Public
lectures
in Aotearoa
Upcoming talks at universities and institutions across Aotearoa. Free and ticketed events.
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Today
Tomorrow
Tuesday 9 June
Macular degeneration talk for Mandarin speakers
A talk in Mandarin about macular degeneration, the leading cause of vision loss in New Zealand affecting 1 in 7 people over 50, covering early detection and prevention.
Author talk: Mike Hartigan
Mike Hartigan discusses his debut graphic novel Super Unicorn Princess and the creative process of writing and designing graphic novels.
When the Ocean Speaks
Panel discussion exploring a nature-first approach to our relationship with the ocean and moana, inspired by the Ngā Huhua: Abundance exhibition.
Our Mysterious Brain: The Making and Breaking of Memories
Neuroscientist Emeritus Distinguished Professor Cliff Abraham FRSNZ will talk about what happens to the nerve cells in our brains to allow us to remember – or forget.
Wednesday 10 June
A Winter Series: An Introduction to Art History
Dr. Penelope Jackson is back this winter for her four-part introduction to art history lecture series, An Introduction to Art History, on Wednesdays, 10 Jun–1 Jul 2026, 5.30–7.00pm.
Our Mysterious Brain: The Making and Breaking of Memories
Neuroscientist Emeritus Distinguished Professor Cliff Abraham FRSNZ will talk about what happens to the nerve cells in our brains to allow us to remember – or forget.
Thursday 11 June
Saturday 13 June
Tectonic Trail
Join Te Papa and The Natural Hazard Commission | Toka Tū Ake to learn about risk preparation from experts at the forefront of natural hazard research in Aotearoa New Zealand.
National Volunteer Week 2026
Free entry to MOTAT for any volunteers during National Volunteer Week
Lindauer Centenary: Talks with descendants and relations
Two talks marking the centenary of Gottfried Lindauer's death, featuring his great-grandson Michael Grant and Paora Tūhaere's whānau discussing portraiture and Lindauer's legacy.
Sunday 14 June
Monday 15 June
Tuesday 16 June
Selwyn in the Spotlight
Discover the history of Selwyn through a rich tapestry of objects from the Canterbury Museum collection.
Pest free talk
Nick Eacott from Ōtara Waterways and Lake Trust discusses invasive predators, urban biodiversity, and how to join the predator-free movement in Papatoetoe.
Ngā Kākano: Fatu Feu’u
Fatu Feu'u in conversation with Dr Albert Refiti on Pacific contemporary art, cultural identity, and nurturing the next generation of artists.
Wednesday 17 June
Thursday 18 June
Piringatahi: Voices of Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland
Auckland Libraries presents oral histories and sound recordings from their Heritage Collections, exploring people, places, and social history across centuries in Tāmaki Makaurau.
A problem is solved by continuing to find solutions: reforming remand in prison
The Lecretia Seales Memorial Lecture in Law Reform will be delivered by Te Herenga Waka's Centre for Justice Innovation. Register here. Many countries...
Dyslexic Thinking: An Untapped Strategic Advantage for Modern Business?
Our Mysterious Brain: The Making and Breaking of Memories
Neuroscientist Emeritus Distinguished Professor Cliff Abraham FRSNZ will talk about what happens to the nerve cells in our brains to allow us to remember – or forget.
Friday 19 June
Saturday 20 June
Crime author talk: Gerard Bourdillon and Angus McLean
Local crime authors Gerard Bourdillon and Angus McLean discuss their books and the writing process.
Tāmaki after dark
Gareth Shute traces Auckland's music scene from formal dance halls through the 1960s underground to modern nightclubs, examining how laws and cultural change shaped the city's sound.
Sunday 21 June
Monday 22 June
Tuesday 23 June
Falling Walls Lab Aotearoa New Zealand 2026
The Royal Society Te Apārangi invites you to attend Falling Walls Lab Aotearoa New Zealand 2026 on Tuesday 23 June.
The Battle for the International Order: Lessons from Ukraine and beyond
This event is organised by the NZIIA Auckland Branch and the Europe Institute, University of Auckland.
Wednesday 24 June
Author talk: Anna Woods
Award-winning author Anna Woods discusses her debut psychological thriller LIT with Rachel Paris, author of See How They Fall.
Wānanga Matariki: Matariki Herenga Waka
Ka wānanga ngā kaumoana o Ngahiraka-Mai-Tawhiti mō te whakatere waka – te nehe, te nāianei, me te anamata. He reo Māori te nuinga o ngā kōrero, me ētahi reo Ingarihi.
Thursday 25 June
Inaugural Lecture by Professor Giacomo Lichtner
Encounters with the historical imaginationIn this inaugural professorial lecture, historian Giacomo Lichtner considers the contested roles that imagination plays in history: from filling...
Trade Diversification in today’s dynamic world – Case studies of India and Taiwan
About the event: This event is organised by the NZIIA Auckland Branch, New Zealand Trade & Enterprise (NZTE) and Taipei Economic & Cultural Office (TECO).
Friday 26 June
Saturday 27 June
Sunday 28 June
Tuesday 30 June
Hamilton Public Lecture
How volcanic gases warn of future eruptions and how drones are transforming monitoring of these gases and their impacts.
Letters Out Loud
Join us for an evening of historic texts brought to life by exceptional performers. Presented in partnership with the Friends of the Alexander Turnbull Library.
Thursday 2 July
A reading of the Evacuation Tapes collection
Ruth Buchanan presents a live interpretation of her Evacuation Tapes collection, exploring selfhood and bodily ability through voice, rhythm, and movement within the gallery.
Aviation Conversations
Enjoy an evening in the Aviation Hall with a panel discussion exploring the preservation of the night sky and the value of darkness.
Matariki After Dark: Leading from the front
An adults-only celebration of the stories, traditions, and mātauranga (knowledge) shared between Aotearoa New Zealand and Te Moananui-a-Kiwa, the wider Pacific.
Saturday 4 July
Sunday 5 July
Sunday Screenings: Breaking the Mould and Kunst
Join us in the Venetta Miles Vault for the continuous loop screening of two short documentaries, Breaking the Mould (2024) and Kunst (2024) — both approximately 15 minutes — created and produced by Daughter Productions' Phillida Perry.
CosPA2026/ACGRG13 at University of Canterbury
Tuesday 7 July
Wednesday 8 July
Art and Design Info Day
Curious about what it’s really like to study art or design? This is your chance to find out.Join us for Art and Design Information Day on Wednesday, 8 Jul
NEW DATE: The Rising Relevance of DEI in a Divided World: Why Diversity Matters When It’s Most Challenged
NZIIA Wellington Branch and the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands is delighted to welcome members and guests to an upcoming event " The Rising Relevance of DEI in a Divided World: Why Diversity Matters When It’s Most Challenged” .
Friday 10 July
Saturday 11 July
Sunday 12 July
Monday 13 July
Tuesday 14 July
Hamilton Public Lecture
Mental health legislation and nursing research: exploring the university's role in developing nursing as a critical discipline.
Our Mysterious Brain: The Making and Breaking of Memories
Neuroscientist Emeritus Distinguished Professor Cliff Abraham FRSNZ will talk about what happens to the nerve cells in our brains to allow us to remember – or forget.
Public talk: Finding the Good Life
Friday 17 July
Saturday 18 July
Weaving Workshop
Join Te Whaea for weaving workshop that brings the tradition of raranga to life.
Poi Making
Join us for a poi-making workshop led by accomplished lifelong artist, maker, and teacher Kororia Witika.
Pounamu Rei Niho Tooth Pendant Workshop
Join us for an immersive workshop exploring the traditions of Rei Niho Parāoa/Tohorā, pendants made from whale teeth.
Sunday 19 July
Tuesday 21 July
Digging Deep
Senior Curator Julia Bradshaw reveals how she discovered the hidden histories of women on the New Zealand goldfields for her latest book.
Our Mysterious Brain: The Making and Breaking of Memories - MANAWATŪ
Neuroscientist Emeritus Distinguished Professor Cliff Abraham FRSNZ will talk about what happens to the nerve cells in our brains to allow us to remember – or forget.
Friday 24 July
Saturday 25 July
Harakeke Surface Making
This workshop introduces participants to making harakeke paper surfaces through a simple, accessible process.
Tuku Atu Tuku Mai
Weave together the stories of the stars and tukutuku, the traditional Māori art form that adorns our wharenui (ancestral house).
Matariki Taonga Pūoro Wānanga
Delve into the world of taonga pūoro in a safe wānanga environment designed for participants to connect with our customary Māori musical instruments.
Monday 27 July
Tuesday 4 August
Wednesday 5 August
Sunday 9 August
Saturday 22 August
Wednesday 26 August
Lecture Series: Māori Art Through the Lens of Te Ao Māori
We are excited to announce Julie Paama-Pengell's four-part lecture series, Māori Art Through the Lens of Te Ao Māori, on Wednesdays, 5–26 Aug 2026, 5.30–7pm.
Rightsize your home
Belinda Woolrych, downsizing expert and author, shares strategies and practical advice for confidently rightsizing your home.