most popular baby names for 2025 are Noah for boys and Isla for girls, continuing long-standing trends with Luca and Charlotte also ranking highly. Despite a wide variety of unique names, timeless choices like Olivia and Jack have remained consistently popular for decades, reflecting enduring cultural preferences. The Department of Internal Affairs emphasizes the importance of officially registering baby names promptly to secure legal identity and access to services, facilitated by the free SmartStart service.
Tags: Brooke van Velden Noah Isla Luca Charlotte Olivia Jack Christopher Luxon Winston Peters David SeymourHonouring Māori Leaders 2026: Celebrating Excellence in Education, Business & Community
2 months ago | 517 viewsThe New Year 2026 Honours list recognizes Māori leaders for their significant contributions to Māori advancement, education, language revitalization, business, governance, conservation, and community wellbeing across Aotearoa New Zealand. Notable honorees include Rod Drury for services to technology and philanthropy, Leith Comer and Professor Thomas Roa for Māori leadership and language education, and others who have strengthened Māori identity, inclusion, and environmental stewardship. Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka emphasizes that these awards reflect the vital role of Māori leadership in fostering a strong, inclusive, and resilient New Zealand.
Tags: Rod Drury Leith Pirika Comer Thomas Charles Roa Rachel Emere Taulelei Christina Cowan Te Warihi Kokowai Hetaraka Waihoroi Paraone Hoterene Roger Bruce Douglas Drummond Lorraine Shirley Eade Hori Te Moanaroa ParataNgāti Whātua Ōrākei to Host Matariki 2026 with Theme "For Everyone
3 months ago | 437 viewsThe Government has announced Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei in Auckland as the host iwi for next year’s national Matariki broadcast, with the theme "Matariki Herenga Waka – For Everyone." This event aims to unite all people in celebrating the Māori New Year, highlighting the unique cultural significance of the Auckland region. Matariki remains a time for reflection, celebration, and preparation, honoring loved ones and looking forward to the new year.
Tags: Matariki Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei Paul Goldsmith Auckland Māori New Year Matariki Herenga Waka Arts Culture and Heritage New Zealand whānauNZ Government Announces $5M Funding for Major 2026 Music, Sports, and Cultural Events
3 months ago | 420 viewsThe Government has announced the first tranche of major events funding for 2026, featuring international and local music acts, sports, and cultural events, including Linkin Park in Auckland and Ultra Music Festival in Wellington. This $5 million investment is part of a $70 million Major Events and Tourism package aimed at boosting New Zealand’s economy by attracting visitors and supporting over 70 events nationwide. Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston emphasized the significant economic benefits, such as increased business for hotels, restaurants, and shops, and promised more high-profile event announcements early next year.
Tags: Louise Upston Six60 Synthony Linkin Park Ultra Music Festival Tourism Minister New Zealand Christchurch Auckland WellingtonLieutenant General Rhys Jones Appointed Chair of National War Memorial Advisory Council
3 months ago | 424 viewsLieutenant General Rhys Jones has been appointed chair of the National War Memorial Advisory Council, bringing extensive military and governance experience from his 35-year Defence Force career and leadership roles in various organizations. He succeeds Fiona Cassidy and will serve until November 30, 2028. Additionally, Staff Sergeant Tina Grant and Colonel (Retired) Roger Howard have been reappointed as Council members with terms ending in 2028 and 2026, respectively.
Tags: Rhys Jones Paul Goldsmith Fiona Cassidy Tina Grant Roger Howard New Zealand Defence Force National War Memorial Advisory Council Royal New Zealand Returned Services Association Great War Exhibition Australasian Fire Authorities CouncilChristina Barton and Jamie Tuuta Appointed to Te Papa Board by Minister Goldsmith
3 months ago | 409 viewsChristina Barton and Jamie Tuuta have been appointed to the Te Papa Board, bringing extensive expertise in art history, curation, and Māori leadership. Barton has held prominent roles in major New Zealand art institutions, while Tuuta has over 20 years of governance experience across various sectors related to Māori development. Additionally, David Wilks has been reappointed to the board, and outgoing members Jackie Lloyd and Tama Waipara were thanked for their service.
Tags: Christina Barton Jamie Tuuta Paul Goldsmith David Wilks Jackie Lloyd Tama Waipara Te Papa Board Adam Art Gallery Victoria University of Wellington Māori leaderNew Zealand Welcomes Michelin Guide, Showcasing Culinary Excellence and Boosting Tourism Growth
4 months ago | 488 viewsNew Zealand is excited to welcome the Michelin Guide for the first time, showcasing the country's food and wine to an international audience and expecting an increase in visitor numbers and economic growth, according to Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston. Michelin Guide inspectors are already dining anonymously in top New Zealand restaurants, with the first selections and potential star ratings expected next year. The arrival of Michelin is seen as a prestigious accolade that will boost tourism, with an estimated 36,000 more international visitors expected and a focus on promoting New Zealand's culinary excellence on a global stage.
Tags: New Zealand Michelin Guide Tourism Hospitality Minister Louise Upston Oceania Cuisine International visitors Culinary centers Hospitality sectorRemembering Jim Bolger: A Tribute to a Dedicated Leader and Statesman
5 months ago | 507 viewsJim Bolger's life and political career are honored, with gratitude expressed for his service and achievements. His leadership as New Zealand's Prime Minister is highlighted, with a focus on his role in important reforms and Treaty settlements. Bolger's enduring legacy includes economic reforms, foreign relations initiatives, and his dedication to public service.
Tags: Jim Bolger Joan Dan Paul Brian Stephen Bernadette Fiona Rachael MatthewCommemorating the 160th Anniversary of the Battle of Te Tarata Pā
5 months ago | 638 viewsMāori Development Minister Tama Potaka commemorated the 160th anniversary of the Battle of Te Tarata Pā with Te Whakatōhea and Ngāti Ira in Ōpōtiki, highlighting the courage and resilience of ancestors defending their land. The event emphasized honoring sacrifices, passing down ancestral stories, and strengthening cultural identity for future generations. Minister Potaka also acknowledged the importance of collective memory, cultural identity, and unity in commemorations like Te Tarata for building connections and commitment to the future.
Tags: Battle of Te Tarata Pā courage determination resilience Tama Potaka Te Whakatōhea Ngāti Ira Māori Development Minister commemoration Te Pakanga o Te TarataRemembering Ariki Tā Tumu Te Heuheu Tūkino VIII: A Legacy of Leadership and Commitment
6 months ago | 704 viewsAriki Tā Tumu Te Heuheu Tūkino VIII, a prominent Māori leader and paramount chief of Ngāti Tūwharetoa, has passed away, leaving behind a legacy of dedication to his people and heritage. He was recognized for his contributions with appointments to various leadership roles and honors, including the New Zealand Order of Merit. His commitment to advancing Māori culture and environmental preservation has left a lasting impact, and condolences are extended to his family and loved ones during this time of mourning.
Tags: Ariki Tā Tumu Te Heuheu Tūkino VIII KNZM Ngāti Tūwharetoa Māori New Zealanders Tongariro Lady Susan Tāwhirimātea Tāpeka UNESCO World Heritage CommitteeUp to $300,000 Available for Waitangi Day Events - Apply Now!
6 months ago | 633 viewsArts, Culture and Heritage Minister Paul Goldsmith announces up to $300,000 in contestable funding available for community events celebrating Waitangi Day and the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi. The Commemorating Waitangi Day Fund aims to support events that reflect on New Zealand's shared history and cultural contributions, bringing communities together to recognize all aspects of national identity. The Fund encourages new applicants to propose innovative ways for communities to participate in Waitangi Day events, with applications closing on October 20, 2025.
Tags: Waitangi Day Treaty of Waitangi Commemorating Waitangi Day Fund Paul Goldsmith Arts Culture Heritage Minister New Zealand community events fundingAmplify: New Zealand Government Strategy for Arts, Culture & Jobs Growth
7 months ago | 700 viewsThe Government has released the Amplify strategy to enhance Kiwis' involvement in the arts, boost the sector's economic impact, and generate more jobs. The strategy aims for New Zealand to be globally recognized for its arts and creativity, with specific goals set for economic growth, increased engagement with arts and culture, and more jobs in the sector by 2030. Amplify focuses on three strategic pillars: maximizing value from creative sectors, nurturing talent and career opportunities, and updating regulations to support cultural sector growth, with plans for ongoing updates based on industry feedback.
Tags: Arts Culture Heritage Minister Paul Goldsmith Amplify New Zealand GDP Tourism Strategy