Backgrounders

A background and history of Te Kingitanga - the Maori Monarchy.

On February 6 1840, representatives of the British Crown met with prominent Māori chiefs of the northern part of the North Island, to sign the Treaty of Waitangi – the founding document of New Zealand.

The legend of Wairaka, the ancestor of the Mataatua people and how the town of Whakatane got its name.

The Maori story of creation.

The way the world saw the America’s Cup was revolutionised and turned into a true spectator sport by Ian Taylor and his team at Animation Research Limited.

Christmas and New Year celebrations in New Zealand offer a summer twist on the traditional festive season.

Profiles on the best New Zealand chefs.

Ingenuity and innovation are characteristics Kiwis are renowned for and the tourism industry in New Zealand is no exception.

Spring in New Zealand is a season of colour, new life, new harvests of food and wine and exciting arts and cultural events.

New Zealanders have always been proud of their hands-on attitude and willingness to help out.