Skip to main content
New Zealand women won the right to vote on 19 September 1893. Visit the Ministry's NZHistory website to learn about more about the early suffragists and what they fought for and reflect on women’s rights today.
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.
A government culture and heritage fund has provided a $16.5 million dollar boost to two cultural institutions in Te Waipounamu, the South Island: the Canterbury Museum in Christchurch and the Forrester Art Gallery in Oamaru. Image shows the foyer of the new Canterbury Museum with the blue whale skeleton suspended from the ceiling.
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.
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.
Read a new Ministry report assessing the impact of the cultural recovery funding which supported 54 creative spaces. Cover image is of Jokani Coe performing in 'There is a Mountain inside my head' with Jolt. Photo taken by Charlie Rose, image courtesy of The Arts Centre.
NZ On Air’s Where Are The Audiences? research for 2023 shows audiences want their content when they want it – and that means on demand. The latest results from the series survey Where Are The Audiences? reveal audience behaviour in 2023, and how this compares to the 2021 survey, as well as the ongoing trend since the research began in 2014.
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.
Following significant fono, talanoa, and engagement with the Pacific Arts community, Creative NZ are proud to share their Pacific Arts Strategy 2023-2028. This new strategy lays out their support for Pacific Arts over the next five years and is inspired by navigational stars across the skies of Aotearoa and Oceania. It is a vital, vibrant part of their wider strategic direction. Key features include an overarching vision, three key outcomes, and six priority areas for action – all of which are based on Kaupapa Pasifika values and principles. Read more on Creative NZ's website.

Get the full story

Home Homepage

Ki te puāwai te ahurea, Ka ora te iwi
Culture is thriving,
The people are well

Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture and Heritage works to enrich the lives of all New Zealanders.

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.

Today in History

Today in History

22/09/1931 - Coalition government formed to combat Depression
United Party Prime Minister George Forbes had convened an inter-party conference with the goal of forming a coalition government that would ‘share the responsibility’ of dealing with the Depression. ...

Read More
 Commemorating Waitangi Day Fund Refreshed for 2024 Round

Commemorating Waitangi Day Fund Refreshed for 2024 Round

The 2024 Commemorating Waitangi Day Fund (the Fund) is open from Monday 11 September to Friday 13 October and includes updated criteria. The annual Fund supports local communities to commemorate the signing of Te Tiriti o Waitangi – The Treaty of Waitangi (Te Tiriti). ...

Read More

Pukeahu National War Memorial Park

Read more

National Erebus Memorial

Read more

Dictionary of New Zealand Biography

Read more

Te Tai

Read more