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New Zealand’s Antarctic Heritage Trust has returned a carefully reconstructed beer barrel to the Antarctic hut that was home to Sir Ernest Shackleton’s historic ‘Nimrod’ expedition in 1908.
Te Matatini 2019 will be held at Wellington's Westpac Stadium and is expected to attract 65,000 people. The festival theme ‘Te Matatini ki te Ao’ is an embodiment of the aspirations and dreams of the festival hosts Ngāti Toa Rangatira, Te Atiawa me ngā iwi o Taranaki whānui. The festival started in 1972, is in its 46th year and tickets can be purchased through the Te Matatini website.
Two New Zealand films have been announced to screen at the prestigious SXSW Festival in Austin, Texas in March.
Creative New Zealand invites Māori and contemporary Pasifika artists to apply to represent Aotearoa at the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture in Hawai’i from 10-20 June 2020.
This year in 2019, New Zealand will mark 250 years since the first meetings between Māori and Europeans during James Cook and the Endeavour's 1769 voyage to Aotearoa New Zealand. A national commemoration, Tuia – Encounters 250, will acknowledge this pivotal moment in our nation’s history as well as the exceptional feats of Pacific voyagers who reached and settled in Aotearoa many years earlier.
China’s ancient treasures, the 2,300 year old terracotta warriors, are coming to Te Papa this summer. Terracotta Warriors: Guardians of Immortality is now open and will run until 22 April 2019.
Landmark repertoire and a feast of new commissions define the Royal New Zealand Ballet’s 2019 season. The national ballet company will expand its touring schedule while continuing its commitment to education and outreach.
Te Tai Whakaea Treaty Settlement Stories (Te Tai), launched by the Rt Hon Jacinda Ardern, will help us connect with our past and share the multi-faceted history of Treaty settlements. Te Tai presents a package of online resources including audio-visual oral history interviews, research articles, documentaries, multi-media web stories and educational resources in both English and Māori.
The NZSO will tour a new baroque music series in 2019 & expand its innovative Shed Series concerts in Wellington.

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Promoting a confident and connected culture

Manatū Taonga, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage works to enrich the lives of all New Zealanders by promoting a confident and connected culture.

We support many of New Zealand’s arts, media, heritage and sports organisations; advise government on cultural matters and provide research and resources for everyone to access. The organisations we fund deliver a wide range of cultural experiences for all to enjoy.

New Years Honours List

New Years Honours List

The New Zealand Royal Honours system is unique to New Zealand. Honours lists are administered by the Honours Unit, which is part of the Cabinet Office. The honours lists are approved by The Queen of New Zealand on the Prime Minister's advice. ...

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 Today in History

Today in History

17/01/1853 - New Zealand Constitution Act comes into force
Governor Sir George Grey issued a proclamation to bring the New Zealand Constitution Act (UK) of 1852 into operation, establishing a system of representative government for the colony. ...

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National Erebus Memorial

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Tuia Encounters 250

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Te Tai

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Pukeahu National War Memorial Park

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