Public
lectures
in Aotearoa

10:00am

Tectonic Trail

Te Papa and the Natural Hazard Commission explore risk preparation and natural hazard research in Aotearoa New Zealand.

1:00pm

Lindauer Centenary: Talks with descendants and relations

Two curator-led talks marking Gottfried Lindauer's centenary, featuring descendants and exploring his portraiture and legacy.

11:00am

Curator Talk: In Bloom with Dr Victoria Munn

Dr Victoria Munn discusses the In Bloom exhibition at Te Papa's Toi Art space.

10:00am

Question and answer session

Informal Q&A session with Dr Nicola Hoggard Creegan, Co-Director of New Zealand Christians in Science.

10:00am

Selwyn in the Spotlight

Discover the history of Selwyn through a rich tapestry of objects from the Canterbury Museum collection.

10:30am

Pest free talk

Nick Eacott explores invasive predators, urban biodiversity, and community involvement in pest control in Papatoetoe.

6:30pm

Ngā Kākano: Fatu Feu’u

Fatu Feu'u discusses the intersection of art and culture in their creative practice.

10:00am

A Winter Series: An Introduction to Art History — Continuing Series

Dr. Penelope Jackson is back this winter for her introduction to art history lecture series, An Introduction to Art History, from Wednesdays, 17 Jun–1 Jul 2026, 5.30–7.00pm.

5:45pm

Café Scientifiqué

A chemist and biologist explore how marine research inspires medicine at this informal café-style scientific discussion.

6:00pm

Reuben Woods: Street Art

The Little Street Art Festival has become a big deal. In Aotearoa and Ōtautahi specifically - large scale murals are evident across the cityscape.

6:00pm

This Thinking Life

Indigeneity and AI webinar

First webinar in the 'This Thinking Life' series exploring indigeneity and artificial intelligence.

2:00pm

Towards a Free and Open Indo-Pacific - Japan's Vision

Ambassador Makoto Osawa presents Japan's vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific.

2:00pm

Piringatahi: Voices of Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland

Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections curator explores oral history and sound archives capturing voices and lived experiences from Tāmaki Makaurau.

5:00pm

A problem is solved by continuing to find solutions: reforming remand in prison

Centre for Justice Innovation explores research on custodial remand in Aotearoa New Zealand and opportunities for justice reform.

5:30pm

Dyslexic Thinking: An Untapped Strategic Advantage for Modern Business?

Panel discussion on how dyslexic thinking contributes to business strategy, leadership, and innovation.

5:45pm

Young Members | Artist talk: Liu Xi

As part of our upcoming Open Late event, Liu Xi will give a visual talk about clay and feminism, followed by a demonstration of her creative language using porcelain clay.

6:00pm

This Thinking Life

Indigenous psychologies, psychology and Te Tiriti

Second webinar in the 'This Thinking Life' series exploring Indigenous psychologies, psychology, and Te Tiriti.

6:00pm

Our Mysterious Brain

The Making and Breaking of Memories

Neuroscientist Cliff Abraham explores the neural mechanisms underlying memory formation and forgetting.

7:30pm

Breakfast discussion with Bishop Moxon

Archbishop Sir David Moxon reflects on his time as Canterbury's Representative to the Holy See and engagement with social crises including modern slavery, trafficking, and refugee care.

5:10pm

Costa Rica's Global Vision: Sustainability, Innovation & New Opportunities

Costa Rica's Foreign Minister Manuel Tovar Rivera discusses his country's foreign policy priorities, trade, sustainability, and opportunities for collaboration with New Zealand.

5:30pm

Celebrate Matariki with Dr Hinemoa Elder

Celebrate Matariki with Dr Hinemoa Elder Join bestselling author and psychiatrist Dr Hinemoa Elder for a thoughtful and engaging session as she reflects on what the Māori new year can mean for people wanting to think about themselves and their lives.

2:00pm

Crime author talk: Gerard Bourdillon and Angus McLean

Local crime authors Gerard Bourdillon and Angus McLean discuss their books, writing process, and craft.

2:00pm

Tāmaki after dark

Gareth Shute traces Auckland's music scene from formal dance halls through rock gigs and underground cabarets to modern nightclubs, exploring how laws and culture shaped the city's sound.

10:00am

Backyard Gains: Conservation in Action

The Forest Bridge Trust presents conservation updates on kiwi monitoring, native bats, and practical habitat restoration for backyard biodiversity in Matakana.

6:00pm

Ian Gordon Fellow Public Lecture 2026: Rethinking language delay in multilingual children: Towards more equitable assessment

Dr Rowena Garcia examines language assessment in multilingual children and strategies for more equitable evaluation.

10:00am

Overview of New Zealand's Relationship Property Law

Lawyers from the New Zealand Chinese Legal Assistance Foundation explain relationship property law, including types of recognised relationships, property division, and divorce processes.

11:30am

Falling Walls Lab Aotearoa New Zealand 2026

Falling Walls Lab Aotearoa New Zealand 2026 brings together emerging researchers and innovators to present breakthrough ideas and solutions.

5:00pm

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.

5:30pm

Book Launch: Between Dreams

Grace Gassin, Te Papa curator and editor, joins contributors Serena Lal, Keith Ng, and Sapna Samant to discuss the launch of Between Dreams.

6:00pm

Heritage Highlight: 154 years of Funerals in Canterbury

With 154 years of experience in Canterbury, Andrew Bell from Bell, Lamb & Trotter will be sharing some of the changes that their Funeral service has seen over the years, from the introduction of embalming to New Zealand in 1896 to the launch of water cremation in 2025.

12:00pm

Insights on Aotearoa New Zealand Sustainability Professionals

Panel discussion featuring Aotearoa New Zealand sustainability professionals, hosted by AUT in partnership with Oxygen Consulting, SBN, and SBC.

6:00pm

Author Talks

Anna Woods

Award-winning writer Anna Woods discusses her debut novel LIT, a psychological thriller set in an architectural practice, with author Rachel Paris.

6:00pm

This Thinking Life

AI and communication

Third webinar in the 'This Thinking Life' series exploring AI and its implications for communication.

6:30pm

Wānanga Matariki: Matariki Herenga Waka

Ngahiraka-Mai-Tawhiti crew discuss waka voyaging across past, present, and future, primarily in te reo Māori.

5:30pm

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).

5:30pm

Inaugural Lecture by Professor Giacomo Lichtner

Historian Giacomo Lichtner examines imagination's contested roles in historical practice and understanding.

6:00pm

This Thinking Life

Voting and elections in ancient Rome

Webinar exploring voting systems and electoral practices in ancient Rome.

6:00pm

fugue notes film screening with live voice over

1:00pm

Armchair Travel Talk - Kenya and Tanzania

This month’s Armchair Travel talk features Dianne Bloemendal, sharing stories from her travels in Kenya and Tanzania.

1:30pm

Two Nations, One Orbit: How Australia and NZ are making their mark in the global space sector

Astronaut Katherine Bennell-Pegg discusses Australia and New Zealand's role in the global space sector and shares her path to becoming a professional astronaut.

6:00pm

Our Mysterious Brain

The Making and Breaking of Memories – Wānaka

Neuroscientist Cliff Abraham explores the neural mechanisms underlying memory formation and forgetting.

2:30pm

tū mau taiaha - tū mau rākau《 动作 —— 指南丛书 》Chinese - Māori Book Launch & Cultural Exchange

Launch of Chinese-language mau rākau (Māori weapon) translation by Confucius Institute at Victoria University and TUMA, with cultural exchange.

1:10pm

Ali Harper (voice)

Join Ali (vocals), with Tom Rainey (piano) and Michael Story (bass) as they treat you to a lunchtime filled with jazz standards, musical theatre and some other entertaining morsels.

10:30am

Treasury Guest Lecture with Vangelis Vitalis

The international context for New Zealand trade policy – where we were and where we are – and how do we respond?

5:00pm

Inaugural Lecture: Professor Peng Du

Professor Peng Du explores how bioelectrical rhythms in the gut reveal its function in health and disease.

5:30pm

Hamilton Public Lecture

How volcanic gases warn of future eruptions and how drones are transforming monitoring of these gases and their impacts.

6:30pm

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.

3:30pm

Author Talks

James Russell

Author James Russell, known for popular series like Dragon Defenders and Children of the Rush, is coming to Mahurangi East Library!

6:00pm

This Thinking Life

Rethinking ‘normal’ – the neurodivergent life

Fifth webinar in the 'This Thinking Life' series exploring neurodivergence and rethinking conventional understandings of 'normal'.

9:30am

AUT Technology in Society Series Masterclass: Getting the best out of AI

Join AUT alumnus, Nathan Knight, Vice-President & Managing Director ANZ – Hitachi Vantara, to explore the implementation challenges and opportunities

5:00pm

AUT Technology in Society Series public event: The geopolitics of AI Technology

New Zealand’s scale and location mean we are best placed to evolve, interpret and add value to AI technology, but our dependencie

5:30pm

Author Talk with Maria Gill

Author Maria Gill discusses her young adult novel about Nancy Wake's spy adventures, A Flame in the Dark.

6:00pm

This Thinking Life

Generative AI, contaminated information and rhubarb

Sixth webinar in the This Thinking Life series exploring generative AI, contaminated information, and rhubarb.

6:00pm

A reading of the Evacuation Tapes collection

Ruth Buchanan presents a live interpretation of her artwork and published collection Evacuation Tapes, exploring the construction of self and bodily capacity within society.

6:00pm

Evacuation Tapes, a reading by Ruth Buchanan

6:30pm

Aviation Conversations

Panel discussion exploring the preservation of the night sky and the value of darkness, held in MOTAT's Aviation Hall.

6:30pm

Ngā Kōrero Rererangi Aviation Conversations

Evening panel on preserving the night sky and the Dark Sky Movement, featuring Nicky McArthur MNZM and Josh Aoraki.

7:30pm

Matariki After Dark: Leading from the front

An adults-only exploration of stories, traditions, and mātauranga shared between Aotearoa New Zealand and the wider Pacific during Matariki.

10:00am

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.

4:30pm

CosPA2026/ACGRG13 at University of Canterbury

International symposium bringing together theorists, experimentalists, and observers in gravitation, particle physics, cosmology, astrophysics, and astroparticle physics.

10:00am

Writers on Mondays

Lucky Creatures and Childish Palates – Joseph Trinidad and Shariff Burke

Writers Joseph Trinidad and Shariff Burke discuss their debut story and essay collections exploring Wellington, food, memory, and belonging.

7:30pm

Public Astronomy Lecture: Scanning The Darkest Skies

Matariki reminds us that astronomy begins with humanity’s shared view of the night sky.

5:30pm

Hamilton Public Lecture

30+ years of research enabling te reo Māori in computing environments.

5:30pm

Inaugural Lecture by Professor Bridget Stocker

Professor Bridget Stocker's inaugural lecture explores organic chemistry approaches to targeting and treating diseases.

7:00pm

Under One Sky - Matariki Across Cultures

Panel discussion on Matariki and the Pleiades star cluster across Māori, Graeco-Roman, and Japanese cultures, featuring Te Maire Tau (Ngāi Tahu) and UC experts.

7:00pm

UC Presents: Under One Sky - Matariki Across Cultures

A panel discussion featuring Te Maire Tau (Ngāi Tahu) and other experts from the University of Canterbury (UC).

9:00am

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

10:00am

Celebrate Matariki at the Gallery

Tatai Whetū Tatai Tangata.

5:10pm

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” .

6:00pm

This Thinking Life

Challenging the patriarchy? A reassessment through the lens of ancient women

This Thinking Life webinar reassesses ancient women's roles and challenges to patriarchy through a historical lens.

5:30pm

Areta Wilkinson: Whakawhanake: From Contemporary Jewellery to Sculpture

The creative practice of Areta Wilkinson (Ngāi Tahu, Ngāti Irakehu) is a continuous exploration of the values and narratives that have shaped both her identity and her artwork.

6:00pm

This Thinking Life

Sounds historical

Final webinar in the This Thinking Life series exploring the history and significance of sound.

6:30pm

He Waiata mā te Katoa

Nau mai, haere mai ki tēnei ahiahi waiata with Vanilla Martin. He Waiata mā te Katoa speaks to waiata shared for and with community.

2:00pm

Tiger · Dragon · Horses

This Matariki, two star-watching cultures meet. In te ao Māori, the Matariki constellation becomes visible once more in the winter sky, signalling the new year.

10:00am

Kintsugi Workshop

Kintsugi (Modernised - Mending method / Art form)

time TBC

Matariki I Te Pō | Matariki After Dark

Evening of contemporary art exhibitions and artist talks celebrating Matariki, the Māori New Year, at Studio One Toi Tū in Auckland.

12:00pm

Manu Tukutuku (Traditional Kite Making) Wānanga

Nau mai, haere mai ki tēnei Manu Tukutuku (Traditional Māori Kite Making) Wānanga hosted by Te Whare Tapere.

6:30pm

Ka Pō, Ka Ao - Waiata by the Fire

Join us for an intimate concert filled with pūrākau and waiata beside the fire, featuring Project Miere and special guests.

10:00am

Jewellery Lesson - Carving meaning

Wax to metal with Lucinda Barrett

10:00am

Whetū Harakeke Sessions with Kahu Collective

This is a fun hands-on activity for tamariki to celebrate Matariki.

1:00pm

Kapa Haka with Ngā Toi o Te Rangi

Bring the whole whānau and enjoy a taster of this ancient and living, Māori cultural performing artform.

10:00am

Writers on Mondays

The Aliveness of Things – Haro Lee, Helen Rickerby, and Arini Beautrais

Three poets—Haro Lee, Helen Rickerby, and Arini Beautrais—discuss their new collections exploring the past, self, and contemporary unease.

6:00pm

The Nine Whetū

Sara Moana presents The Nine Whetū, a playful illustrated series exploring the nine stars of Matariki and their significance in Aotearoa.

5:30pm

Hamilton Public Lecture

Mental health legislation and nursing research: exploring the university's role in developing nursing as a critical discipline.

6:00pm

Our Mysterious Brain

The Making and Breaking of Memories

Neuroscientist Cliff Abraham explores the cellular mechanisms underlying memory formation and forgetting in the brain.

6:00pm

Public talk: Finding the Good Life

Dr Steven Kennedy explores what ancient Greek philosophy teaches about the good life, examining four influential schools' views on happiness and fulfilment.

6:00pm

Coastal marine invertebrates in a climate change world

A public lecture by Professor Maria Byrne FAA.

6:00pm

Sir John Graham Lecture 2026

The Sir John Graham Lecture 2026, hosted by Maxim Institute at Pullman Auckland Hotel & Apartments.

12:00am

16th International Coral Reef Symposium

Global scientific conference on coral reef research, conservation, and policy addressing urgent environmental challenges.

10:00am

Writers on Mondays

Night, Ma – Elizabeth Knox

Elizabeth Knox discusses her memoir Night, Ma, reflecting on a transformative and difficult period in her life.

10:00am

Digging Deep

Senior Curator Julia Bradshaw reveals how she discovered the hidden histories of women on the New Zealand goldfields for her latest book.

5:30pm

The Posthumous Trust: From Dead Hand to Mortality Management

Public Lecture by Professor Irit Samet, King’s College London

7:00pm

Our Mysterious Brain

The Making and Breaking of Memories - MANAWATŪ

Neuroscientist Emeritus Distinguished Professor Cliff Abraham explores the neurobiological mechanisms underlying memory formation and forgetting.

5:30pm

Generative AI and the Future of Lawyering

Professor Daniel Schwarcz examines how generative AI affects legal reasoning and the future of law practice.

5:30pm

Inaugural Lecture by Professor Kathryn Sutherland

Professor Kathryn Sutherland examines how universities can create meaningful learning conditions that transform lives through trust and care.

10:30am

Letterpress printing workshop

Step back in time and experience the craft of traditional printing with a hands-on introduction to letterpress.

10:00am

Writers on Mondays

Small Maps of the Heart – Ingrid Horrocks and Lawrence Patchett

Short fiction writers Lawrence Patchett and Ingrid Horrocks discuss the craft and art of the short story.

5:30pm

The future of coral reefs

The President of the International Coral Reef Society explores the future of coral reefs, their ecological importance, and conservation challenges.

6:00pm

John Lekner Royal Society Lecture

Emeritus Professor John Lekner of Victoria University of Wellington delivers a Royal Society lecture.

10:00am

Writers on Mondays

Poetry – What's it for? Tusiata Avia

Poet Tusiata Avia examines what poetry is for, who it serves, and how to make it more accessible.

10:00am

New Zealand String Quartet Storytellers

New Zealand String Quartet at Toi Tauranga Art GalleryStorytellers: Transform in Tauranga Behind every piece of music is a story and across their 2026 Season, the New Zealand String Quartet (NZSQ) is diving into them.

10:00am

Writers on Mondays

Sacrifice and Rebellion – Claire Mabey and Rachael King

Novelists Claire Mabey and Rachael King discuss their new books for young readers and how fiction explores challenging tyranny and courage.

7:00pm

Jennine Bailey

Come and join Jennine and her fabulous band as they explore and reimagine the classic and beautiful music of Billie Holiday.

6:15pm

AGENCY

How do I learn?

Kimberley Moulton explores learning practices as part of a curatorial intensive examining agency, action, and imagination.

2:00pm

AGENCY

How do I act?

Clémentine Deliss explores agency and action as part of a curatorial intensive symposium presented by Artspace Aotearoa and Te Pātaka Toi Adam Art Gallery.

7:00pm

AGENCY

How do I imagine?

Megan Tamati-Quennell explores imagination and agency in this lecture, part of a three-question curatorial intensive.

10:00am

Writers on Mondays

Who’s that girl? Kate Camp and Noelle McCarthy

Kate Camp and Noelle McCarthy discuss their memoirs exploring teenage identity, the supernatural, and 1980s culture.

10:00am

Writers on Mondays

Ōrongohau – Best New Zealand Poems 2025

Selected poets read their work featured in Ōrongohau | Best New Zealand Poems 2025, ahead of National Poetry Day.

10:00am

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.

2:00pm

Rightsize your home

Belinda Woolrych, downsizing expert and author, shares independent advice to help people feel confident and in control when downsizing their home.

10:00am

Writers on Mondays

Uncanny Valley – Pip Adam, Terri Te Tau, and Tim Corbalis

Three novelists discuss their new works, writing the weird present, and possible futures.

5:30pm

Energy Matters: How OpenStar is Reimagining Energy for Humanity

OpenStar Technologies co-founder charts the evolution from early fusion research to the levitated dipole concept and company founding.

10:00am

Writers on Mondays

Year of the Horse – Abby Letteri and Marty Smith

Two writers discuss their memoir approaches to horses and equine life.

7:00pm

The Curio Club

The Curio Club takes some of the most beloved rock and pop songs and transforms them into the freshest jazz sound. The Beatles... Pink Floyd... Led Zeppelin... ABBA... Men At Work... Queen...