'Interlude', the first #NewZealand commission by British architecture studio Nebbia, has been unveiled at Jardine Park, Tāhuna Queenstown. The commission forms part of Paererewā, a nationwide initiative led by STILL, to install 1,000 public objects across Aotearoa New Zealand. A tribute to philanthropist Sir Eion Edgar, ‘Interlude’ reflects the enduring creative partnership between Aotearoa New Zealand and the UK. 📸 Kīngi Makoare (Ngati Whatua Orakei), PR Consultant, Andrea Hammond, British Council New Zealand and the Pacific Director Natasha Beckman.

In September, a historic Māori pou—begun in 1910 by Tene Waitere for Mākereti Papakura, the first indigenous woman to study at Oxford —was finally completed in London by Tene’s descendant, Robert Schuster Rika. Robert travelled to London to complete what his ancestor had begun. Through Te Whakapiringa (‘the binding together’), the pou was gifted to the British people, marking a powerful moment of cultural connection. Now standing in our London office, it's a wonderful symbol of heritage, respect, and enduring ties across generations.

Our team at British Council New Zealand and the Pacific held a pop-up exhibition, Woven Histories, at Eden Park, Auckland, in celebration of the ties between New Zealand and Scotland. The exhibition was presented alongside the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, which is celebrating its 75th anniversary. Woven Histories featured New Zealand-based artists Alison Leauanae and Mitchell Manuel, whose work explores what happens when Pacific and Highland traditions intertwine. 📸 Alison Leauanae (© Anna Briggs) with her artwork Plaid Pua 177, 2021, and Mitchell Manuel with his artwork Te Pōtae (helmet).