Public
lectures
in Aotearoa
Upcoming talks at universities and institutions across Aotearoa. Free and ticketed events.
No lectures found.
Tomorrow
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
Author Talk: Belinda Woolrych
Belinda Woolrych, downsizing expert and author, shares practical advice and strategies for managing the downsizing journey with confidence.
Application of Private Capital to Community Energy Participation
Local investment and distributed energy unlock lower costs, boost resilience, and give communities a greater stake in energy.
Girls Mean Business
Premiere screening of docuseries Girls Mean Business featuring Joelle Holland, founder and CEO of Hawaiiki Pēpi, aimed at inspiring young female entrepreneurs.
Saturday 13 June
National Volunteer Week 2026
Free entry to MOTAT for any volunteers during National Volunteer Week
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.
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.
This Thinking Life: Indigenous psychologies, psychology and Te Tiriti
Second webinar in the 'This Thinking Life' series exploring indigenous psychologies, psychology, and Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
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
This Thinking Life: AI and communication
Third webinar in the 'This Thinking Life' series exploring AI and communication.
Cancelled Confessions: a writing workshop
Join in the prow of myself contributor Amber Esau for an exploratory writing workshop after hours in Gus Fisher Gallery.
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).
This Thinking Life: Voting and elections in ancient Rome
How voting and elections functioned in ancient Rome, exploring democratic practices in classical antiquity.
Friday 26 June
Saturday 27 June
Sunday 28 June
Tuesday 30 June
Inaugural Lecture: Professor Peng Du
The bioelectrical rhythm of the gut tells us much information about how it behaves in health and disease.
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.
Wednesday 1 July
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.
This Thinking Life: Generative AI, contaminated information and rhubarb
The sixth webinar in the 'This Thinking Life' series explores generative AI, contaminated information, and their implications.
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” .
This Thinking Life: Challenging the patriarchy? A reassessment through the lens of ancient women
Ancient women's lives reassessed through a lens challenging patriarchal interpretations of history.
Thursday 9 July
Friday 10 July
Saturday 11 July
Kintsugi Workshop
Kintsugi (Modernised - Mending method / Art form)
Collage self-portraits workshop
Drop by Gus Fisher Gallery for an informal collage-making workshop!
Matariki I Te Pō | Matariki After Dark
Join us for a special evening of creativity, connection, and celebration to welcome the Māori New Year. Experience six contemporary exhibitions and artist talks.
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.
Public talk: Finding the Good Life
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 17 July
Saturday 18 July
Poi Making
Join us for a poi-making workshop led by accomplished lifelong artist, maker, and teacher Kororia Witika.
Weaving Workshop
Join Te Whaea for weaving workshop that brings the tradition of raranga to life.
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
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.
Harakeke Surface Making
This workshop introduces participants to making harakeke paper surfaces through a simple, accessible process.
Monday 27 July
Tuesday 4 August
Wednesday 5 August
Sunday 9 August
Saturday 22 August
Wednesday 26 August
Design for Manufacture in Medical Device Development
This workshop focuses on practical Design for Manufacture considerations across the medical device development lifecycle.
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.
Thursday 27 August
Monday 31 August