Upcoming events.


Messages from the Matriarchs
May
8

Messages from the Matriarchs

Donation. Bookings required. Book (for free) at https://events.humanitix.com/messages-from-the-matriarchs

Listen as six dynamic women inspire guests with stories of their lives and visions for a bright future of cohesive social well-being. There will be singing, deep relating and maybe some weeping in the audience. Accompanied with projected images and amplification for the hearing impaired.

This is not a dry recounting of life details, but the sharing of personal wisdom that will make you glad to be attending. Several cultures and varied life experiences are presented.

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May
4

Accessing Nelson’s Historical Databases

$3 per person on door. No bookings required.

The Nelson Institute presents a talk by Peter Millward: “Accessing Nelson’s Historical databases”. Peter is a former Director of Nelson Provincial Museum who has embarked on a reworking of the Early Settler Database as a ‘retirement project’.

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Afro-Colombian Experience (Pacific Region)
May
3

Afro-Colombian Experience (Pacific Region)

Free. No bookings required.

Join us for an unforgettable AfroColombian experience straight from the vibrant Pacific region! Dive into the rich cultural traditions, including lively dance and music that will have you moving to the rhythm. Learn the secrets of our ancestral dialect, beliefs, and miracle beverages known for their healing powers. Savour delicious traditional drinks and sweets, and don’t miss the chance to try some new moves as you embrace our captivating dances. It’s a day full of culture, fun, and learning — come and celebrate with us!

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Guided Tuatara Night Walk
May
2

Guided Tuatara Night Walk

FULLY BOOKED.

Koha. Bookings required. Book a place at brooksanctuary.org.nz/lots-to-seeand-do/tuatara-night-walks

The Brook Waimarama Sanctuary is thrilled to present Tuatara Night Walks, offering a unique opportunity to explore our stunning natural environment after dark. Join us for an enchanting evening beneath the stars as you wander along the Brook Stream. You’ll have the chance to see tuatara roaming freely whilst foraging for food. As you journey further through the Sanctuary, keep an eye out for captivating glowworms, graceful eels, and fascinating cave weta- . This immersive experience allows you to witness the diverse wildlife that flourishes in our carefully maintained pest-free ecosystem. Don’t miss this unforgettable adventure!

Ages 5+

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Hikoi Awhiowhio
May
2

Hikoi Awhiowhio

$20 - $40 per person. Book tickets via theatreroyalnelson.co.nz

Hikoi Awhiowhio is a collection of stories told by those from Te Tau lhu, who joined the Hikoi in 2024 to protest against the Treaty Principles Bill. These stories are woven together by Donna Mcleod. The journey starts at Kaiteriteri beach with karakia acknowledging the Nelson Tenths and unresolved grief, following the ferry trip and plane flights across Te Moana o raukawa - Cook Strait - to marching, to standing before the Beehive. These are the voices of pepe, tamariki, rangatahi, pakeke, kaumatua, and whanau. Through waiata, haka, karakia, Whiti and korero in Te Reo Maori, English and other languages and taonga puoro their stories are told. This is intergenerational, this is bicultural, this is multi-cultural, this is Aotearoa.

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Family History Friday
May
2

Family History Friday

Free. No bookings required.

Are you having trouble finding your ancestors? Would you like to know more about using Ancestry.com, or what other family history or local history resources are available?

This drop-in session is aimed at those who have started on their family history journey and are wanting help with their research.

Specialist library staff will be available to assist you.

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Virtual Reality Time Travel
May
2

Virtual Reality Time Travel

Free. Bookings required. Phone 528 1047 to register.

Step into history like never before, discover a new perspective on history with Virtual Reality. Technology meets storytelling to transport you to moments from the past. Bookings essential, sessions will be 45 minutes long.

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The History of The Great American Songbook
May
1

The History of The Great American Songbook

$10 General public, $5 Members. No bookings required.

The Nelson Jazz Club present a historic look at the “Great American Songbook”. Often referred to as “Jazz Standards”, the Great American Songbook is a canon of the most important and influential American popular songs and jazz standards from the early 20th century that have stood the test of time in their life and legacy.

The genre includes popular and enduring tunes from the 1920s to the 1950s that were created for Broadway theatre, musical theatre, and Hollywood musical film.

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Historical Memoir Writing with Brenda Mills
May
1

Historical Memoir Writing with Brenda Mills

Koha. No bookings required.

Write about your life, background, beginnings, and family stories, and share these personal memories with family, friends, and future generations. Come along to all or one of these sessions and learn how to record the stories that are pertinent to you by using simple one-word writing prompts.

A koha on the day is appreciated, with all proceeds going to Big Brothers Big Sisters Nelson-Tasman

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Conservation – A Whakatū Nelson Story
Apr
29

Conservation – A Whakatū Nelson Story

Free. Bookings required, phone 03 2656519 or email gca@clmnz.co.nz

Join us for an inspiring session celebrating the pioneers of conservation in Whakatu Nelson!

Hear captivating stories of determination and success:

Craig Potton on Whales and Ocean Conservation

John Moore on saving Lakes Manapouri and Te Anau, the battle for the National Park

Dr. Gwen Struik & Margot Davis on The Friends of Nelson Haven and Tasman Bay Bruce Thomas on the fight to protect Breaksea Island

Discover how passionate individuals and community action have achieved lasting improvements for our natural environment.

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Taste Tāhunanui
Apr
27

Taste Tāhunanui

CANCELLED

Free. Bookings required, email connect@tch.org.nz - phone 03 548 6036 for enquiries

Take your tastebuds on a trip around the world - right here, in Tahunanui. A chance for all of our local multicultural community to showcase and share their Kai, culture, music and performance!

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Nelson Italian Community Heritage Exhibition Showcase
Apr
27

Nelson Italian Community Heritage Exhibition Showcase

Free. No bookings required.

An Exhibition featuring the history of the Italian families immigrating to Nelson late 1800 until today.

Discover the roots and history of many Italian families who contributed in many different ways to the Nelson community development. Volunteers from Nelson Italian Community will be on hand to talk about aspects of the display and answer questions.

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Zomi Bamboo Dance
Apr
26

Zomi Bamboo Dance

Free. No bookings required.

Join us for an exciting cultural experience as we bring the traditional Bamboo Dance and music of the Zomi community to Nelson!

Discover the rich meaning and significance of these ancient traditions, as we showcase a lively Bamboo Dance performance. You’ll also learn how to play the Gong, a traditional instrument from our community, and get hands-on with new dance moves and musical techniques. Whether you’re a dancer, musician, or simply curious, this event is a perfect opportunity to explore the rhythm, art, and spirit of the Zomi heritage! Don’t miss out on this unique cultural journey!

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Bhutanese Nepali New Year 2082 Celebration with Cultural Shows
Apr
26

Bhutanese Nepali New Year 2082 Celebration with Cultural Shows

Koha donation. No booking required.

The Nepali-speaking Bhutanese Community of Nelson is celebrating its own New Year 2082 with traditional and cultural shows/performances. They will be exchanging New Year greetings with each other. It will include music, songs, dances, traditional games, and paying respect to elderly members (senior citizens) of the community followed by catering conventional foods at the end. 

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Journey to New Edinburgh
Apr
26

Journey to New Edinburgh

$10 per person. Book at events.humanitix. com/journey-to-new-edinburgh

Based on a video documentary, Sean Brosnahan, a curator at Toitu- Otago Setters Museum, will give a talk about where the early Otago settlers came from.

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ISEL AT WAR - Lest We Forget on Anzac Day
Apr
25

ISEL AT WAR - Lest We Forget on Anzac Day

Free entry, no bookings required, koha welcome.

The residents of Stoke, and of Isel House in particular, have a proud record of involvement in the Boer [South African] War and in WW1 and WW2. Come along and look at the exhibition that honours their service.

Peter and Myra Millward can clarify the service of your forbears using the complete database of those who served from the Province of Nelson.

Come along and take advantage of this opportunity.

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ANZAC Wreath Laying Ceremonies
Apr
25

ANZAC Wreath Laying Ceremonies

Donation - buy a poppy. No bookings required.

Short commemoration ceremonies at memorials and cemeteries in Nelson where you, your family and friends can reflect in a more personal and private way. Led by Nelson RSA. We will remember them.

Various Locations/Times:

• 8am - 8.15am Wakapuaka Servicemen’s Cemetery.

• 8.30am – 8.45am Queens Gardens, Boer War Statue.

• 9am – 9.15am Pikimai War Memorial, Cathedral Hill.

• 10am – 10.30am Marsden Valley, Servicemen’s Cemetery

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ANZAC Dawn Service
Apr
25

ANZAC Dawn Service

Donation - buy a poppy.

No bookings required. We will remember them. The march assembles at a new starting position on Paru Paru Road (Trafalgar Centre car park) then progresses to ANZAC Park for the traditional dawn service.

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Historical Memoir Writing with Brenda Mills
Apr
24

Historical Memoir Writing with Brenda Mills

Koha. No bookings required.

Write about your life, background, beginnings, and family stories, and share these personal memories with family, friends, and future generations. Come along to all or one of these sessions and learn how to record the stories that are pertinent to you by using simple one-word writing prompts.

A koha on the day is appreciated, with all proceeds going to Big Brothers Big Sisters Nelson-Tasman

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Cre8tive Flora Toi
Apr
23

Cre8tive Flora Toi

Event is fully booked. Email to join the waitlist.

Koha (gold coin). Bookings required info@aroha-visual-arts.com

With 28 years of experience in the floral industry, this workshop is designed to guide participants in creating meaningful floral tributes. These creations can be tailored for any occasion, whether as a gift of aroha, a heartfelt gesture, or a tribute in times of bereavement.

Whanau select from the two options.

1. Bouquet.

2. Tribute to loved ones. (Aroha tetahi ki tetahi)

Once you have booked your place, more information will be supplied.

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Tapa Workshop
Apr
23

Tapa Workshop

Free. No bookings required.

Pasifika Arts and Culture Collective presents: We have a partially completed 5m by 4m Tapa cloth.

The workshop will continue on from Kainga Art Exhibition. We have approximately 50 empty 30cm square for community to decorate. This will be the focus of one of the days. There is also a 1.6m by 4m space that needs to be filled. This will be done by Pasifika youth.

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Growing Our History
Apr
23

Growing Our History

Free. No bookings required.

Join members of Heritage Roses Nelson in the gardens at Broadgreen House and immerse yourself in the scent and colours of the past.

Admire one of the first roses brought to New Zealand, learn about the common plants surrounding homesteads and their lesser known uses. Get hands on with these living heirlooms as we answer questions and share local knowledge of growing habits.

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Big Little Ships
Apr
22

Big Little Ships

Free. No bookings required.

Join us as we explore the maritime artistry and intricate details of Peta Raggett’s scratch built model ship replicas in this shared presentation with curator Ari Edgecombe and Peta Raggett.

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Indian Block Printing Workshop
Apr
19

Indian Block Printing Workshop

$15 - Adult, $5 - Kids under 12.

Bookings required experienceindia.nz@gmail.com

Join us for one of two workshop sessions on India’s popular craft of block printing. Participants will make greeting cards for their loved ones using wooden blocks during the workshop. No prior experience is required. Free chai and Indian snacks will be served during each workshop. Come along to this enjoyable and hands-on creative activity.

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Indian Block Printing Workshop
Apr
19

Indian Block Printing Workshop

$15 - Adult, $5 - Kids under 12.

Bookings required experienceindia.nz@gmail.com

Join us for one of two workshop sessions on India’s popular craft of block printing. Participants will make greeting cards for their loved ones using wooden blocks during the workshop. No prior experience is required. Free chai and Indian snacks will be served during each workshop. Come along to this enjoyable and hands-on creative activity.

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Rongoā with Ngahere Magic
Apr
19

Rongoā with Ngahere Magic

Event is Fully Booked.

Koha. Bookings required, ngahere.magic@outlook.co.nz

Rongoā with Ngahere Magic provides you with the opportunity to wananga with a passionate Rongoa practitioner. You will learn the basics of the healing powers within our ngahere especially with winter approaching, and the importance and simplicity of integrating Rongoa with your whanau and hauora needs.

For all ages, however tamariki (children) will need to be engaged and participating in the kaupapa.

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