Featured Artist - Jane Comben of Pogo Design

“When I moved to NZ, I ended up in Wellington. There was much less packaging work so I moved into print design and branding, and the more government-focused work of the Wellington market. 

After working in agencies, I created Pogo Design when my son was school-age. I wanted the flexibility to manage school holidays etc. I often tell people my biggest work success to date is walking my son through the gate of the local school.” – Jane

Game bird hunters and anglers encouraged to enrol ahead of Fish & Game elections

Licensed anglers and game-bird hunters are being urged to enrol so they can vote in the upcoming Fish & Game elections. 

New Zealand’s 12 regional Fish & Game Councils are elected by licence holders every three years and voting in the 2024 election opens on 19 September. 

Licence holders must register to be on the electoral roll to be eligible to vote in their region.

A Matariki Gift from Artist Helen Casey

With Matariki upon us and School Holidays just around the corner we hope to create a tradition with some of New Zealand’s finest Artists that helps make this time memorable for Whanau across Aotearoa / New Zealand.

Down the Magic Morepork is a colouring in project for Matariki.

Westfield destinations celebrate Matariki with community events and experiences for the whole family

The activity is part of wider celebrations taking place in every Westfield destination across Aotearoa and, for the second year in a row, at Westfield Coomera in Queensland, Australia. To give families more time to come together, Westfield destinations across the country will be trading from 9am until 9pm on Matariki. Activities and experiences throughout the week are listed below.

Rotorua tourism shines bright with Four Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards

Rotorua is bursting with pride as three of its premier tourism attractions have been honoured with four prestigious Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards, highlighting the city's unparalleled experiences and natural beauty. 

Rotorua Canopy Tours’ Original Tour has set an exceptional standard, earning two coveted Best of the Best Things to Do awards. It clinched the number one spot in the Top Experiences New Zealand category and achieved an impressive 10th place in the Nature & Outdoors – World category. This recognition underscores Rotorua Canopy Tours’ commitment to providing unforgettable adventures while showcasing the region's stunning environment.

Rita Angus exhibition opens at MTG Hawke’s Bay Tai Ahuriri on Friday 28 June 2024

Te Papa touring exhibition Rita Angus: New Zealand Modernist | He Ringatoi Hou o Aotearoa will be on display at MTG Hawke’s Bay and opens on Friday 28 June. It brings together 20 works by one of New Zealand’s most iconic 20th-century artists, Rita Angus (1908–1970). 

The exhibition runs until Sunday 25 August 2024 and entry is free. The works on display span Angus’ life and career as an artist, drawing out the themes of pacifism, feminism, and nature, which shaped much of her work. 

The exhibition includes many of Angus’ most important works, including Rutu, 1951, Cleopatra, 1938, and Central Otago, 1953 56/1969.

Unveiling the Mystical Trend: The Surging Popularity of Tarot in Modern Times

Imagine a deck of cards, each one rich with symbolism and mystery, offering a glimpse into the past, present, and future. This is the essence of Tarot, a practice that dates back centuries and has been a source of insight and guidance for many. Although often misunderstood, Tarot has survived the test of time and is experiencing a renaissance in modern culture. This article will explore the roots of Tarot, its evolution, and why it fascinates and aids people today.

Te Kahu o Waipuna takes out architecture award

Accolades continue for Te Kahu o Waipuna, the Marlborough District Library and Art Gallery, which has taken out the public architecture category in the Te Kāhui Whaihanga New Zealand Institute of Architects Local Awards.

Designed by architects Warren and Mahoney, it was described by the judges as a civic building which is reinvigorating Blenheim’s High Street with its bronzed exterior and flexible interior layout. It also received a Resene Colour Award.

Creative Travel Photography II - Graphic Design by Anne Johnston

Based in Twizel, Award-winning photographers Mike and Jackie run creative photography workshops around New Zealand and across the world. They are generous with their teaching and don’t believe in holding back on tips and tricks – they love to empower people to find their own creativity and let photography be a means of self expression. They teach their students how to get the most from a DSLR camera to capture how a scene and a moment looked and felt at a certain moment.  

Exploring the Historical Māori Greeting: The Hongi

The Hongi, a traditional Māori greeting, holds a significant place in New Zealand’s indigenous culture. More than a mere form of salutation, the Hongi serves as a profound representation of community, respect, and shared existence. By pressing their noses and foreheads together, participants in a Hongi not only acknowledge each other's presence but also, symbolically, share a breath of life.

Distinguished Scientist recognised in King’s Birthday Honours

Callaghan Innovation Distinguished Scientist Keith Jones today became a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to metrology in the 2024 King’s Birthday Honours.

The science of measurement, metrology ensures accurate and consistent measurements that support Kiwi exporters and consumers by underpinning regulatory compliance. It also supports technological innovation, helps to enhance product quality, and underpins scientific research, and in doing so drives economic growth and improves quality of life.

First results from the 2023 Census – older, more diverse population, and an extra 300,000 people between censuses

New Zealand is more ethnically diverse and ageing slightly, but growth of the population slowed considerably between censuses, Stats NZ said today.

Stats NZ has released the first data from the 2023 Census of Population and Dwellings. This includes population, Māori descent, ethnic group, age, and dwelling counts at national, regional council, and territorial authority (city and district) and Auckland local board levels.

Companion Cards making entertainment more accessible in Horowhenua

Enjoying Horowhenua attractions is now easier for people living with disabilities with the introduction of Companion Cards. 

The initiative, born out of Council’s Access and Inclusion Network, aims to offer fair ticketing costs for individuals with life-long impairments who may require additional attendant companion support to engage in everyday activities at our partnering venues and activities.

STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE: BUILDING, BRANDING, AND NAMING YOUR STARTUP BUSINESS IN NEW ZEALAND

In the competitive landscape of New Zealand's business environment, a startup's success hinges on more than just a great product or service—it's about creating a resonant brand that captures the essence of the venture and stands out in the marketplace.

This blog post guides you through the intricate process of building, branding, and naming your startup business in New Zealand, laying out the fundamental steps to carve out your unique space in the business world.

Goldie’s Passport to Paris – Win a trip to Paris as the New Zealand Team Mascot

The New Zealand Team is bringing back its iconic mascot Goldie the Kiwi and is searching for an Olympic fan to don the costume and be the team mascot at the Paris Olympic Games. 

The nationwide search kicked off today, with the team looking for an Olympic fan with ultimate mascot skills including trick shots, dance moves, and infectious energy to inspire and amp up the Kiwi supporters and athletes in Paris.

From new town to new skills and new job through Mayors Taskforce for Jobs

In less than six months of moving to Horowhenua, a young man found training and employment through Mayors Taskforce for Jobs (MTFJ), and is now enjoying work satisfaction and skill development.

 

Maea Mataiti moved to Foxton from Christchurch with his whānau in late 2023 after finishing high school. Knowing that getting a first job can be difficult, the then 17 year old was eager to take advantage of the opportunities his new home could present.