Ngā Rongo Kōrero
News and Views
View our latest news, media releases, newsletters and event updates. Hear from our commissioners, UNESCO Aotearoa Youth Leaders, and our collaborating agencies and organisations. Read our latest updates or delve into the past.
Dr Jamie-Lee Rahiri has been named the 2025 L’Oréal–UNESCO For Women in Science Award recipient for New Zealand, in recognition of her outstanding work to improve surgical care for Māori communities.
The award, now in its eighteenth year, celebrates the achievements of women working in science and medicine. It is co-organised by UNESCO and the L’Oréal Foundation, combining global reach and credibility with a shared commitment to advancing education, science, and culture. Since its inception, the initiative has supported more than 4,700 women scientists around the world.
Dr Rahiri’s research and advocacy have made a significant impact on equity in healthcare, particularly in addressing disparities in surgical outcomes for Māori. Her work exemplifies the values of the award—scientific excellence, social impact, and leadership.
In honour of this achievement, we invite you to read a feature article about Dr Rahiri written by Caitlin Sykes for the University of Auckland newsletter, which explores her journey, research, and vision for the future.
The award, now in its eighteenth year, celebrates the achievements of women working in science and medicine. It is co-organised by UNESCO and the L’Oréal Foundation, combining global reach and credibility with a shared commitment to advancing education, science, and culture. Since its inception, the initiative has supported more than 4,700 women scientists around the world.
Dr Rahiri’s research and advocacy have made a significant impact on equity in healthcare, particularly in addressing disparities in surgical outcomes for Māori. Her work exemplifies the values of the award—scientific excellence, social impact, and leadership.
In honour of this achievement, we invite you to read a feature article about Dr Rahiri written by Caitlin Sykes for the University of Auckland newsletter, which explores her journey, research, and vision for the future.
Are you a young person with an interest in deepening connections between Aotearoa youth and UNESCO globally in order to contribute to a more sustainable and peaceful future? Then the New Zealand National Commission for UNESCO wants to hear from you.
We’re currently inviting applications from youth aged between 18 and 25 to join our UNESCO Aotearoa Youth Leader whānau. The group consists of young leaders who serve as advisors to the National Commission, connectors to their own community and ambassadors of UNESCO’s work.
We’re currently inviting applications from youth aged between 18 and 25 to join our UNESCO Aotearoa Youth Leader whānau. The group consists of young leaders who serve as advisors to the National Commission, connectors to their own community and ambassadors of UNESCO’s work.
The New Zealand National Commission for UNESCO acknowledges the passing of Sir Tumu Te Heuheu Tūkino VIII, who made a profound and lasting impact on UNESCO's World Heritage efforts, both in New Zealand and globally. His leadership was marked by a deep commitment to cultural integrity, environmental stewardship, and international cooperation.
Sir Tumu was the first, and only, New Zealander to Chair the UNESCO World Heritage Committee. Sir Tumu held this prestigious role with distinction, bringing Māori values and perspectives to the global stage.
Sir Tumu was the first, and only, New Zealander to Chair the UNESCO World Heritage Committee. Sir Tumu held this prestigious role with distinction, bringing Māori values and perspectives to the global stage.
The William Fitzgerald Crawford photographic collection at Tairawhiti Museum in Gisborne has been recognised on New Zealand's UNESCO Memory of the World Register. It is the first entry from Gisborne and the East Coast region.
The extensive collection of 5,000 glass plate negatives provides an exceptional record of the development of early Gisborne over four decades between 1874 and 1912.
The extensive collection of 5,000 glass plate negatives provides an exceptional record of the development of early Gisborne over four decades between 1874 and 1912.
In another jam-packed issue you can read all about our time at the UN Ocean Conference which took place in France in June, as well as a number of other ocean-themed articles.
At the National Commission building connections is a key part of our work - learn about how connections were grown with the Pacific, our designations, our communities and for Aotearoa's UNESCO Global Geopark in the past couple of months.
At the National Commission building connections is a key part of our work - learn about how connections were grown with the Pacific, our designations, our communities and for Aotearoa's UNESCO Global Geopark in the past couple of months.
