🚧 DRAFT - Cultural Day | Te Rā Taonga 🚧

⚠️ THIS IS A DRAFT DOCUMENT - PLANS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE ⚠️

Thursday, 20 November 2025

Celebrating Aotearoa New Zealand’s Heritage and Te Ao Māori

Overview

The Cultural Day provides an opportunity for conference attendees to experience the rich cultural heritage of Aotearoa New Zealand and connect with Te Ao Māori (the Māori world). This day bridges the formal conference sessions with the collaborative Working Together Days.

Mix and Match Your Experience

Flexible Participation: You can choose different morning and afternoon activities from any of the three options below. For example:

• Take the Te Papa morning tour (Option 1) and join the craft beer afternoon (Option 3)
• Experience Wētā Cave in the morning (Option 2) and the city cultural walk in the afternoon (Option 1)
• Start with Zealandia (Option 3) and finish with film locations (Option 2)

All participants will reunite for the shared evening ferry and barbecue experience at Days Bay.

Proposed Activities

Option 1: Wellington Cultural Experiences

Morning (09:00 - 12:30)

• Te Papa Tongarewa - New Zealand’s National Museum
  • Guided tour focusing on Māori collections and New Zealand history
  • Special exhibition viewing
  • Morning tea at Te Papa café

Afternoon (13:30 - 16:00)

• Wellington City Cultural Walk
  • Visit to significant Māori sites around Wellington
  • Guided walk through Te Aro Park and historic Wellington
  • Optional visit to Wellington Cable Car and Botanic Garden

Option 2: Wētā Cave and Film Heritage

Morning (09:00 - 12:30)

• Wētā Cave - The Home of Movie Magic
  • Guided tour of movie props and behind-the-scenes exhibits
  • Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, and other film memorabilia
  • Interactive experiences and photo opportunities
  • Perfect for Tolkien enthusiasts and film lovers

Afternoon (13:30 - 16:00)

• Wellington Film Locations Tour
  • Visit iconic Lord of the Rings filming locations around Wellington
  • Somes Island (Quarantine Island) views
  • Mount Victoria Lookout and other scenic film spots

Option 3: Zealandia Ecosanctuary and Craft Beer Experience

Morning (09:00 - 12:30)

• Zealandia Ecosanctuary
  • Native flora and fauna experience
  • Cultural significance of indigenous species
  • Traditional Māori use of native plants
  • Guided tour through this unique mainland island sanctuary

Afternoon (13:30 - 16:00)

• Wellington Craft Beer Bar Tour (for those interested)
  • Visit to 3-4 craft beer establishments
  • Tastings of local Wellington and New Zealand craft beers
  • Meet local brewers and learn about NZ beer culture
  • Light snacks and brewery history

Afternoon Activity for All Groups

Ferry to Days Bay (16:00 - 21:00)

16:00 - 16:30 | Ferry Departure from Wellington

• Scenic ferry ride across Wellington Harbour to Days Bay
• Beautiful views of the harbour and surrounding hills
• Commentary on maritime history and local landmarks

16:30 - 20:30 | Days Bay Cricket and Barbecue

• Cricket on the Beach/Grass Area
  • Casual beach cricket for all skill levels
  • Equipment provided
  • Teams mixed throughout the afternoon
• Traditional Kiwi Barbecue
  • Fresh local sausages, burgers, and vegetarian options
  • Salads and sides
  • Local beer, wine, and soft drinks
  • Scenic beachside setting

20:30 - 21:00 | Return Ferry to Wellington

• Evening harbour views as the sun sets
• Relaxed journey back to the city

Practical Considerations

Transport

• Coach transport provided from main conference venue
• Walking groups for city-based activities
• Coordination with public transport for some options

Dietary Requirements

• Traditional Māori kai (food) options
• Vegetarian/vegan alternatives
• Accommodation for dietary restrictions and allergies

Accessibility

• All venues to be accessibility-checked
• Alternative arrangements for mobility-impaired attendees
• Clear information provided in advance

Cultural Protocol

• Respectful engagement with New Zealand cultural sites
• Photography and recording protocols at venues
• Responsible drinking guidelines for beer tour participants
• Respect for natural environments (Zealandia, Days Bay)

Budget Considerations

Cost Estimates (per person, approximate)

Option 1: Wellington Cultural

• Te Papa: $25-35
• City walk: $15-20
• Transport: $10-15
• Morning/Afternoon Total: $50-70

Option 2: Wētā Cave and Film Heritage

• Wētā Cave tour: $30-40
• Film locations tour: $25-35
• Transport: $10-15
• Morning/Afternoon Total: $65-90

Option 3: Zealandia Ecosanctuary and Craft Beer Experience

• Zealandia (morning): $25-35
• Craft beer tour (afternoon, 4 venues): $40-60
• Transport: $10-15
• Morning/Afternoon Total: $75-110

Days Bay Ferry, Cricket & Barbecue (All Groups)

• Return ferry: $25-30
• Barbecue and drinks: $35-45
• Cricket equipment: Included
• Evening Total: $60-75

Full Day Total: $110-185 (depending on morning/afternoon options chosen)

Mix-and-Match Pricing: Individual morning and afternoon activities can be combined. Contact organisers for specific pricing combinations.

Registration and Logistics

Registration Process

• Optional day - separate registration required
• Early bird pricing for conference attendees
• Limited numbers for some experiences
• Registration deadline: [TBC]

Meeting Points

• Main conference venue lobby
• Clear signage and volunteer coordination
• Contact person for each activity group

What to Bring

• Comfortable walking shoes
• Weather-appropriate clothing
• Water bottle
• Camera (where appropriate)
• Open mind and respect for cultural protocols

Activity Guidelines and Protocols

General Guidelines

• Listen actively during guided tours and cultural explanations
• Ask questions respectfully at all venues
• Participate willingly in group activities
• Respect the cultural and environmental significance of all locations

Craft Beer Tour Guidelines

• Drink responsibly and know your limits
• Designate non-drinking participants as group coordinators
• Respect brewery staff and other patrons
• Stay with your group at all times

Days Bay Cricket and Barbecue

• All skill levels welcome - it’s about fun and participation
• Beach/grass area safety awareness
• Help with setup and cleanup
• Respect the natural environment and local community

Coordination Team

Cultural Day Coordinators: [TBC]

• Liaison with Māori cultural advisors
• Venue and transport coordination
• Emergency contact for the day

Cultural Advisors: [TBC]

• Ensure cultural appropriateness
• Provide cultural context and education
• Guide respectful engagement

Contact and Enquiries

For questions about Cultural Day activities:

• Email: organisers@kohacon.org
• Information updates: Conference website/cultural-day

He taonga te tangata - People are a treasure

The Cultural Day celebrates the connection between people, place, and heritage that makes Aotearoa New Zealand unique.