After months since rumours first circulated regarding the possible demise of toi iho – the Maori trademark of authenticity and quality, an agreement in early May signalled toi iho’s future as being transferred from the government’s Creative NZ stables, to a new Maori owned entity.

The inaugural Taonga Whakaari: Maori Playwrights Festival features three plays – one classic, one current release and one by an emerging playwright.

MusicHy.pe have announced the winners of its NZ Indie Mix Tape competition.

Like its ill-fated name-sake Laika, the first dog in space and Russian national hero, Good Laika say their band “invokes pictures of bitter irony, grim humour and passionate ambition”.

Curated by Doris de Pont and recording fashion’s contribution to culture, Looking Terrific – the Story of El Jay is the first ‘pop up’ exhibition from the New Zealand Fashion Museum.  

Pieter Symonds, guest star of the Royal New Zealand Ballet’s Meridian Season of Carmen, is enjoying tackling the role of the infamous seductress.

This exhibition posits that the quotidian (def: everyday, commonplace) is a useful lens for understanding aspects of contemporary design practice ranging from fashion, furniture, graphic, product to spatial design.

The Auckland Festival of Photography launched its 7th festival with the introduction of the Signature and Fringe Programmes.

Well known and respected internet commentator and developer Paul Reynolds passed away on Sunday May 23. Reynolds had developed a strong footprint in the arts, heritage and cultural sector. Add your tribute.

You could end up with your lunch - or dinner - for free with the advent of a Free Store, opening at 38 Ghuznee St Wellington from May 22, operated by artist Kim Paton.

As part of NZ Music Month music fans get to pick their 12 favourite NZ indie artists for a digital compilation.

Author and playwright, David Hill has been awarded a residency to participate in the 2010 International Writers Program at the University of Iowa.

Lauren Winstone regards her recent work as deliberately akin to drawings or preliminary tests. Humming on a windless slope is at Objectspace until June 9.

The latest news from Independent Music New Zealand including a double platinum albumn for Kora, NZ Music Month seminars, a debut album from Nightchoir, a NZ tour from Katchafire and a ruling from the Copyright Tribunal in Australia.