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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
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
Celebrate from Sunday 1 – Saturday 7 October. This year’s theme for Vaiaso o te Gana Tuvalu – Tuvalu Language Week is Fakatumau kae fakaakoi tau ‘gana ke mautu a iloga o ‘ta tuā. Discover more on the Ministry for Pacific Peoples website.
Tuvalu Language Week 2023
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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News and Events

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

New standalone integrity entity for sport formally established

Legislation establishing an independent body to strengthen and protect the integrity of the sport and recreation system has passed its final reading in Parliament with almost unanimous support. The Integrity Sport and Recreation Commission will be an independent Crown Entity when it is becomes operational next year.

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Government announces refreshed Commemorations Programme 2023-2027

The programme of historical anniversaries to be acknowledged by the NZ Government over the next 5 years includes some of our nation’s most important events.

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Creative New Zealand and NZ On Air creative professionals research released

Research just released shows that New Zealand’s creative professionals’ median income is $37,000, compared to the median of $61,800 for salary and wage earners.

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Restoration work underway at iconic Turnbull House

Heritage NZ Pouhere Taonga is pleased to announce that much-anticipated seismic strengthening and restoration work on historic Turnbull House is getting underway on site this month. Nestled amongst high rises in the heart of Wellington’s Parliament Precinct, the restoration project will ensure the iconic building, once home to one of the nation’s earliest and most significant libraries, remains part of the architectural and cultural landscape for generations to come.

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New Zealand’s first national register of 20th Century public artworks goes live

Public Art Heritage Aotearoa New Zealand’s new website publicart.nz was officially launched at Parliament on 25 July 2023. The website is a New Zealand first, providing a single place for New Zealanders to gain knowledge of 20th Century public artworks located in towns and cities across Aotearoa.

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