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Honouring Māori Leaders 2026: Celebrating Excellence in Education, Business & Community
30 Dec 2025 | 8 months ago | 1423 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
05 Dec 2025 | 9 months ago | 1106 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
03 Dec 2025 | 9 months ago | 1041 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
02 Dec 2025 | 9 months ago | 1024 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
02 Dec 2025 | 9 months ago | 952 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
05 Nov 2025 | 10 months ago | 1055 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
22 Oct 2025 | 11 months ago | 1155 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
04 Oct 2025 | 11 months ago | 1250 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
24 Sep 2025 | 1 year ago | 1286 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!
18 Sep 2025 | 1 year ago | 1173 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
28 Aug 2025 | 1 year ago | 1288 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
27 Aug 2025 | 1 year ago | 1336 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
04 Aug 2025 | 1 year ago | 2393 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
30 Jul 2025 | 1 year ago | 1910 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
22 Jul 2025 | 1 year ago | 1840 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 Harmony