Culture News & Articles
Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei to Host Matariki 2026 with Theme "For Everyone
2 weeks ago | 113 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 weeks ago | 120 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 weeks ago | 130 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 weeks ago | 121 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
1 month ago | 230 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
2 months ago | 246 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
2 months ago | 281 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
3 months ago | 374 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!
3 months ago | 372 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
3 months ago | 415 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 StrategyRestoring History: Mataura Railway Station Transfer Ceremony
3 months ago | 403 viewsDignitaries, including Mayor Ben Bell and Minister Mark Patterson, gathered at Mataura Railway Station for its ownership transfer to the Rail Heritage Trust of New Zealand. The historic station, designed by Sir George Troup, holds significance in New Zealand's rail heritage and industrial development. KiwiRail's increased funding commitment will aid in the restoration of the station, emphasizing the importance of preserving heritage for community identity and future generations.
Tags: Mayor Ben Bell Honourable Mark Patterson Vanessa Oakley Duncan Roy Dr Murray King Sir Julius Vogel Sir George Troup Sue Tindal KiwiRail Rail Heritage Trust of New ZealandCelebrating 60 Years of Cook Islands' Free Association with New Zealand
4 months ago | 1013 viewsThe speech for Constitution Day Celebrations of the Cook Islands highlights the unique 'Free Association' relationship with New Zealand, celebrating 60 years since its establishment in 1965. The model, born out of the Cook Islands Legislative Assembly's desire for self-government while retaining New Zealand citizenship, has been a successful and enduring partnership. The speech emphasizes the economic, cultural, and social successes of the Cook Islands community in New Zealand, as well as New Zealand's ongoing support for the Cook Islands in times of need, reflecting on the strong bonds and mutual respect shared between the two nations.
Tags: Constitution Day Celebrations Cook Islands Upokina Taoro CIDANZ Auckland Council Reverend Charles Pange Mama Tupou Manapori Mama Mi'i Tarapu Sir Tom Davis Norman Kirk$4.5 Million Investment to Boost Rural Tourism and Create Jobs
4 months ago | 890 viewsA $4.5 million investment in developing tourism at culturally significant sites aims to create jobs and boost rural economies, expanding the Tohu Whenua program to more regions. Tohu Whenua enhances visitor experiences by sharing unique cultural heritage stories and improving facilities. The program, a partnership between Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga and DOC, has seen significant increases in visitation at sites and is set to expand to Manawatū-Whanganui and Murihiku Southland regions.
Tags: tourism cultural heritage Tama Potaka Tohu Whenua Conservation Minister Kate Sheppard House Kaikōura Peninsula DOC Aotearoa New Zealand Heritage New Zealand Pouhere TaongaHarmony and Peace Accord: Building Unity Between Jewish and Muslim Communities in New Zealand
5 months ago | 829 viewsThe content highlights the signing of the Harmony and Peace Accord between Jewish and Muslim organizations in New Zealand, emphasizing the leaders' courage in standing against division and fear. It acknowledges the importance of dialogue, mutual respect, and unity in the face of global conflicts and rising Islamophobia and Antisemitism. The message underscores the shared responsibility of all New Zealanders, regardless of faith, to uphold Kiwi values of respect, tolerance, and peace to ensure a united and inclusive society.
Tags: Cindy Kiro Richard Andrew Ibrar Sheikh Phillip Green Richard Chambers Melissa Derby Jewish Muslim New Zealand HarmonyNational Matariki and Puanga Celebration at Ngāti Rangi Marae: Honoring Tradition and Looking to the Future
6 months ago | 1265 viewsThe Government is recognising Matariki at the official ceremony near Ohakune today, Arts, Culture and Heritage Minister Paul Goldsmith and Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka say. “We are honoured to be guests of Ngāti Rangi for this traditional hautapu ceremony,” Mr Goldsmith says. “This is the fourth national Matariki broadcast but the first time it has been hosted by a marae, and the first year Puanga is the star of national celebrations.
Tags: Arts culture and heritage Goldsmith Matarik Ngti rang Ohakune Paul goldsmith Tama potaka