Blog Archives

Joe Naufahu to Star in ‘Game Of Thrones’

Joe Naufahu to Star in ‘Game Of Thrones’

Joe Naufahu has been cast to star on the sixth season of HBO’s Game Of Thrones. Details on which character the Kiwi will be playing have not yet been released. “He could be the next…

Lorde’s New Track With Disclosure

Lorde’s New Track With Disclosure

Lorde has released a new track together with Disclosure. The Kiwi singer “co-wrote the track with the electronic duo comprised of brothers Howard and Guy Lawrence” as reported in Rolling Stone Magazine. The…

New Zealand’s Record Number of Immigrants

New Zealand’s Record Number of Immigrants

Over the last year New Zealand’s visitor numbers have increased by 7% to 3.02 million a year. Data from Statistics New Zealand also shows a record-setting net gain in migrants – mostly from Australia,…

New Zealand’s Haka – “the World’s Most Perfect Act of Nationalism”

New Zealand’s Haka – “the World’s Most Perfect Act of Nationalism”

The New Zealand haka – “a traditional Maori dance, a sequence of foot-stomping, tongue-wagging and violent gesticulation, accompanied by deep, rhythmic chanting “is an intimidating sight for any opponent”, writes Ishaan Tharoor for The…

Steve Hansen Backs Sonny Bill Williams

Steve Hansen Backs Sonny Bill Williams

“Victory over Argentina already leaves New Zealand overwhelming favourites to top Pool C, with Namibia, Georgia and Tonga hardly expected to trouble the defending champions”, reports an article in The Belfast Telegraph. All…

5 Stunning South Island Must See’s

5 Stunning South Island Must See’s

“When it comes to the most spectacular natural wonders of the world, New Zealand undoubtedly belongs to the world’s most stunning destinations”, according to Veru and Petra – two travellers’, who share their New…

All Blacks 58-14 Namibia – New Zealand Cruise to Commanding Victory

All Blacks 58-14 Namibia – New Zealand Cruise to Commanding Victory

The New Zealand All Blacks have won their second Rugby World Cup match against Namibia 58-14. “Namibia battled heroically but there was never any chance of it being another Japan versus South Africa”, writes…

Air New Zealand’s ‘Sustainability Framework’

Air New Zealand’s ‘Sustainability Framework’

Air New Zealand has launched a new ‘sustainability framework’ in Auckland on Wednesday September 16. “You find the best companies in the world doing well commercially are also doing well in a sustainability sense, they…

Strengthening Trade Ties With India

Strengthening Trade Ties With India

“Amy Adams, New Zealand Minister of Justice, Courts, Broadcasting and Communications is leading a trade mission to India to strengthen trade ties between both the nations”, as reported in Businessworld. “India is our…

Sam Cane to Captain All Blacks

Sam Cane to Captain All Blacks

Flanker Sam Cane, 23, will captain the New Zealand All Blacks for the first time in the upcoming World Cup match against Namibia. “It is a very special moment for Sam,” Hansen told www.allblacks.com. “He…

New Zealand All Blacks Beat Argentina to Begin Title Defence

New Zealand All Blacks Beat Argentina to Begin Title Defence

The New Zealand All Blacks have begun their title defence with a 26-16 victory against Argentina in front of 89,019 – the biggest ever crowd at a Rugby World Cup match. “New Zealand dominated possession…

New Music Platform STA Travel Sounds Will Showcase NZ Artists

New Music Platform STA Travel Sounds Will Showcase NZ Artists

SBTV, a digital music discovery and entertainment platform has partnered with STA Travel to curate artists for their new music platform, STA Travel Sounds. New Zealand artists will soon be showcased on the…

Jake Gyllenhaal’s  ‘Nail-Biting’ Adventure

Jake Gyllenhaal’s ‘Nail-Biting’ Adventure

“Stuck atop the highest peak in the world, nobody can hear you scream. That’s what makes this white-knuckler, about an ill-fated ascent to Mount Everest, such a harrowing and haunting force of nature”, writes…

Kiwis Save Baby Humpback Whale

Kiwis Save Baby Humpback Whale

A rescue team have “saved the life of a baby whale which was entangled in buoy lines off the coast of New Zealand’s capital”, as reported in The Daily Mail. “It was entangled…

Born to Dance at TIFF

Born to Dance at TIFF

“Auckland, New Zealand may seem a world away from the heart of hip-hop culture in the US, but the local dance crews featured in Born to Dance totally own it”, writes Justin Lowe for

Researchers Identify New Fossil Whale Species of New Zealand

Researchers Identify New Fossil Whale Species of New Zealand

Researchers from the University of Otago have identified three new whale species that once lived in New Zealand. The “researchers’ discovery and description of the Tokarahia kauaeroa and Tokarahia lophocephalus whales helps to fill in an important gap…

Brendon McCullum Honoured as New Zealand Order of Merit

Brendon McCullum Honoured as New Zealand Order of Merit

Brendon McCullum has been recognised as an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for his achievements during the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 as well as the Black Caps’ incredible success in 2014. “McCullum…

People, Places, Things – Official Trailer

People, Places, Things – Official Trailer

Celebrated New Zealand performer Jemaine Clement stars as a single father attempting to raise his young twin daughters while navigating life in director James C. Strouse’s touching new dramedy…

Kiwi Chick Hatches At Auckland Zoo

Kiwi Chick Hatches At Auckland Zoo

Three’s a charm! Auckland Zoo welcomed third Kiwi chick hatched in a season. This gorgeous wee chick will eventually be released to Rotoroa Island.

Force Of Black – Adidas Rugby

Force Of Black – Adidas Rugby

Our fans. Our culture. Our history. Everything we stand for. Prepare for the might of the almighty All Blacks!

Historic Win for Lydia Ko

Historic Win for Lydia Ko

Lydia Ko made golfing history when she won Sunday’s Evian Championship in France as the youngest winner of a women’s major. The win was her fourth LPGA win of 2015 and the ninth of…

How I Learned to Win the Rugby World Cup

How I Learned to Win the Rugby World Cup

On 23 October 2011, the New Zealand All Blacks won the Rugby World Cup Final against France 8 to 7. It was “culmination of a 37-year career’” for Graham Henry – one of the…

NZ Star Wars Geeks Rule the Galaxy for a Day

NZ Star Wars Geeks Rule the Galaxy for a Day

Walt Disney’s new Star Wars toys have been released in New Zealand – the first place in the universe for the toys to go on sale in “Disney’s Apple-like round-the-globe rollout of new toys”. “It’s…

All Blacks Depart for England to Defend Their Title

All Blacks Depart for England to Defend Their Title

The All Blacks have departed for England on Thursday hoping for a number of firsts: “To become the first team to defend the Rugby World Cup, the first New Zealand team to win the…

World’s Biggest Waterslide: Jimi Hunt at TEDxAuckland

World’s Biggest Waterslide: Jimi Hunt at TEDxAuckland

Jimi Hunt is founder of the depression charity Live More Awesome, author of A Bit Mental and the only person silly enough to lilo the Waikato River. A sufferer…

New Zealand Launches First Chinese Language Week

New Zealand Launches First Chinese Language Week

New Zealand’s first Chinese Language Week has been launched from September 7 until September 13 and will be celebrated during the second week of September each year to coincide with the Chinese Moon Festival. “Learning…

New Zealand Voted Best Destination for Solo Travelers

New Zealand Voted Best Destination for Solo Travelers

New Zealand has been ranked the best destination for solo travellers on a list created by Travel and Leisure. Safety and the ability to connect to people and culture while travelling are…

Krampus – Official Trailer

Krampus – Official Trailer

Director Michael Dougherty brings a terrifying side to Christmas this year with new horror-comedy Krampus which stars Adam Scott and Toni Collette. Krampus was filmed in New Zealand, and…

First Images of Holiday Horror Krampus Released

First Images of Holiday Horror Krampus Released

First images of “Michael Dougherty’s new stab at holiday horror” Krampus have been released. Krampus tells the story of Max, who stops to believe in Santa more and more when his “dysfunctional family gathers for…

New Plymouth Boys High Scool Haka

New Plymouth Boys High Scool Haka

Hundreds of New Plymouth Boys High School students recently banded together to perform the famous haka war dance that would send chills down the spine of the most hardened…

Everest – IMAX Trailer

Everest – IMAX Trailer

Director Baltasar Kormákur chronicles an incredible true life story of strength, willpower and courage which explores the tragic 1996 Mt Everest disaster which claimed the lives of famed climbers,…

THE SBW Breakdown

THE SBW Breakdown

All Blacks midfielder Sonny Bill Williams talks about what inspired him to be the player he is.

Richie McCaw Most Powerful in Rugby Union

Richie McCaw Most Powerful in Rugby Union

Richie McCaw, “arguably the greatest All Black of all time”, has been named the most powerful person in the “50 Most Powerful People in Rugby Union” ranking by The Daily Telegraph. “The flanker’s…

NZ – Rugby World Cup Breeding Ground

NZ – Rugby World Cup Breeding Ground

“The All Blacks may be favoured to retain the Rugby World Cup but New Zealand’s influence on the global showpiece will extend far beyond its national team”, according to an article on

Kids Design Playground in New Zealand

Kids Design Playground in New Zealand

Local kids have helped to design a new playground as part of the rebuild of the Christchurch city center following the 2010 and 2011 earthquakes. The Christchurch city council consulted the community about the rebuilt…

Three Million Reasons to Celebrate Tourism’s Value to New Zealand

Three Million Reasons to Celebrate Tourism’s Value to New Zealand

Over three million visitors have travelled to New Zealand in the year ending July 2015, according to data released by Statistics New Zealand. The 7.3 % per cent increase of visitor numbers is good news for…

New Zealand Launches Currency Notes

New Zealand Launches Currency Notes

The Reserve Bank of New Zealand has launched new banknotes with new security features, which will go into circulation later this year. “The polymer notes are striking in their design and innovative in their security with the…

Three Million Reasons to Celebrate Tourism’s Value to New Zealand

Three Million Reasons to Celebrate Tourism’s Value to New Zealand

Over three million visitors have travelled to New Zealand in the year ending July 2015, according to data released by Statistics New Zealand. The 7.3 % per cent increase of visitor numbers is good news for…

New Zealand Kicks off Record Cruise Season

New Zealand Kicks off Record Cruise Season

New Zealand is expecting its biggest cruise season with 267,800 passengers in 2015-16. According to Cruise New Zealand the summer season has already begun with the arrival of Sea Princess in Auckland. “The next two…

Milford Sound – The Eighth Wonder of the World

Milford Sound – The Eighth Wonder of the World

Experience the majestic beauty of New Zealand’s Milford Sound.

Otahuna Wins Andrew Harper’s 2015 Reader’s Choice Awards

Otahuna Wins Andrew Harper’s 2015 Reader’s Choice Awards

Otahuna Lodge in Tai Tapu, New Zealand has been voted the world’s Top International Hideaway by readers of one of the world’s most influential luxury travel reader’s polls, Andrew Harper’s…

Final Designs for New Zealand’s New Flag Chosen

Final Designs for New Zealand’s New Flag Chosen

“For more than a century, New Zealanders have fought wars and won Olympic medals under a flag with four red stars on a blue background and Great Britain’s Union Jack in the corner”, writes…

2015 All Blacks Squad Announcement – Steve Hansen

2015 All Blacks Squad Announcement – Steve Hansen

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen has named his new squad for the 2015 Rugby World Cup which will be hosted in England and will run from 18 September – October 31….

The Shannara Chronicles- Official Trailer

The Shannara Chronicles- Official Trailer

The brand new trailer for MTV’s stunning adaptation of Terry Brook’s The Shannara Chronicles is here. This high fantasy TV series was filmed throughout New Zealand and stars big…

Sir Peter Jackson – WW1 Exhibit Creator

Sir Peter Jackson – WW1 Exhibit Creator

Academy Award winning filmmaker Sir Peter Jackson talks about his new Great War Exhibition in Wellington, and how he used filmmaking technology to bring colour to a war that, until…

Everest – First Look Featurette

Everest – First Look Featurette

Director Baltasar Kormákur is set to take audiences to the heights of fear with his new true life disaster movie Everest, which chronicles the failed 1996 Mt Everest expedition…

Kate Newby, artist, debuts in New York

Kate Newby, artist, debuts in New York

New York-based Aucklander Kate Newby debuts at the Laurel Gitlen Gallery in the Lower East Side with a show ‘I memorized it I loved it so much’, with a laudatory review in…

In Defense of the Soccer Mom’s Favorite Wine

In Defense of the Soccer Mom’s Favorite Wine

Reliable, inexpensive New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc is the go-to wine for many Americans. Is it worthy? And are some even better than just upscale Pinot Grigio? Lettie Teague, wine columnist for The…

Flautist Marya Martin heads Bridgehampton Festival

Flautist Marya Martin heads Bridgehampton Festival

Internationally acclaimed flutist Marya Martin heads the 26st season of the Bridgehampton Chamber Music Festival on New York’s Long Island with an 12-concert program featuring works by Bach, Beethoven, Brahms, Mendelssohn, Mozart and Schubert….

Karl Urban Nominates Kids Can as Part of Star Trek Beyond’s Global Omaze Campaign

Karl Urban Nominates Kids Can as Part of Star Trek Beyond’s Global Omaze Campaign

Karl Urban has nominated the New Zealand charity Kids Can as one of the nine global causes chosen by the cast of Justin Lin’s Star Trek Beyond as part of the Star Trek: To Boldly…

Ash Vs. Evil Dead Trailer Released at Comic Con

Ash Vs. Evil Dead Trailer Released at Comic Con

The first Ash vs. Evil Dead trailer has been screened at the 2015 San Diego Comic-Con. “If anyone was on the fence about bringing the cult classic horror tale to the small screen, this trailer…

New Zealand Stars Feature in Powerful ‘Force of Black’ Rugby World Cup Advert

New Zealand Stars Feature in Powerful ‘Force of Black’ Rugby World Cup Advert

New Zealand’s All Blacks players unleash their inner animals in the new powerful World Cup advert by shirt sponsors Adidas. “It’s inside us. Beating in our heart, pumping through our veins. It strengthens every sense….

Everest to Open the Venice Film Festival

Everest to Open the Venice Film Festival

“Everest, a new movie about the two rival missions up the mountain in 1996, has been chosen as the opening night film of this year’s Venice film festival – a spot which has recently proved…

Clear Skies Ahead for Cloudy Bay

Clear Skies Ahead for Cloudy Bay

Cloudy Bay, the New Zealand winery that has “become the flag-bearer for New World wines,” is celebrated in the June issue of Air France Magazine. The winery, established in 1985…

Lecretia’s Fight Lives On

Lecretia’s Fight Lives On

The case brought by terminally ill New Zealand lawyer Lecretia Seales has become part of the larger worldwide right-to-die debate. A feature story in the June 27, 2015, edition of The Economist…

Scientists to Study Silent Earthquakes off NZ

Scientists to Study Silent Earthquakes off NZ

Scientists have proposed a 2018 pioneering project beneath the seafloor off New Zealand aimed at understanding the mechanisms of silent earthquakes, also known as slow-slip events. “An important way to understand the true cause of…