Latest Culture Headlines
Pulse Rock Steel With Big Win In Invercargill
Sunday, 1 June 2025, 7:51 pm | ANZ Premiership
Honouring the legacy of the late Robyn Broughton, who coached both teams during her long career, the Pulse defused a resurgent third quarter revival from the Steel to stamp their overall dominance with a withering 18-5 fourth quarter burst. More >>
End Of The Road For Moana Pasifika And Fijian Drua
Sunday, 1 June 2025, 3:38 pm | RNZ
Moana Pasifika and the Fijian Drua ended their campaigns in the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific competition with big losses on Saturday night. More >>
Study Finds Māori, Pacific Communities Can Reshape Media Narratives
Sunday, 1 June 2025, 3:27 pm | RNZ
The success of Brown Buttabean Motivation shows how initiatives can use media stereotypes to create their own narrative. More >>
Social Media Spat: Blues And Moana Beef Online After Play-Off Spots Are Set
Sunday, 1 June 2025, 3:21 pm | RNZ
The last weekend had a thriller, a reffing controversy, blow outs and more fun from Rieko on Instagram - Jamie Wall breaks it all down. More >>
Table-Topping Win For Tactix
Saturday, 31 May 2025, 8:09 pm | ANZ Premiership
The Tactix excelled across all areas of the court with 1.96m shooter Ellie Bird a dominant force after returning a perfect 50 from 50 under the hoop. More >>
Auckland City FC Enjoy Winning Send Off To The USA
Saturday, 31 May 2025, 8:07 pm | Auckland FC
The squad departs Auckland on Monday 2 June in two groups and will play a warm-up fixture against Philadelphia Union on 5 June before facing UAE giants Al Ain FC in Washington, DC on 9 June. More >>
THE LETTER By Zoe Moon – A New Chapter From One Of Aotearoa’s Most Captivating Voices
Saturday, 31 May 2025, 7:29 pm | Zoe Moon
“For the first time, I’ve released a track that connects explicitly to the music that shaped my family’s story — a sound that held us together and carried us forward,” says the artist, who carries forward the spirit of her father, the renowned ... More >>
PAPA: Woven Wearable Art Returns To Auckland For One Day Only
Saturday, 31 May 2025, 7:26 pm | Kahui St David's
Free to the public, PAPA – Papatūānuku | Whakapapa brings the rich traditions of Māori weaving and cultural expression to life through fashion, music, and performance, transforming Kāhui St David’s into a vibrant runway. More >>
Whāia Te Taniwha | 20 September 2025 To 15 February 2026
Saturday, 31 May 2025, 7:22 pm | Christchurch Art Gallery
Co-curator Chloe Cull says that while many people in Aotearoa are familiar with the idea of taniwha, post-colonial, Western representations of taniwha have often been one-dimensional or inaccurate. More >>
MAKING VISIBLE Exhibition – Sharing Stories Of Storm Recovery In East Coast Bays, Mairangi Arts Centre 14th - 19th June
Saturday, 31 May 2025, 7:19 pm | ANCAD
A collective experience of creative reflection and strength through connection; one that continues to inform our recovery. More >>
Woodhill Forest Gears Up For Iconic Off-Road Racing Showdown
Saturday, 31 May 2025, 7:09 pm | Auckland Offroad Racing Club
The Woodhill 100 is New Zealand’s longest-running one-day off-road endurance race, tracing its origins back over four decades. More >>
The Others Way Festival First Line-Up Announcement. And A Huge Plot Twist - We’re Closing Down K Road
Saturday, 31 May 2025, 7:06 pm | 818.
We’re shutting down the street, and throwing K Road the biggest party you’ve ever seen, with the wildest line-up in the festival’s history. You don’t wanna miss it. More >>
Capital C Is Back – And Bolder Than Ever
Saturday, 31 May 2025, 7:04 pm | Capital C Concerts
“Capital C never really died—it just went underground,” says founder Phil Sprey. “The passion, the ideas, and the love for live performance never left. Now we’re bringing it back, with more creative firepower than ever.” More >>
Phoebe Rings Joins Japanese Breakfast As Support For The Auckland Winter Series
Saturday, 31 May 2025, 7:02 pm | 818.
Made up of lead singer/synthesist Crystal Choi, drummer Alex Freer, guitar/synthesist Simeon Kavanagh-Vincent, and bassist Benjamin Locke, they join U.S. band Japanese Breakfast who will perform for the first time ever in Aotearoa next month as part ... More >>
Chart-topping, Record-breaking Corrella Are Bringing Their Sun-soaked Reggae Vibes To A City Near You
Saturday, 31 May 2025, 7:00 pm | NikNak Media
Following a massive summer of playing festivals and touring across Aotearoa and Australia with L.A.B, Corrella will take their award-winning and chart-topping sophomore album SKELETONS to the stage for the very first time. More >>
Nurture - Alice Toomer And Benjamin Cotter Dephoff | 13 June – 5 July 2025
Saturday, 31 May 2025, 6:55 pm | Twentysix Gallery
The two artists ask gently, with the lull of Aotearoa’s bush and a quiet home in the background—what rituals are embraced by us versus expected of us? How can we let nature hold us and sustain us a little longer? More >>
Mill’s-Tui Festival Of Rugby League Returns To Rotorua – A Weekend Of Footy, Brotherhood, And Purpose
Saturday, 31 May 2025, 5:43 pm | Sione Faumuina
Now in its second year, the event is fast becoming a flagship weekend on the national rugby calendar. More >>
Adam Hattaway & The Haunters Release New Single + Video 'Tommy Sees Ghosts'
Saturday, 31 May 2025, 5:40 pm | Bad Gin Sanctuary
Inspired by true ghost stories, Adam delves into the tale of Tommy who lives close to the wind, getting up in the middle of the night to wave buenas noches to friends or lovers, dead and alive. More >>
'HERSTORY' - Ladies Of Hip Hop Aotearoa 2025 Presented By Rina Chae And En Beat Academy June 7–8, 2025
Saturday, 31 May 2025, 5:38 pm | Bev Adair
Known worldwide as a powerful educator and judge, Toyin is set to deliver a masterclass in both movements and mindset — guiding dancers of all levels to feel, not just perform. More >>
In The Shallows - NZ Winter Tour 2025!
Saturday, 31 May 2025, 6:39 am | Cheree Ridder
This new tour sees Danni joined by long-time live bassist Shane Hamill and fresh talent Ben Brunskill (Guitar/Vocals), Arna Wnek (Keys/Vocals), and Sam Holdom (Drums). More >>
Blues Named For Must-Win Against Waratahs
Friday, 30 May 2025, 8:59 pm | Blues Rugby
In their final game of the regular season, the Blues need to secure a win in front of their home fans to keep their finals hopes alive. More >>
Platonic Sex Follow-up ‘90s-Rock Elegy 'Impress You' With New Single ‘Easy’
Friday, 30 May 2025, 8:57 pm | Dinosaur City Records
“We often write about the in-between stages of love”, says Brandolini, adding, “It’s so effortless to fall into intimacy with someone, but if it’s not the right match, it can become transactional.” More >>
The Maggie Pills - Return With Haunting Single 'Velobell'
Friday, 30 May 2025, 8:54 pm | Good Intent
'Velobell' unfolds with a discordant chord progression and lead singer Delfi Sorondo's breathy timbre, creating a soundscape that is raw and arresting. More >>
Turua Gallery Presents “Lock, Stock & Barrel” – A Treasure Trove Of Artistic Gems
Friday, 30 May 2025, 8:51 pm | Turua Gallery
"Lock, Stock & Barrel is more than just an exhibition; it's a celebration of the precious and varied talents represented by Turua Gallery,’’ states Liss Wallace, Turua Gallery Owner. More >>
Powerful, Intimate, Unforgettable Stories For Matariki Season– On Māori+ & Whakaata Māori
Friday, 30 May 2025, 8:49 pm | Whakaata Maori
Anchored in kaupapa-Māori and bursting with stories of triumph, connection and reclamation, this lineup invites all New Zealanders to reflect, learn, and celebrate Matariki with humility, compassion, and aroha. More >>
The Skipper at the Heart our Club World Cup™ Journey
Friday, 30 May 2025, 8:45 pm | Auckland City FC
For Ilich, football is more than just a game, it’s a passion rooted in his home city of Auckland. More >>
Ode To Ōtara: A Symphony Of Hope, Culture And Call For Support
Friday, 30 May 2025, 7:57 pm | Mary Afemata - Local Democracy Reporter
Sistema Aotearoa, which partners with over 60 South Auckland schools to provide free orchestral education, is widely celebrated for its impact on tamariki. But board member Tasha Hohaia says the programme’s success has been achieved despite limited ... More >>
NZ’s Leading Sports Clinicians Call For Ban On RunIt
Friday, 30 May 2025, 7:13 pm | Sports Medicine New Zealand
RunIt is not a sport. It is jousting without sticks, and whilst that may have been a sport in medieval times, it has no place in today’s sporting arenas. More >>
Punarua Exhibition Arrives At Taupō Museum
Friday, 30 May 2025, 3:53 pm | Taupo District Council
Punarua offers a moment of celebration and reflection during Matariki. The exhibition shares not just the piupiu, but the journey to create it, with an accompanying documentary that takes viewers behind the scenes, from the first threads to its international ... More >>
Exciting Stars Men's Squad Named For 2025 Mystics Series
Friday, 30 May 2025, 3:27 pm | Stars Netball
Dynamic shooters Maru Delamere, Stan Smith and Manase Vaka return from last season, with Ryan Grima also adding spark. The mid-court is made up of Stefan Mateariki, Lucas Cook, Tayne Springer and Tyrah Wineera-Lauagiagi, with Maekara Mauriohooho ... More >>
Andy Shauf’s Foxwarren New Album, 2, Out Now Via ANTI-
Friday, 30 May 2025, 3:18 pm | The Label
he song seamlessly moves from an MF Doom-like pitch-shifted sample to a line-dance guitar lick to honeyed country-rock harmonies of the titular band all in three minutes. More >>
Applications For The New Zealand Film Commission’s He Kauahi Catalyst Open Today
Friday, 30 May 2025, 2:14 pm | New Zealand Film Commission
The He Kauahi Catalyst supports New Zealand filmmakers keen to progress their talents to the next stage and create exceptional narrative short films. Through this initiative up to $90,000 is available for narrative drama and animation short films. More >>
SIX60 Revealed As Inaugural Aotearoa Charts Icon, Live At The 2025 Aotearoa Music Awards
Friday, 30 May 2025, 2:03 pm | Official Aotearoa Music Charts
As part of the celebration of 50 years of the Official Top 40 Music Charts in New Zealand, the Aotearoa Charts Icon award has been established by Recorded Music NZ to recognise local artists that have had significant success in the Official Charts ... More >>
Can We Buy Time To Save Our Native Trees?
Friday, 30 May 2025, 1:26 pm | University of Auckland
Three documentaries exploring myrtle rust and kauri dieback disease will be screened at an Eco Film Festival in Auckland on 7 June. Dr Mark Harvey from the University of Auckland will introduce three documentaries. More >>
FANGZ - Announce Debut Album 'Shui' And National Tour, Reveal Blistering Single 'Anne Marie'
Friday, 30 May 2025, 12:33 pm | Good Intent
The band have traversed the country multiple times, selling out headline shows, performing at festivals and sharing stages with the likes of FIDLAR (USA), Pennywise (USA), The Bronx (USA), Cancer Bats (CAN), RedHook, Comeback Kid (CAN) and He Is Legend ... More >>
Explainer: Super Rugby Pacific’s Blockbuster Final Round
Friday, 30 May 2025, 12:28 pm | RNZ
Every game has something riding on it, with home ground advantage, bonus points and tie breakers crucial - Jamie Wall tells you what it all means. More >>
Art For Aotearoa: Oceania Retirement Village Residents Create Breathtaking Art For Charity Auction
Friday, 30 May 2025, 11:43 am | Oceania Group
Oceania residents across the country have been challenged to create art in line with the theme of environmental conservation - an issue that is deeply meaningful to residents. More >>
A Sporting Chance: NZCT Backs Special Olympics With $250,000 Grant
Friday, 30 May 2025, 11:28 am | NZCT
The National Summer Games are more than just a sporting event — they’re a celebration of ability, determination, and community. Grants like this wouldn’t be possible without the responsible gaming partnerships we share with our local venues, says ... More >>
Adam Kersey Named Isuzu UTE A-League Men Referee Of The Year
Friday, 30 May 2025, 11:25 am | A-Leagues
The Isuzu UTE A-League Men Referee of the Year is awarded to the referee who is judged as the best referee for the Isuzu UTE A-League Men regular season. More >>
Fiona Pardington Reveals Exhibition Concept Going To Venice Biennale
Friday, 30 May 2025, 9:21 am | Creative NZ
Her major new work for Venice builds on the content of her 2024 series Te taha o te rangi, ‘the edge of the heavens’ which consists of photographs of Aotearoa New Zealand birds preserved as taxidermy specimens in museum collections. More >>
Heirloom Glamour: Tracing Family Threads Through Fashion Talk
Friday, 30 May 2025, 8:46 am | Whanganui Regional Museum
The dress was donated to the Museum in 1996 by Christiana Rietveld. Christiana’s daughter Melanie Ellis recently visited the museum to share her memories and provide valuable context, including a photograph of Christiana wearing the dress in the early More >>
Aotearoa Music Awards Reveal 2025 Tūī Winners
Friday, 30 May 2025, 7:43 am | Aotearoa Music Awards
The 2025 Aotearoa Music Awards was co-hosted by Kara Rickard and Jesse Mulligan. It was livestreamed by AMA Official Media Partner RNZ via rnz.co.nz and across its social media channels. The broadcast will be available to stream on TVNZ+ from the More >>
Young Pulse Defender Ready To Crack On
Thursday, 29 May 2025, 8:22 pm | Central Pulse
From prominent schoolgirl talent, Te Wānanga o Raukawa Pulse defender Parris Mason has successfully come out the other side to present as a top-notch performer at the elite level in the ANZ Premiership netball league. More >>
Tactix Eye Sold-Out Home Game Against Mystics
Thursday, 29 May 2025, 12:05 pm | Tactix Netball
North Canterbury is set to host a sold-out, top-of-the-table clash between the Tactix and Mystics as both sides fight to remain at the top of ANZ Premiership leaderboard. Sitting in first place, the Northern Mystics will be looking to secure a fourth season ... More >>
JAMIE XX Announces 10th Anniversary Edition Of In Colour Album
Thursday, 29 May 2025, 11:54 am | The Label
Originally released on 29th May 2015, In Colour quickly established itself as a modern classic - a kaleidoscopic journey through UK dance culture that continues to resonate with fans and critics alike. More >>
New Signing Soft Bait Announce Sophomore Album 'Life Advice' + Share First Single 'New Leaf'
Thursday, 29 May 2025, 11:43 am | Flying Nun
The video, created by Patrick Hickley and Jolin Lee, takes those ideas and drops them into a dusty VHS wedding from the early-90s. Today, the band share the first single, 'New Leaf' — a track that picks apart gossip, group dynamics, and the mess ... More >>
Unknown Mortal Orchestra Announce New EP ‘Curse'
Thursday, 29 May 2025, 11:39 am | The Label
CURSE reflects these cursed times we find ourselves in. Taking inspiration from Italian horror films of the 1970s and 1980s, the six songs on the release are as cathartic a listen as the band has ever recorded. More >>
Phoebe Rings Joins Japanese Breakfast As Support For The Auckland Winter Series
Thursday, 29 May 2025, 9:22 am | Live Nation Entertainment
Well known for their signature blend of Jazz-inspired dream-pop sounds Phoebe Rings formed in 2019. Having created a loyal fanbase since opening for The Beths, and releasing their self-titled EP last October, Phoebe Rings will be debuting their forthcoming ... More >>
The Others Way First Line-Up Revealed
Thursday, 29 May 2025, 8:51 am | Banished Music
While we’ve roped in all your usual favourite venues for the festival, we didn’t think we could squeeze Shazza down the back of Little Turkish Café, so for the first time ever we’re closing down KARANGAHAPE ROAD! More >>
Blues Captain Tuipulotu Signs For Three More Years
Thursday, 29 May 2025, 8:11 am | Blues
After taking on the full-time captaincy in 2020, Tuipulotu has helped shape the culture of the club, culminating in the historic 2024 Super Rugby Pacific title. More >>
Motueka High School Team To Tackle One NZ GODZONE With Mentorship By Nathan Fa’avae
Wednesday, 28 May 2025, 8:53 pm | Pure Adventure Charitable Trust
With the support of AWS Legal, a group of talented past and present students from Motueka High School will compete in one of the world's toughest multi-day, multi-discipline adventure races, One New Zealand GODZONE, at Chapter 12 in Marlborough this November. More >>
Digitising Marlborough History One Ferry Ride At A Time
Wednesday, 28 May 2025, 8:28 pm | Kira Carrington - Local Democracy Reporter
The National Library of New Zealand, in partnership with the Preserving Local History and Education Trust, has now added the Marlborough Express newspapers from 1929 to 1952 to their online collection, Papers Past. The new issues will be available from ... More >>
Game Of Loans: Libraries Lend Out Board Games
Wednesday, 28 May 2025, 8:04 pm | Mary Afemata - Local Democracy Reporter
This week, 10 Auckland libraries, including Manurewa, Papatoetoe, and Māngere Bridge, launched a free board games lending service for adults. More >>
L.A.B Announced As Winner Of 2025 Aotearoa Music Awards Te Manu Mātārae Tūī
Wednesday, 28 May 2025, 7:24 pm | Aotearoa Music Awards
The band will perform live at the AMA event on 29 May livestreamed on RNZ More >>
‘Please Walk On Me’ – Flag Artwork Sparks Outrage Again
Wednesday, 28 May 2025, 6:57 pm | Max Frethey - Local Democracy Reporter
A controversial artwork on display in Nelson that invites visitors to "please walk on" the NZ flag has angered the RSA. More >>
Auckland City FC - Keeping Children And Youth Active
Wednesday, 28 May 2025, 12:50 pm | Auckland City FC
One standout success story comes from Wesley Intermediate, where financial hurdles threatened to sideline Year 7 and 8 students ahead of key tournaments. Faced with a lack of boots, shin pads, and uniforms, the school turned to Auckland City FC and ... More >>
Delaney Davidson Joins Sir Dave Dobbyn And His Band As Special Guest At The Auckland Winter Series
Wednesday, 28 May 2025, 9:27 am | Live Nation
Delaney Davidson joins one of Aotearoa’s most treasured musical voices, Sir Dave Dobbyn, live in concert at Auckland Town Hall on Wednesday June 4. More >>
Trailer Released For Kiwi Feature Film Pike River Ahead Of Nationwide Cinema Release On October 30
Wednesday, 28 May 2025, 8:43 am | 818.
Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Rob Sarkies (Out of the Blue, Scarfies), Pike River tells the true story of Anna Osborne and Sonya Rockhouse, two women who lost their loved ones in the disaster and became leading voices in the families’ long fight More >>
Auction Of Works By Respected Women Artists Brings Record Prices
Wednesday, 28 May 2025, 8:26 am | International Art Centre
The auction featured works by some of the most highly regarded and respected women artists, including Louise Henderson, Kushana Bush, Helen Flora Scales, Rhona Haszard, Frances Hodgkins and numerous others. More >>
The Amici Ensemble Provide A Master Class In Françaix, Fauré, & Brahms
Wednesday, 28 May 2025, 8:08 am | howard davis
This year the Ensemble includes Monique Lapins, Second Violinist of the NZ String Quartet and a Lecturer at Victoria University’s School of Music. She tours with the Ghost Piano Trio, performs regularly with leading orchestras and her delightful More >>