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The central event is the Tuia 250 Voyage – a journey of national significance showcasing the Pacific, Māori and European voyaging that brought us together. A flotilla of waka hourua, va’a tipaerua and tall ships sails the coast from October to December 2019, landing at community events where you can visit the vessels.
Follow the Tuia 250 voyage
A memorial plaque remembering the estimated 9000 New Zealanders who died in the 1918 global influenza pandemic was unveiled today in Pukeahu National War Memorial Park, Bernadette Cavanagh Chief Executive Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture and Heritage said.
1918 Influenza Pandemic Memorial Plaque unveiled today
With the 40th anniversary of the accident to be marked in 2019, the New Zealand government is constructing a national memorial that acknowledges the loss to the families and the nation. The proposed site for the memorial is Auckland’s Dove-Myer Robinson Park. Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture and Heritage is leading the project.
National Erebus Memorial
The New Zealand Symphony Orchestra’s final Shed Series concert for 2019 features the world premiere of three haunting works composed and performed by acclaimed American oboist Russel Walder. Walder has had the works arranged by renowned New Zealand composer John Psathas for the Shed Series concert Unwound at Wellington’s Shed 6 on 30 November. The concert will be conducted by Hamish McKeich, the NZSO’s new Principal Conductor in Residence.
Extraordinary oboist to premiere spellbinding new music with NZSO
Read our latest annual report for 2018/19.
Annual Report 2019
Follow the breadcrumbs this Christmas, and venture in to the dark, fantastical realm of Hansel & Gretel for an unforgettable evening at the ballet. Inspired by the old-fashioned magic of silent movies and music hall vaudeville, this ballet will transport you to a magical world with large-scale cinematic effects, world premiere choreography by Loughlan Prior and a specially commissioned score by Claire Cowan. This major premiere brings together many of New Zealand’s creative talents to tell a timeless tale for audiences young and old. Runs from 6 November to 14 December throughout New Zealand.
Book for now RNZB's production of Hansel & Gretel
An exhibition opening in Te Papa’s Toi Art in November gives an intimate insight into the unique cultural practice of Sāmoan tattooing.
Powerful photographs of Sāmoan tattooing on show at Te Papa
Most New Zealanders who lived through the 1970s and 1980s will remember the phrase ‘the money or the bag?’ Quizmaster Selwyn Toogood is one of the 13 new biographies added to the Ministry's Dictionary of New Zealand Biography this month.
13 new entries added to the Dictionary of New Zealand Biography
Seismic strengthening projects throughout New Zealand will benefit from the latest Heritage EQUIP funding grants totalling $1.87 million were announced recently including support for New Plymouth's St Aubuyn Chambers. Photo taken by Geoff McDonald.
New grants for earthquake prone heritage buildings

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News and Events

News and events from our sectors and the Ministry for Culture and Heritage.

Te Papa exhibits painting of peaceful encounter from Cook’s second voyage

The oldest European painting of Aotearoa New Zealand in Te Papa’s collection is now on display in Toi Art, Te Papa’s art gallery, as part of Tamatea: He Tūtakinga Tuku Iho | Legacies of Encounter.

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Research reflects significant challenges of making a living as a creative professional in Aotearoa

Research released by Creative NZ & NZ On Air is the first of its kind in almost 20 years.

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New home for New Zealand taonga

Plans for a new Archives facility to improve the protection of and access to some of New Zealand’s most significant and valuable documents were announced by Internal Affairs Minister Tracey Martin.

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Historic film rescued from rusty tins showcased

Ngā Taonga Sound & Vision, NZ's archive of film, sound and television, has mounted the exhibition Rust + Restoration – He Waikura He Whakauka as its first major public activity in its new home.

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NZSO excels in 2020 with Grammy winners, YouTube star, te reo Beethoven

A multi-Grammy Award winner, a YouTube sensation & an internationally acclaimed Kiwi conductor feature in the NZSO’s all-star 2020 concert line-up.

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