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Julian Wilcox has been appointed Chair of the Māori Language Commission, bringing extensive knowledge of te reo Māori and strong leadership experience. The Commission plays a crucial role in promoting the Māori language, and Wilcox’s expertise positions him well to lead its ongoing efforts during his three-year term. Outgoing Chair Professor Rawinia Higgins was also acknowledged for her significant contributions to the revitalization and visibility of te reo Māori.
The Government has refreshed the Maihi Karauna strategy to revitalize te reo Māori by 2040, aiming to increase the number of speakers and elevate the language’s national value. This updated plan builds on progress since 2019, emphasizing a coordinated government approach while recognizing that lasting revitalization depends on whānau, communities, and everyday New Zealanders actively using the language. Minister Tama Potaka highlights the shared responsibility for revitalization and the focus on tangible results to make te reo Māori more visible, valued, and spoken across society.
The Government is allocating $8 million from the Regional Infrastructure Fund to support the ongoing operation, preservation, and infrastructure of the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, a site of immense national and cultural significance. This funding aims to maintain public access, enhance educational and commemorative programs, and ensure the site remains vibrant for future generations, supporting regional tourism and economic activity. Previous investments have also upgraded infrastructure and facilities, with continued efforts focused on preserving this taonga ahead of the 2040 bicentenary of Waitangi Day.
Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden announced that the eligibility threshold for the Public Lending Right scheme will be lowered from 50 to 30 copies held in libraries, allowing around 170 more New Zealand authors to be recognized and paid. This change, supported by 77.1% of consultation submissions, balances broader access with maintaining the fund’s integrity and includes a new mechanism to efficiently address underpayments. The $2.4 million fund, managed by the National Library, aims to keep the scheme fair, relevant, and accessible within the current parliamentary term.
Three new members—Rāhera Turner, Thora Huebner, and Joanne Witko—have been appointed to the New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) Board, with existing member Kim Robinson extending his term by one year. The Board supports the promotion and maintenance of NZSL and will play a key role in delivering the new 10-year NZSL Strategy launched last year. Minister for Disability Issues Louise Upston emphasized the Government’s commitment to strengthening NZSL and acknowledged outgoing member Monica Leach for her service.
Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka has reappointed Dr Jeremy Tātere MacLeod as Deputy Chair and Jennifer Te Atamira Ward-Lealand as Board members of Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Māori for a three-year term starting September 2026, ensuring experienced leadership in the organisation's efforts to revitalise te reo Māori. Dr MacLeod brings over 15 years of governance and language revitalisation expertise, while Ward-Lealand is a respected actor and advocate with extensive governance experience and a strong commitment to promoting te reo Māori. Their continued roles will support Te Taura Whiri’s mission to grow, normalise, and promote the Māori language across Aotearoa.
The New Zealand Government is investing up to $8.6 million to establish Ngāmotu Marae in central New Plymouth, providing Ngāti Te Whiti with a long overdue home and serving as a cultural, social, and economic hub for the wider community. The marae will feature facilities like a wharenui and wharekai, doubling as an emergency lifeline offering food, shelter, and essential services during crises. With a total cost of $17.8 million and multiple co-funders, the project aims to support jobs during construction and foster long-term cultural tourism, local enterprise, and community development.
The New Zealand government is enhancing copyright laws to extend protection by 20 years and strengthen creators' rights, ensuring iconic works continue to benefit their artists. Changes will allow not-for-profit cultural institutions greater flexibility to digitally preserve and provide access to works, including those with unknown copyright holders, while preventing commercial misuse and combating offshore piracy. Additionally, creators will have stronger ownership of commissioned works, improved protections for digital tools, and ongoing consideration of a copyright framework for generative AI by 2027.
The King’s Birthday Honours 2026 recognize Māori leaders for their decades of dedication to strengthening Māori communities, language, education, and governance. Notable recipients include Emeritus Professor Pare Keiha for advancing Māori education and leadership, Rahera Shortland for revitalizing te reo Māori, and Terry Nicholas for supporting Māori development and community wellbeing. Their collective contributions reflect a deep commitment to whānau, hapū, iwi, and the future of Aotearoa New Zealand.
Brent Impey has been appointed chair of Radio New Zealand, joined by new governors Paula Browning and Richard Dellabarca, to strengthen the board's leadership and governance. Impey brings extensive media sector experience and a commitment to journalistic independence, while Browning and Dellabarca contribute expertise in digital technology, financial oversight, and legal disciplines. These appointments aim to support RNZ’s financial sustainability and adaptability in the evolving media landscape over the next three years.
The Government is investing $48 million over four years to support Māori broadcasting, helping media organizations adapt digitally, commission new te reo Māori content, and develop talent. Additionally, $10 million is allocated to Te Māori Tū to promote Māori culture, creativity, and storytelling internationally, creating opportunities for Māori artists and businesses. These initiatives, alongside support for Māori medium teaching, aim to strengthen te reo Māori, cultural confidence, and economic growth by fostering Māori language and creative industries.
The New Zealand Government is extending copyright protection for music recordings from 50 to 70 years after publication to support Kiwi artists and align with international standards. This change, prioritized during New Zealand Music Month, ensures artists can continue earning from their work and protects both iconic classics and future creations. The updates, part of trade agreements with the UK and EU, must be implemented by May 2028, with further Copyright Act changes to be announced soon.
Robbie 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.
The 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.