Our people share a commitment to creating an environment in which New Zealand culture thrives and our heritage is valued and preserved. Read about our Ministers and Management Leadership Team and some of our subject specialists.
Support
Our key goal is to preserve, create and value New Zealand’s culture and heritage. We believe that the more New Zealanders value their culture and heritage, the more they’ll take part in producing and consuming culture.
We employ some of New Zealand’s leading historians – it’s their work you’ll see in our print publications and on our websites – but we also support other agencies working towards cultural goals.
Caretakers of our taonga
We have a key role in military commemorations such as the return of the Unknown Warrior, when 100,000 people lined Wellington’s streets to pay their respects. Our heritage advisers help to protect and preserve New Zealand’s national monuments, memorials, war graves and national symbols, and work within the Protected Objects legislation that safeguards our movable heritage.
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Tomb of the Unknown Warrior procession in Wellington, 11 November 2004.
Working across government
Our policy advisers work with other government agencies to develop cultural initiatives such as statistical reports, capital funding for regional museums, and building international awareness of New Zealand through the Cultural Diplomacy International Programme. We also have a role in the education sector, ensuring The Classroom portal supports the school history curriculum.
We’re accountable to our Ministers and support a number of Crown-funded cultural agencies. We run regular workshops for those working in government.
Supporting broadcasters
The transition to digital television presents many challenges. We’re working to create conditions that support sustainable, flexible and transparent public broadcasting as we move to this new platform.
