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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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National Erebus Memorial

Pukeahu National War Memorial Park

Pukeahu National War Memorial Park commemorates more than 30,000 New Zealanders who died in conflict and honours all who have served. 

Christchurch Recovery Strategy

Manatū Taonga – Ministry for Culture & Heritage is working to renew greater Christchurch’s unique identity and its vitality expressed through sport, recreation, art, history, heritage and traditions.

Sustainable cultural sector careers

Our Arts and Media Policy team is investigating a number of policy options to better support people to have sustainable cultural sector careers.

28th (Māori) Battalion company histories

Histories of A and D Companies of the 28th Māori Battalion are being undertaken.

Tohu Whenua

Discover, experience and enjoy the places that have shaped New Zealand and created our stories. Whether you’re a New Zealander or a visitor, you can gain a deeper understanding of who we were and who we are today by visiting Tohu Whenua sites. The Tohu Whenua programme combines culture and heritage with beautiful natural settings.

Te Tai Treaty Settlement Stories

Te Tai Treaty Settlement Stories will produce a comprehensive account of the recent history of Treaty of Waitangi settlements from all perspectives.

Updated on 7th October 2019