Matariki the Māori New Year, is rich with tradition. Discover the importance of Matariki, and explore ways that you can celebrate the Māori New Year with your family.…
Christmas in New Zealand is celebrated on 25 December, which is summer in the Southern Hemisphere – this makes a lot of what we experience over our festive season…
Te Wiki o te Reo Māori – Māori Language Week is a week where New Zealanders both here and overseas are encouraged to recognise and practice the Māori…
Every year towns and cities throughout New Zealand host a range of events and activities based around Matariki. These range from art exhibitions, to festivals, to themed planetarium events. Each…
The origin of Guy Fawkes dates back to 1605 when a group of 12 men tried to blow up Britain’s House of Parliament. Guy Fawkes Night is an…
Tip toe quietly through the night, creeping cautiously, taking fright, ghostly ghouls and pumpkin lights, its Halloween time again tonight…
Childhood innocence renewed my love of life when my son was young. Witnessing his delight in the world, his unguarded affection, his raw being alive, made me feel…
There’s only one thing I ever ask for on Father’s Day. It’s the same thing every year. Breakfast in bed, with a coffee and a newspaper. Ahhh, the…
Children’s Day – Te Rā O Te Tamariki – provides New Zealanders with an opportunity to give time to children. It is a fun day for activities that start…
This year for Children’s Day, as well as recognising your own little cherub, why not spread the love to other children in your community? In the process you’ll…
On the 6th of February each year, New Zealand celebrates Waitangi Day. The purpose of this public holiday is to remember the Treaty of Waitangi – our founding…
Here are two lovely and simple Valentine’s crafts to brighten someone’s 14th of February. These little boxes hold a Hershey’s chocolate kiss… it’s quick to make them in…
What is Hanukkah, besides lighting the Menorah for eight nights, before or after Christmas, depending on the year? (In 2013, November 27- December 5). Is Hanukkah merely a…
It’s easy for us to forget that events in our (fairly recent) past – things that we were involved in or might be able to remember – count…
With Children’s Day just around the corner on in New Zealand, we thought you might appreciate some awesome ideas on how to celebrate this special day with your…
Anzac Day is a special day both in New Zealand and Australia. Unfortunately the true history and significance of Anzac Day is becoming muddled and forgotten.
Ask a child what happens at Easter, and chances are they will tell you all about chocolate eggs and Easter Bunnies, but Easter is more than that. Some…
Children’s Day is a special day set aside to celebrate children. Many countries in the world celebrate Children’s Day, and New Zealand is one of them.
The Chinese New Year, or Spring Festival, is an enormous celebration for Chinese people. The New Year celebrations span 15 days from the date of the first full…
Valentine’s Day, which is always celebrated on February 14 each year, is not just a day for lovers. Valentine’s Day is a day where friends and family can show…
Here’s a useful summary of festivals, events and public holidays in New Zealand as well as the 2014 and 2015 dates for each and what each holiday celebrates.
Christmas has always been a family time for me and it certainly holds many special memories. As a child it never seemed to come around quickly enough, now…
Isn’t it fantastic the way schools these days are placing so much emphasis on Anzac Day and New Zealand’s involvement in the World Wars. It seems to me…
I sense my 8 and 10 year old sons are struggling to believe that Santa Claus is really real. This year there have been no requests for Santa’s…
On the evening of April 2 this year, Jewish families – throughout New Zealand and all over the world – will be beginning a long evening of storytelling,…