Visit New Zealand (2022 - 2023)

Welcome to the incredible world of New Zealand, where students at Kennesaw State University embarked on a year-long educational journey like no other. In collaboration with the Consulate of New Zealand, the 2022-23 Year of New Zealand introduced the KSU community to the friendly, positive, and enlightening aspects of Kiwi life.  

Throughout this extraordinary year, students had the opportunity to delve deep into the heart of New Zealand, discovering its rich heritage and the lasting impact it has made on the world stage. From the vibrant Maori traditions to the breathtaking landscapes that have captivated millions, this immersive experience allowed a sense of curiosity and appreciation for all that New Zealand has to offer.

Under the guidance of knowledgeable faculty, engaging lectures, interactive discussions, and a plethora of captivating events and performances, a holistic understanding of what makes New Zealand truly unique was achieved. Students will had the chance to explore New Zealand's innovative spirit, witness its thriving arts scene, and unravel the stories behind its remarkable achievements.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the KSU community, Global Education and our esteemed partners, including the Consulate of New Zealand, for their invaluable support in making this Year Of experience a reality. Together, we are creating an environment that fosters growth, exploration, and appreciation for the diverse cultures that shape our world.

The Year of New Zealand at Kennesaw State University was a transformative experience that shaped the minds and hearts of our students for years to come.

year of home
Year of New Zealand logo

New Zealand Events

Listed below are this year's Year of New Zealand events through the 2023 Spring semester. Time, location, and additional information will be added as it becomes available. If you have any questions about the events listed below, please contact the GE Community Engagement & Outreach unit at global.engagement@kennesaw.edu

We hope to see you at some of our events this year!

POSTPONED TBA - Year of New Zealand Closing Ceremony: The Year of New Zealand Closing Ceremony has been postponed due to the forecasted weather. We will announce a new date soon!

Past Events

  • beachfront sunset

    Georgia Brass Band Explores the Cultural & Musical Landscape of New Zealand*

    Date: Apr. 15
    Time: 8:00 p.m.
    Location: Bailey Performance Center

    This concert will feature highly regarded brass composers of New Zealand, familiar New Zealand tunes, captivating media, and a celebration of the culture of both the indigenous M膩ori people and of the British. From marches to brass tone poems there is plenty for the whole family to enjoy! *Tickets are $7.50 - $17.50, including fees


    Ranked choice New Zealand flag

    "Ranked Choice Voting in Practice: the Case of New Zealand's Flag Referendums"

    Date: Apr. 12
    Time: 9:05 a.m.
    Location: Burrus Building Room 151

    A lecture presentation by Timothy Matthews.


    New Zealand tattoo artist Julie Paama-Pengelly smiles

    New Zealand Art & Design

    Date: Mar. 21
    Time: 4:00 p.m.
    Location: Virtual via Zoom

    An exploration of M膩ori art and culture in Aotearoa New Zealand with artist, writer, and curator Julie PaamaPengelly of Mount Maunganui, New Zealand.


    Horizontal title treatment of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey. Promotional stills are inside the graphic

    The Hobbit Watch Party

    Date: Mar. 14
    Time: 5:30 p.m.
    Location: Wilson Student Center Ballrooms A & B, Marietta campus

    Join Global Education for a movie night as we treat you to The Hobbit. Come enjoy fresh hot popcorn and even wear costumes (with an area for photos!) to a special screening of the New Zealand-made fantasy. 


    Year of New Zealand Dining Pop-Up at. Stingers

    New Zealand Dining Pop-Up @ Stingers

    Date: Feb. 15
    Time: 5:00 p.m.
    Location: Stingers Steakhouse, Marietta campus

    Experience Stingers Steakhouse with a New Zealand twist! Join University Dining and Global Education on Wednesday, February 15 from 5 p.m. until Sold Out. Enjoy Grilled Lamb Kabobs served with Roasted Kumara (Sweet Potato) Wedges, Watercress Salad with Lemon Poppy Seed Dressing and Pavlova (Baked Meringue with Fruit) for dessert.


    "Breaking up is hard to do: Lessons from the strange case of New Zealand" Guest Lecture with Economist Dr. Michael Munger

    Date: Feb. 2
    Time: 9:30 a.m.
    Location: Burruss Building Room 152, Kennesaw campus

    "Mixed Proportional Representation in New Zealand" Guest Lecture with Cynthia Richie Terell

    Date: Jan. 25
    Time: 9:05 a.m.
    Location: Science Building Room 109, Kennesaw Campus

  • A ring behind flames

    Watch Party: The Lord of The Rings

    Date: Dec. 2
    Time: 5:30 p.m.
    Location: Academic Learning Center, Auditorium 1100

    It's movie night right before Finals! Enjoy popcorn and a special screening of the New Zealand-made fantasy, The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)!

    In the first part of J.R.R. Tolkien's epic masterpiece, The Lord of the Rings, a shy young hobbit named Frodo Baggins inherits a simple gold ring. He knows the ring has power, but not that he alone holds the secret to the survival of the entire world. Now Frodo, accompanied by a wizard, an elf, a dwarf, two men and three loyal hobbit friends, must become the greatest hero the world has ever known to save the land and the people he loves.


    A child waters a plant in New Zealand

    "Welcome to Our Learning Story" Panel Discussion - the Te Wh峋眗iki Approach to Early Childhood Education in New Zealand

    Date: Nov. 17
    Time: 2:00 p.m.
    Location: Carmichael Student Center, University Room A

    An Early Childhood Educator panel-style luncheon, including a Maori Curriculum Advisor, an educator from Hilltop Learning Center in Seattle, and an owner/director of a preschool in Atlanta.

    What will I learn?

    鈥 The history and design of the Te Wh峋眗iki Approach
    鈥 The practice of collecting learning stories as a means of child assessment
    鈥 The ways educators can integrate experiences and insights from New Zealand 

    Co-sponsored with the Elementary and Early Childhood Education Department, the Bagwell College of Education, and KSU Global Education as part of the Year of New Zealand.


    On top is the New Zealand flag; on the bottom is the Maori flag

    T奴rangawaewae: Identity and Belonging in Aotearoa New Zealand

    Date: Oct. 25
    Time: 4:00 p.m.
    Location: Virtual via Zoom

    A discussion of what it means to be a New Zealander - how family, origins, culture, ethnicity, tradition, and history have shaped life in New Zealand, how these concepts have evolved, and what they mean today. 

    An interview with Dr. Ella Kahu of Massey University in New Zealand, author of the landmark text, T奴rangawaewae: Identity and Belonging in New Zealand.


    Auckland, New Zealand at night

    Market Reforms Guest Lecture with Economist David Teece

    Date: Oct. 3
    Time: 11:15 a.m. - 1:15 p.m.
    Location: Burruss Building, 152

    Connect American business practices to New Zealand's economy with a two-part lecture with guest speaker David J. Teece CNZM.

    鈥 "Dynamic Capabilities and Related Paradigms: Towards a Better Understanding of Silicon Valley Entrepreneurial Management" - 11:15 a.m. - 12:05 p.m.
    鈥 "New Zealand Frontier Firms: A Capabilities-Based Perspective" - 12:20 p.m. - 1:10 p.m.

    Co-sponsored with the Bagwell Center for the Study of Markets and Economic Opportunity and KSU Global Education as part of the Year of New Zealand.


    A still from the documentary, Trailblazers: The New Zealand Story

    Film Screening - Trailblazers: The New Zealand Story

    Date: Sept. 30
    Time: 12:15 p.m. - 1:15 p.m.
    Location: Burruss Building, 151

    How did New Zealand completely transform its economic landscape to be a driving force in international trade, innovative leadership, and sustainable fishing? Enjoy an informative documentary that tells New Zealand's story through powerful, thought-provoking personal stories of survival and triumph.

    Co-sponsored with the Bagwell Center for the Study of Markets and Economic Opportunity and KSU Global Education as part of the Year of New Zealand.


    Celebration of Stone Carving

    Date: Sept. 21
    Time: 11:00 a.m.
    Location: Campus Green

    Join the Zuckerman Museum of Art for a mini festival celebrating the art of stone carving on Ruth Zuckerman鈥檚 birthday! Come to the Kennesaw Campus Green to learn about the origins of stone carving and how those tools and techniques are still used by sculptors today. Then try chiseling a natural stone or carving your small sculpture in plaster.

    While there, enjoy a birthday treat in honor of Ruth V. Zuckerman! This event is presented in partnership with KSU Global Education's Year of New Zealand program. 


    KSU Fifth Third Banks Stadium

    Rugby, Pies & Sausage Rolls - KSU vs. Alabama

    Date: Sept. 17
    Time: 4:00 p.m.
    Location: Rugby Field 3 (behind Fifth Third Bank Stadium)


    Cheer on Kennesaw State Men's Club Rugby as they face off against the University of Alabama. Enjoy sausage rolls and a look into Kiwi rugby culture as we celebrate The Year of New Zealand at KSU! Presented by KSU Global Education.


    Mt. Taranaki in New Zealand and its reflection over the water

    Year of New Zealand Opening Ceremony

    Date: Aug. 23
    Time: 4:00 - 6:30 p.m.
    Location: Carmichael Student Center, University Rooms

    Global Education and the Consulate of New Zealand are excited to present the Year of New Zealand! We will have a series of events celebrating New Zealand, with our Opening Ceremony being the first event of the Year. 

    Experience a new culture rich in history and diversity with traditional food, M膩ori dancers, and speakers from the New Zealand community!