The Kiwi Spirit

The Kiwi Spirit is a highly informative, inspiring and entertaining documentary, which aims to discover why

New Zealanders, water locked and lonely in the South Pacific, are such grand achievers on the world stage. We will see and hear stories of great endeavor, great insight and initiative as we discover the impact a nation of under 4 million has had on the world.

The stories will be utterly inspiring – but draw from different wellsprings, stories of guts and determination; stories of creative genius; stories of unbelievable odds; stories that are strange but true...

Featured Activity

MARVELLOUS MUSEUMS WHEREVER YOU GO

Exercise your mind with a visit to a museum. Our grandest resides in Auckland, our most inventive can be found in Wellington. Smaller, specialist museums are dotted all over the country.

A Spirited Culture

The 2003 Americas Cup series is once again bringing New Zealand into the limelight as the Kiwis battle to keep yachting's greatest prize down under. But what of the culture behind the sporting heroes? And what does it have to do with sheep, Maori waka (canoes) and a furry fruit?

Video Feature

MAORI CULTURE

The Maori are the indigenous people of Aotearoa New Zealand, and have a rich and varied culture.

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Actually, it's more about journeys. Long journeys. It's no wonder that Kiwis are one of the most well-travelled nationalities in the world; in the days before the easy overnight flight their ancestors faced a pretty arduous journey to get here, either by waka or ship. The image of the waka has become immensely symbolic, and New Zealanders have been on a journey of self-discovery ever since. A vibrant mix of migrant cultures, this young country is producing some fascinating art, music and other forms of cultural expression as its people come to terms with just what 'Kiwi Spirit' means.

Te Papa Museum, Wellington - click for more.

Hacky-sackers outside Te Papa enjoy a sunny Wellington weekend.

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New Zealand's first migrants were the Polynesian ancestors of the Maori, later followed by European explorers and a steady stream of colonials in search of a fresh start. A couple of hundred years and a few growing pains later, New Zealand society is truly a melting pot of predominantly European and Maori flavour, with plenty of Pacific colour and Asian spice and thrown in. And apart from a rich variety of food styles, nowhere is the nation's cultural diversity better reflected than in its art and events calendar.

From the Prime Minister down (PM Helen Clark is also the Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage), creative endeavours and national treasures are actively supported and protected. Even relatively small centres run local museums and art galleries (over 460 museums for a population of about 4 million), while the larger city museums and galleries in Auckland, Christchurch, Dunedin and Wellington's National Museum Te Papa in Wellington should definitely not be missed.

If you're keen to take home some fine local examples of art and craft, you won't be disappointed. The traditional Maori arts such as carving and weaving are alive and well - put the Maori Arts and Crafts institute at Whakarewarewa in Rotorua on your itinerary if you want to watch Maori artisans at work. Visitor Information Centres have details of Maori tourist operators offering authentic cultural experiences and can also tell you where you'll find colourful and original examples of both European and Maori styles in artwork, pottery and jewellery.

If the performing arts are your thing, check out the schedules for the country's three professional symphony orchestras, including the highly acclaimed NZSO (New Zealand Symphony Orchestra) and Royal New Zealand Ballet. Visitor Information Centres will fill you in on performances by local bands and music groups, or what's currently playing in the lively theatre scene. For unique thespian style, Wellington's Taki Rua theatre specialises in Maori and Pacific Island works.

Capital city Wellington’s biennial New Zealand Festival is the country’s most extensive and celebrated multi-arts event. Featuring performers from not only New Zealand but all around the world, the Festival manages to pack in over 100 events into three lively weeks. Book early if you're planning to visit in 2004!

If you're coming to New Zealand to watch the challenge for the 'Auld Mug', the America's Cup Summer Festival 2003 (December 2002 - March 2003) promises some spectacular insights into kiwi culture. A waka festival will launch several traditional waka out on to the American Express Viaduct Harbour and Lord of the Rings fans won't want to miss the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra performance of Howard Shore’s Lord of the Rings Suite. You can also get a taste of the unforgettable World of Wearable Art extravaganza, or experience the best of contemporary Maori performance in 'Maui', by kapa haka (Maori performing arts) champions Waihirere, featuring the popular contemporary Maori singer Hinewehi Mohi.

You may not find too many sheep or kiwifruit among the line-up, but there's no doubt you'll come away with the impression that culture and spirit are alive and well amongst the Kiwis.

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The Kiwi Spirit

A Spirited Culture

The 2003 Americas Cup series is once again bringing New Zealand into the limelight as the Kiwis battle to keep yachting's greatest prize down under. But what of the culture behind the sporting heroes? And what does it have to do with sheep, Maori waka (canoes) and a furry fruit?