Taiwan, New Zealand Reaffirm Cultural Ties, Highlight Indigenous Heritage

TAIPEI, Taiwan–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Jul 16, 2024–

This year marks the 11th anniversary of ANZTEC, New Zealand’s economic cooperation agreement with Taiwan. Historian theories suggest that the Māori people of New Zealand may have originated from Taiwan, fostering a unique cultural connection between the indigenous peoples of both nations. Over the years, this shared heritage has led to various cultural exchanges.

Recently, Taiwan and New Zealand embarked on their largest cultural exchange program to date. The Govett-Brewster Art Gallery in New Zealand has invited four Taiwanese indigenous artists from various tribes to participate in a residency project. Their artworks will be featured from July 6 to Oct. 13 in the “Without Centre, Without Limits” special exhibition. These artists will also engage in onsite exchanges with local art institutions and Māori artists, further strengthening Austronesian cultural diplomacy.

Earlier this year, in March, Auckland hosted a significant oil painting exhibition centering on the theme of New Zealand Māori and Taiwan’s 16 indigenous tribes. The exhibition was displayed during the 2024 New Zealand Taiwan Day and at the Māori meeting grounds.

In April, a Māori cultural performance group and a high school basketball team from Rotorua, New Zealand, visited Taiwan. They participated in a cross-national basketball friendship match and cultural dance exchange, illustrating the unique connection and friendship between the indigenous peoples of Taiwan and New Zealand.

Taiwan was also notably represented at the 13th World Choir Games held in New Zealand on July 10. The event, featuring over 10,000 singers from more than 30 countries, included remarkable performances by the Nibun Chorus, Baolai Junior High School Choir, and Kahuzas Children’s Choir from Taiwan. Through traditional tunes of their indigenous and Hakka communities, these groups highlighted the rich cultural heritage of Taiwan’s indigenous arts.

Source: Central News Agency, Business Wire