National events and The New Zealand Curriculum

February

Chinese New Year from Saturday 10 February 2024.

By examining this celebration, students can explore values such as diversity and respect, and develop conceptual understandings about culture, identity, and customs.

Waitangi Day Tuesday 6 February 2024.

Waitangi Day provides an opportunity for students to examine social science concepts and values and develop key competencies. Schools can also consider how the Treaty of Waitangi principle is used as a foundation for curriculum decision-making.

March

Seaweek | Kauapapa Moana Saturday 2 March – Sunday 10 March 2024.

Seaweek is New Zealand’s annual national week about the sea. Coordinated by the Sir Peter Blake Marine Education and Recreation Centre (MERC), Seaweek is a time for us to get to know more about the ocean, its habitats, characteristics, and inhabitants better.

April

Earth Day Saturday 22 April 2024.

Earth Day is a global event where people honour the natural environment and raise awareness of environmental issues. By taking part in Earth Day, students can learn about the current state of the planet and explore options for sustainability.

Anzac Day Thursday 25 April 2024.

By examining this national event, students can develop key competencies, explore values such as respect and honour, and consider the social science concepts of identity, continuity, and change. 

May

New Zealand Music Month all of May 2024.

New Zealand Music Month provides a useful context for students to develop understandings in the arts and social sciences. It is also a good time to explore the values of diversity and community and participation with your students. 

Gasav Ne Fäeag Rotuạm Ta - Rotuman Language Week Sunday 12 - Saturday 18 May 2024.

This page on Tāhūrangi contains suggested activities and curated website links to help you and your learners learn about and celebrate the Rotuman language.

New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) Week Monday 6 May – Sunday 12 May 2024.

New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) Week is a chance for the Deaf community to stand proud as Deaf, and to celebrate their language and culture. It also works to break down barriers, fears and misconceptions. NZSL Week lets Deaf New Zealanders put their hands up and be seen!

Pink Shirt Day Friday 17 May 2024

Aotearoa will become a sea of pink as schools, workplaces and communities join the Pink Shirt Day movement. By taking part you will help stamp out bullying by celebrating diversity and promoting kindness and inclusion.

Techweek 2023 Monday 20 May – Sunday 26 May 2024.

Techweek fosters the growth of New Zealand's technology and innovation sectors by providing the national ecosystem with a week-long opportunity for connection and collaboration. Techweek is an independent platform where individuals and organisations can showcase their unique and inspiring innovation stories.

Vaiaso o le Gagana Samoa - Samoan Language Week Sunday 26 May - Saturday 1 June 2024.

This page on Tāhūrangi offers suggested activities and curated website links to help you and your learners explore and celebrate the language of Sāmoa.

June

International Languages Week Monday 10 June - Friday 14 June 2024.

This week provides an opportunity to showcase and promote languages and cultures in your school and communities. Encourage the bi-lingual students in your school to be experts during International Languages Week and support them to share their language knowledge with others in the class. 

Schools' Pride Week Monday 17 June 2024 - Friday 21 June 2024.

Celebrating Schools’ Pride Week is an important way for school communities to affirm that rainbow students, staff and whānau belong.

Matariki June - July 2024.

The pre-dawn rise of Matariki can be seen in June or July every year. By celebrating Matariki at your school, you can bring a range of NZC principles to life. Students can explore values, develop key competencies, and examine social science concepts.

Matariki Public Holiday -  Friday 28 June 2024. 

July

Te Taetae ni  Kiribati - Kiribati Language Week Language Week Sunday 7 - Saturday 13 July 2024.

This resource on Tāhūrangi contains suggested activities and curated website links to help you and your learners learn about and celebrate the language of Kiribati.

Olympic Games 2024.  The next Olympic games will take place in Paris, France from 27 July to 12 August 2024. For more information, visit the Olympic Games website.

Olympic Games contains a collection of teaching ideas from previous Olympic Games to help you share the Olympic spirit with your school and community. 

August

Cook Islands Language Week Sunday 4 - Saturday 10 August 2024.

This resource on Tāhūrangi contains suggested activities and curated website links to help you and your learners learn about and celebrate the languages of the Cook Islands.

Maths Week/Pāngarau Wiki Monday 12 August – Friday 16 August 2024.

Sponsored by the Ministry of Education and the New Zealand Association of Mathematics Teachers, several resources are written and made available to teachers and students in Y1–11. 

Conservation Week | Te Wiki Tiaki Ao Tūroa 2024 dates to be confirmed - see 2023 information here.

Capture your students' natural curiosity about the world they live in and raise awareness about Aotearoa New Zealand as you involve them in this year’s Conservation Week. This week is all about getting out and discovering the conservation areas that are just outside your door.

Sorted Money Month all of August 2024.

Money Month is the annual public awareness and engagement campaign coordinated by Te Ara Ahunga Ora in partnership with the financial capability community. This campaign previously ran for a week but has been extended to a month in 2023 to ensure New Zealanders have the chance to learn more about financial capability.

America's Cup 

The Official Opening Ceremony for the 37th America's Cup will be held in Barcelona on 22 August 2024. For more information visit the America's Cup website.

America's Cup contains ideas and resources to support schools, kura, and early learning services to weave the America’s Cup into their local curriculum.

September

Uike Kātoanga’i ‘o e lea faka-Tonga - Tonga Language Week Sunday 18 - Saturday 24 August 2024.

This resource on Tāhūrangi contains suggested activities and curated website links to help you and your learners learn about and celebrate the indigenous Tonga language and culture.

Te Wiki o te Reo Māori Rāhoroi 14 - Rāhoroi 21 o Hepetema 2024.

Te Wiki o te Reo Māori | Māori Language Week is an annual campaign led by Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Māori promoting te reo as New Zealand’s language and a language for all New Zealanders. Whānau from across Aotearoa, New Zealand, including organisations, schools, workplaces and homes, are encouraged to give te reo Māori a go.

New Zealand Chinese Language Week Sunday 22 September - Saturday 28 September 2024.

New Zealand Chinese Language Week is a Kiwi-led initiative aimed at encouraging New Zealanders to discover Chinese language and culture. 

October

Te ‘Gana Tuvalu - Tuvalu Language Week Sunday 29 September - Saturday 5 October.

This resource on Tāhūrangi contains suggested activities and curated website links to help you and your learners learn about and celebrate the indigenous Tuvalu language and culture.

Macawa ni Vosa Vakaviti - Fijian Language Week Sunday 6 October - Saturday 12 October 2024.

This resource on Tāhūrangi contains suggested activities and curated website links to help you and your learners learn about and celebrate the Fijian language.

Faahi Tapu he Vagahau Niue - Niue Language Week Sunday 13 October to Saturday 19 October 2024.

This resource on Tāhūrangi contains suggested activities and curated website links to help you and your learners learn about and celebrate the indigenous Niue language and culture.

Te Vāiaho o te Gagana Tokelau - Tokelau Language Week Sunday 27 October - Saturday 2 November 2024.

This resource on Tāhūrangi contains suggested activities and curated website links to help you and your learners learn about and celebrate the language of Tokelau.

November

Diwali Friday 1 November - Tuesday 5 November 2024.

Diwali, also known as Deepavali, or the Festival of Lights, is a five-day-long Hindu celebration. Diwali is a great opportunity to engage with the local Indian Hindu community, especially those members who are families at school. 

Papua Niugini Tok Pisin Wik - Papua New Guinea Pidgin Language Week Sunday 10 November - Saturday 16 November 2024.

Follow the link above for more information on the Ministry for Pacific Peoples' website.

Solomon Aelan Pijin Langguis Wik - Solomon Islands Pidgin Language week Sunday 24 November - Saturday 30 November 2024.

Follow the link above for more information on the Ministry for Pacific Peoples' website.

Commonwealth Games Birmingham - 28 July – 8 August 2022

The Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games was an international multi-sport event for members of the Commonwealth held in Birmingham, England. Approximately 4500 athletes from 72 nations and territories competed in 19 sports.

Commonwealth Games 2026.  The next Commonwealth Games currently do not have a host. For more information, visit the Commonwealth Games Federation website.