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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.
Suffrage Day
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
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.
Regional culture and heritage fund provides $16.5m for South Island cultural institutions
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
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
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.
Creative Spaces – impact of cultural recovery funding
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.
Strong growth in on demand viewing – latest audience trends from NZ On Air research
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
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.
Creative New Zealand's Pacific Arts Strategy 2023-2028

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Home Publications Our accountability reports

Our accountability reports

Here are the Ministry's recent documents. For accountability documents from previous years please contact us.  Contact us if you are unable to view the following documents. Note some signatures have been redacted for privacy reasons.

Annual Reports / Strategic Intentions

PIF Reviews

Performance Improvement Framework (PIF) 2016

Review of Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture and Heritage (MCH), published in August 2016.

Performance Improvement Framework (PIF) 2014

Performance Improvement Framework (PIF) from May 2014.

Strategic Intentions

Strategic Intentions 2021-2025

Strategic Intentions 2021-2025

Strategic Intentions 2018-2022

Strategic Intentions 2018-2022

Four-year plan 2017

The Ministry supports the Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage, the Minister of Broadcasting and the Minister for Sport and Recreation, providing advice on where government best focuses its interventions in the cultural sector. We seek to ensure that Vote funding is invested as effectively and efficiently as possible, that it delivers the best outcomes for New Zealanders, and that government priorities are met.

Four-year plan 2016

The Ministry's Four year-plan 2016 document.

Statement of Intent 2015-19

Strategic Intentions 2014-18

Statement of Intent 2013-2016

Statement of Intent 2008-2013

Statement of Intent 2009-2012

Statement of Intent 2010-2013

Statement of Intent 2011-2014

Statement of Intent 2012-2015

Cultural sector strategic framework 2014-2018

Annual Reports

Annual Report 2022

Annual Report 2022

Annual Report 2021

Annual Report 2021

Annual Report 2020

Annual Report 2020

Annual Report 2019

Annual Report 2019

Annual Report 2018

Annual Report 2017/18

Annual Report 2017

Annual Report 2017

Annual Report 2016

Annual Report 2015

Annual Report 2014

Annual Report 2013

Annual Report 2012

Annual Report 2012

Annual Report 2008

Annual Report 2009

Annual Report 2010

Annual Report 2011

Updated on 18th September 2020