Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Latest Culture Headlines
Wellington’s Dylan Early Is NZ’s 2025 Masters Scrabble Champion
Monday, 21 April 2025, 7:33 pm | New Zealand Association of Scrabble Players
One of the three premier events in New Zealand’s Scrabble calendar, the Masters crown is hotly contested by a field of experienced players and grand masters. This weekend’s tournament was decided on the very last game of the tournament. More >>
NZ Warriors Star Luke Metcalf Steals Another Celebration In Golden Point Thriller
Monday, 21 April 2025, 5:56 pm | RNZ
Halfback Luke Metcalf embraced the mentality of an NBA shooter to kick his team home over Brisbane. More >>
Annual Cost Of Treating Sport Concussions Climbs To $80m - ACC
Monday, 21 April 2025, 5:54 pm | RNZ
The annual cost of treating sport-related concussion has risen by nearly 25 percent to $80 million. More >>
Football Round-Up: Auckland FC Must Wait For Title Win, But That’s A Good Thing
Monday, 21 April 2025, 5:53 pm | RNZ
They deserve to finish the job in front of an expectant fanbase that has played a key role in their success. More >>
Liam Lawson At The Saudi Arabian Grand Prix: What You Need To Know
Monday, 21 April 2025, 5:51 pm | RNZ
Can the Kiwi driver get his season back on track after four disappointing finishes? More >>
Uplifting New Fiction From Michael Thompson
Monday, 21 April 2025, 5:21 pm | Hardie Grant Books
Michael Thompson's romantic magical realism will make you laugh, cry and question: if you knew when the people you loved were going to die ... would you tell them? More >>
Over 65,000 Wowed At International Vehicle Event: Record-Breaking Attendance At Wheels At Wanaka Over Easter Weekend
Monday, 21 April 2025, 5:18 pm | Wheels at Wanaka
Visitors travelled from all over the world to experience an exciting variety of vehicle-related attractions, including the Terra Cat Earthmoving Extravaganza, enduro x motorbike competition, Cat Global Operator Challenge, snowmobile, rally & ATV demos. More >>
New Caledonia-born FIFA World Cup Winner Impressed By OFC U-15 Boys Development Tournament In Auckland
Monday, 21 April 2025, 4:50 pm | Oceania Football Confederation
New Caledonia-born FIFA World Cup winner Christian Karembeu has praised the OFC U-15 Boys Development Tournament held in Auckland, New Zealand, over the past week, describing it as a “privilege” and an “essential pathway” for young footballers across ... More >>
MADE For A Cause 2025 Featuring ‘Wairua Paani’
Monday, 21 April 2025, 2:21 pm | Toitoi - Hawkes Bay Arts And Events Centre
Following the highly popular, bi-cultural shows like “Shakuntala,” “Sita Unsung,” and “Takshaka - King of Snakes,” Krishni Productions, collaborating with Wahanui Productions, brings you another dramatic masterpiece. More >>
New Online Contemporary Gallery Expands Access To Leading New Zealand Art
Monday, 21 April 2025, 11:11 am | New Zealand and Maorii Art
The New Zealand and Māori Art – Online Contemporary Gallery, now live, offers a curated online space for art collectors and enthusiasts to discover and purchase unique artworks. "I saw a clear need for a platform that could highlight the ... More >>
Ice Fernz Claim Silver In Gritty Battle Against Turkey
Monday, 21 April 2025, 9:03 am | Ice Hockey New Zealand
The final buzzer sounded with the scoreboard reading 3-2, confirming New Zealand’s silver medal finish in the tournament. Australia claimed gold, undefeated through the week, while Ukraine rounded out the podium with bronze. More >>
Erin Routliffe, Gaby Dabrowski Win First Title On Clay
Monday, 21 April 2025, 8:49 am | Tennis New Zealand
Routliffe and her Canadian partner broke their opponents’ serve three times during the opening set and although the second set had the same scoreline it was a tighter battle, with the top seeds converting two of the eight break points they had. More >>
Rival Consoles Announces Auckland Show
Monday, 21 April 2025, 8:22 am | Banished Music
From deep ambient works to his unique version of techno, and traversing the vast spectrum in between, the show will be a long-form narrative of ideas, many heard live for the first time. More >>
A Kiwi Shearing Gun Bids For World Record In South Africa
Monday, 21 April 2025, 8:20 am | Shearing Sports New Zealand
The last World shearing record in South Africa was the solo and two-stand merino lambs marks set by South African bladeshearing pair Samuel Juba and Bangali Joel in Victoria West, Northern Cape Province, in February 2006. More >>
Super Rugby Pacific: Wrong decisions as Moana Pasifika lose to Brumbies
Sunday, 20 April 2025, 3:37 pm | RNZ
Moana Pasifika's forward pack did well in the first 40 to hold their own, but Brumbies just had too much power in the second. More >>
Byllie-jean Wins A Taite Music Award: 'This Is An Incredible One For Me As A Māori Woman And A Kuia'
Sunday, 20 April 2025, 3:35 pm | RNZ
Days after her debut solo EP won the Best Independent Debut Award, Christchurch musician Byllie-jean chats about overcoming whakamā [shame] and the caravan that keeps her housing anxiety at bay. More >>
NRL: What we learned from NZ Warriors' nailbiting win over Brisbane Broncos
Sunday, 20 April 2025, 3:31 pm | RNZ
Halfback Luke Metcalf again showed his ability to rise to the occasion at big moments, despite missing a penalty and three of four conversions. More >>
Ice Fernz Push Australia To The Brink In Shootout Thriller At A Sold-Out Dunedin Ice Stadium
Sunday, 20 April 2025, 12:29 pm | Ice Hockey New Zealand
The opening period was a high-tempo, physical battle as both teams tested each other but couldn’t find the net. Goaltenders Grace Harrison (NZL) and her Australian counterpart stood tall, with the raucous crowd fueling every block, poke-check, and ... More >>
Melbourne City Claim Fourth Ninja A-League Women Premier’s Plate
Saturday, 19 April 2025, 8:45 pm | A-Leagues
Following an incredible run of 23 games unbeaten, City clinched the Premiership after a 5-1 away from home win over Perth Glory on Friday night. More >>
Drua Claim Win Over Waratahs To Keep Alive Hopes Of Finishing Top Six
Saturday, 19 April 2025, 6:45 pm | RNZ
The Drua won 28-14 over the Waratahs going into the 11th round next week. More >>
Patafilo Excited With Moana Pasifika Experience
Saturday, 19 April 2025, 6:43 pm | RNZ
Pepesana Patafilo is relishing the opportunities he has had with Moana Pasifika. The 28-year-old former Hurricanes player said the joy of playing for the North Harbour based franchise club beats More >>
Te Hui Ahurei Celebrates Tūhoe Identity
Saturday, 19 April 2025, 6:42 pm | RNZ
A dawn pōwhiri kicked off the country's longest running iwi festival in the Bay of Plenty with at least 20,000 expected to attend over Easter weekend. More >>
NRL: Everything you need to know about Warriors v Broncos
Saturday, 19 April 2025, 6:40 pm | RNZ
The original rivals are facinng off for their 50th NRL meeting at the place it all began 30 years ago. More >>
Chiefs v Highlanders: What You Need To Know
Saturday, 19 April 2025, 6:38 pm | RNZ
Team lists, key stats and news about tonight's Super Rugby Pacific clash in Hamilton. More >>
Blues Women Aim Higher Still After Historic 2025 Campaign
Saturday, 19 April 2025, 6:36 pm | RNZ
The back-to-back Super Rugby Aupiki and inaugural trans-Tasman champions are now determined to build a dynasty. More >>
2025 Commonwealth Short Story Prize Shortlist Announced
Saturday, 19 April 2025, 6:18 am | Commonwealth Foundation
The Commonwealth Short Story Prize is awarded annually for the best piece of unpublished short fiction from any of the Commonwealth’s 56 Member States. More >>
Whangārei Matariki Festival Organisers Call For Participants To Boost Event
Friday, 18 April 2025, 2:53 pm | Susan Botting - Local Democracy Reporter
The Whangārei festival celebrates Puanga and Matariki stars in a special series of cultural events for people to come together and celebrate. More >>
Mark Tele’a To Depart Following 2025 Season
Friday, 18 April 2025, 1:42 pm | Blues Rugby
“It’s been an amazing ride so many fantastic memories and amazing people… But after much thought I have decided from next year I will play my rugby in Japan,” Tele’a said. More >>
Connor Bell Breaks NZ Discus Record (Again)
Friday, 18 April 2025, 11:10 am | Athletics New Zealand
Bell’s performance now moves him in to the top 50 all time in the men’s discus. More >>
Ice Fernz Battle Back For 4-2 Win Over Hong Kong China In Gritty Showdown At Dunedin Ice Stadium
Friday, 18 April 2025, 10:23 am | Ice Hockey New Zealand
With the win, New Zealand remains undefeated in the tournament and now turns its attention to a much-anticipated trans-Tasman clash against Australia on Saturday. Both teams are unbeaten, and with gold medal implications on the line, a sell-out ... More >>
Ben Elton Announces Second Auckland Show As Part Of His Massive Authentic Stupidity Tour In 2025
Thursday, 17 April 2025, 8:49 pm | Live Nation Entertainment
Ben will play Hamilton, Rotorua, Tauranga, Napier, Dunedin, Wellington, Christchurch and now two Auckland shows across April and May. More >>
Y Sports Camp Cultivates Competition, Culture, And Community In South Auckland Schools
Thursday, 17 April 2025, 7:30 pm | Mary Afemata - Local Democracy Reporter
The Y Sports Camp, run by YMCA North, offers a one-week residential sports and cultural experience for Year 7-8 students who would typically miss out on major events like the AIMS Games in Tauranga. More >>
Tongan sister-duo release Matariki album to celebrate culture and language
Thursday, 17 April 2025, 6:32 pm | RNZ
Ōtautahi-based music group, Loopy Tunes - known for their vibrant Pasifika music for pre-schoolers - have released a new album celebrating Matariki, New Zealand's Māori New Year. More >>
Pagan Loaves, Christian Bread, A Secular Treat: A Brief History Of Hot Cross Buns
Thursday, 17 April 2025, 6:26 pm | The Conversation
Do you prefer yours with sultanas and spices, or Vegemite and cheese? However you eat them, hot cross buns reflect centuries of tradition – and superstition. More >>
Icelandic Electronic Duo Kiasmos Announce New Zealand Show
Thursday, 17 April 2025, 6:22 pm | Banished Music
Kiasmos return to the live stage for the first time in over 5 years, with much anticipation for what they have in store for us. More >>
Tactix Open Netball Tournament To Community With 'Choose-Your-Price' Entry
Thursday, 17 April 2025, 6:20 pm | Tactix Netball
Tactix general manager Kate Agnew launched the ‘Pay What You Can’ campaign, where fans choose what entry fee to pay; she was motivated to remove the financial barrier that may be stopping some fans from experiencing live, elite sport. More >>
Bucking The Trend: New Zealanders Still Love To Read
Thursday, 17 April 2025, 6:10 pm | Read NZ
The latest National Reading Survey commissioned by Read NZ Te Pou Muramura reveals that despite a bleak international backdrop, our reading rates are remaining steady - and even increasing in some areas. More >>
Tony Quinn Foundation Ambassador Zack Scoular Set For Eurocup-3 Debut
Thursday, 17 April 2025, 6:07 pm | Tony Quinn Foundation
Scoular believes his experience in CTFROC has provided a solid foundation for his Eurocup-3 campaign. More >>
Songs For ANZAC From Key 2
Thursday, 17 April 2025, 6:02 pm | Key 2 Artist Promotions
In the familiar rhythm of the year, ANZAC Day returns, and with it, our tradition of remembering the fallen through the songs of our artists.' More >>
Australian Country (adjacent) Music Star Brad Cox Is Heading Back To New Zealand!
Thursday, 17 April 2025, 5:52 pm | The Label
With a string of anthems under his belt and a reputation for connecting deeply with crowds, Brad’s return promises to be loud, heartfelt, and unforgettable. Don’t miss your chance to see one of Australia’s best live acts on New Zealand soil. More >>
NZ Games Festival Is Back For 2025!
Thursday, 17 April 2025, 5:50 pm | NZ Games Festival
Festival Manager Tanya Marriott describes the NZ Games Festival as bringing “the community together to celebrate gaming in all its aspects. It’s a wonderful opportunity for students to bond with industry veterans over common interests.” More >>
Kāpiti Run For Youth Has Closed For Another Year And Distributed To Fundraising Partners
Thursday, 17 April 2025, 5:44 pm | Kapiti Run for Youth
Richard Calkin, the Founder of Web Genius, makes it clear that funds from Kāpiti Run for Youth are distributed with transparency, love and no strings attached so each Fundraising Partner can decide how to invest the money to support rangatahi ... More >>
Rain Or Shine, The Show Will Go On; Auckland Easter Show Prepares ToWelcome Tens Of Thousands Through The Gates
Thursday, 17 April 2025, 5:31 pm | Auckland Easter Show
It’s an iconic part of the Kiwi easter calendar for both young and old. Even with rain forecast tonight and into Good Friday we’re expecting plenty of people through the gate especially with the huge range of indoor attractions we have on offer to ... More >>
Allan And White To Debut In Australian GT4 With Tony Quinn
Thursday, 17 April 2025, 2:04 pm | Bridgestone
The two young guns will join Quinn himself for a round each in the Monochrome GT4 Australia Championship in Tony’s newly acquired GR Supra GT4 EVO 2. Tony will then decide which one moves forward to compete alongside him in further rounds. More >>
Dunedin Midwinter Carnival Is Back For 2025
Thursday, 17 April 2025, 2:00 pm | Dunedin Midwinter Carnival
From our own native birds of Aotearoa, and mythical creatures that soar through the sky, to the graceful wings of butterflies. Let your imagination take wing as you weave through stunning lantern displays, interactive installations, and awe-inspiring ... More >>
Wild Dunedin Celebrates 10 Years With Inaugural Wildlife Ambassador Awards
Thursday, 17 April 2025, 1:49 pm | Otago Museum
To commemorate this special anniversary, Wild Dunedin has, for the first time, awarded three Wildlife Ambassador Awards to individuals who have played pivotal roles in the festival’s success and continue to advocate passionately for nature and wildlife. More >>
Vivienne Westwood World-Premiere Wows Audiences
Thursday, 17 April 2025, 12:23 pm | Te Papa
Celebrating the iconic jewellery of renowned British fashion house Vivienne Westwood, the exhibition features an impressive collection of over 550 pieces of jewellery and a range of iconic garments, spanning eight rooms. More >>
Renowned Artist Sopolemalama Filipe Tohi Receives Recognition For His Contribution To Pacific Art And Culture
Thursday, 17 April 2025, 11:57 am | Massey University
Sopolemalama Filipe Tohi has been awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Fine Arts (honoris causa) in recognition of his outstanding contributions to both the Pacific and global art scenes. More >>
Rieko Ioane To Take Sabbatical In 2026
Thursday, 17 April 2025, 11:49 am | Blues Rugby
Ioane will remain with the Blues until the end of the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific season and is available for the All Blacks through to the end of the year. More >>
Tyler King Joins Helicraft Racing
Thursday, 17 April 2025, 11:30 am | Helicraft Racing
The recently crowned New Zealand Superlites champion has agreed to race for the Wanaka team in a two-pronged New Zealand Superbike Championship title assault. More >>
Joe Dutaona To Represent Bougainville At Ngākau Carving Symposium In New Zealand: 12th - 26th April 2025
Thursday, 17 April 2025, 11:24 am | Volunteer Service Abroad
Joe is a respected figure in the arts community of Bougainville, where he has dedicated over 25 years to promoting the arts and preserving cultural traditions. More >>
Banksy’s Defining Works To Be Shown In Auckland As The Art Of Banksy Opens This July 2025
Thursday, 17 April 2025, 11:22 am | Auckland Live
The Art of Banksy is the world’s largest collection of original and authenticated Banksy art showcasing more than 150 pieces including prints, canvases and unique works. The collection wowed thousands of Wellingtonians in 2024 and now it’s Auckland’s ... More >>
Kate De Goldi Named Te Awhi Rito Reading Ambassador For Aotearoa
Thursday, 17 April 2025, 11:09 am | National Library Of New Zealand
Kate is a highly regarded and award-winning author, as well as a respected and engaging broadcaster, teacher and public speaker. More >>
Puanga To Be Star Of Matariki 2025
Thursday, 17 April 2025, 11:05 am | Ministry For Culture And Heritage
"Matariki and Puanga are stars that sit in the night sky together to signal the start of the Māori new year for different iwi," says the government’s Chief Advisor Mātauranga Matariki, Professor Rangi Mātāmua. More >>
Exhibition Announcement : Tala O Le Tau, Angela Tiatia & Yuki Kihara, Gus Fisher Gallery
Thursday, 17 April 2025, 10:46 am | Gus Fisher Gallery
Gus Fisher Gallery's upcoming exhibition Tala o le tau brings together new and significant bodies of work by Angela Tiatia, Yuki Kihara and women from Moata’a Aualuma Community that collectively explore themes of climate crisis, matrilineal histories and indigenous ... More >>
NZ Shears Team For Six-Match UK Tour
Thursday, 17 April 2025, 7:27 am | Shearing Sports New Zealand
New Zealand teams have shorn shearing tests in the UK almost annually for more than 30 years, with reciprocal series’ against Wales in New Zealand now held each year. More >>
Braxton Sorensen-McGee Learning From The Best, Blues Teammate Portia Woodman-Wickliffe
Wednesday, 16 April 2025, 8:29 pm | RNZ
Braxton Sorensen-McGee has lit up Super Rugby Aupiki in her debut season. More >>
Asian Comedians In Search Of A Laugh To Break Down Cultural Barriers
Wednesday, 16 April 2025, 8:14 pm | RNZ
Speaking ahead of the New Zealand International Comedy Festival, which runs from 2-25 May in Auckland and Wellington, Asian comedians told RNZ they wanted more performers from their communities to get involved in the scene. More >>
Get Ready To Fall In Love With The Auckland Live Cabaret Festival This June
Wednesday, 16 April 2025, 7:09 pm | 818.
Established in 2014, the Auckland Live Cabaret Season has grown in popularity each year, this year being renamed the Auckland Live Cabaret Festival, recognising its significant impact and place on the arts and cultural calendar. More >>
Pacific Dance NZ Festival 2025: 15 Years Of Faiva – Back To Our Roots
Wednesday, 16 April 2025, 7:07 pm | Elephant Publicity
This year, venues reflect the festival's focus on telling our community stories in our community settings. We are thrilled to be back Māngere Arts Centre - Ngā Tohu o Uenuku, which has been home for the festival since 2015. More >>
