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Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture and Heritage is calling for applications from historians, researchers and non-fiction writers to produce stories about their communities. The Whiria Te Mahara New Zealand History Grant offers successful applicants up to $12,000 to to support history research and writing. Applications close on 15 October.
One month remaining to apply for the Whiria Te Mahara New Zealand History Grants
Following the UNESCO World Conference on Cultural Policies and Sustainable Development – Mondiacult, which took place in Mexico City last year, UNESCO NZ has come together with UNESCO Pacific to produce a captivating and colourful video showcasing our Pacific contribution to the conference.
Pacific represents at UNESCO Conference on Cultural Policies and Sustainable Development
Join us at the National Library of NZ in person or online to hear archivist and author Jared Davidson discuss his latest book, 'Blood and Dirt: Prison Labour and the Making of New Zealand' and the role prisoners have played in the development of modern New Zealand. Takes place on Wednesday 4 October at 12.10pm.
Public History talk - Prison labour and the making of New Zealand
Following its triumphant premiere in 2019, the Royal New Zealand Ballet’s acclaimed Hansel & Gretel returns for Christmas 2023. Loughlan Prior, with Claire Cowan and Kate Hawley, has created a magical world of memorable characters. Touring nationwide from 26 October to 09 December, learn more on the Royal New Zealand Ballet's website.
Book now for the RNZB's Hansel & Gretel production
Kismet, in association with Te Tumu Whakaata Taonga the New Zealand Film Commission (NZFC), Firefly Films, Caravan Carpark Films and Kingston Productions are proud to release the trailer for the highly anticipated local feature film Uproar - which will have its nationwide cinema release on October 5, hot on the heels of its selection and screening at the revered Toronto International Film Festival this September.
Trailer Unveiled For Aotearoa Feature Film Uproar
This year marks the centenary of Katherine Mansfield's death. In 1908, Mansfield left Edwardian provincial life in Wellington in search of a new literary life in England and Europe. Somewhere she could be, a place to settle and call home. She never forgot her early impressions and memories of Aotearoa and continually referenced it in her writings. Join the KM2023 Centenary team throughout 2023 to celebrate one hundred years of her creative legacy – check out their events page for a Mansfield event near you, or find inspiration in these ideas for how to get involved in your own way.
Katherine Mansfield Centenary events for October
The fortnightly Wellington Heritage Festival runs from 23 October to 5 November 2023. Book now for a wide range of events including free walking tours of Pukeahu National War Memorial Park.
Pukeahu walking tours at the Wellington Heritage Festival
Local and international audiences have three brand new series to look forward to from talented New Zealand content teams, telling Aotearoa’s stories. Two series that debuted in 2023 have also secured a second year of support from Irirangi Te Motu| NZ On Air. One of the stand-out local drama hits of 2023, The Gone will return for a second season on TVNZ 1 and TVNZ+. Learn more on NZ On Air's website.
NZ On Air announces three new drama series and two popular returning series
Following a triumphant BBC Proms debut in London, New Zealand Symphony Orchestra Artistic Advisor and Principal Conductor Gemma New returns home for unmissable concert experiences in Auckland, Wellington, Dunedin and Hamilton from 27 October.
Star conductor Gemma New leads NZSO for exciting concert line-up

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Kāinga Te tuakiri, te taonga tuku iho o Aotearoa Rā Maumahara ki nga hoia o Aotearoa me Ahitereiria

Anzac Day

Placing of floral tributes on Pukeahu's Tomb of the Unknown Warrior on Anzac Day 2023. Photo taken by Mark Tantrum.

Anzac Day occurs on 25 April. It commemorates all New Zealanders killed in war and honours our returned service personnel. 

The date itself marks the anniversary of the landing of New Zealand and Australian soldiers – the Anzacs – on the Gallipoli Peninsula in 1915. The aim was to capture the Dardanelles, the gateway to the Bosphorus and the Black Sea. At the end of the campaign, Gallipoli was still held by its Turkish defenders.

New Zealanders have marked the landings at Gallipoli since news of the event first reached this country, and Anzac Day has been a public holiday since 1921. On this day the people of New Zealand have acknowledged the sacrifice of all those who have died in warfare, and the contribution and suffering of all those who have served.

Over time there have been changes in the way that the day has been commemorated, reflecting the changing features and concerns of our society. During the Second World War, for example, there was increased interest and a heightened sense of the relevance of Anzac Day; in the 1960s and decades following it was from time to time used as a platform for anti-war and other social protest.

Today, at a time when it seems New Zealanders are increasingly keen to assert and celebrate a unique identity, we recognise Anzac Day as a central marker of our nationhood.

The number of New Zealanders attending Anzac Day events in New Zealand, and at Gallipoli, is increasing. For some younger people, the sombre focus of the day receives less emphasis than do the more celebratory aspects of a national holiday. For most, though, the day is an occasion on which to formally pay tribute and to remember.

Anzac Day now promotes a sense of unity. People whose politics, beliefs and aspirations are widely different can share a genuine sorrow at the loss of so many lives in war, and a real respect for those who have endured warfare on behalf of the country we live in.

2023 Resources

 

Updated on 25th July 2023