Events
Events and public programmes
The Holocaust Centre of New Zealand hosts regular events and public programmes to foster community connection, education, and remembrance.
Commemorations
Upcoming
27 January 2027
International Holocaust Remembrance Day
Details: National and regional commemorative events will mark the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau. Save the date.
Past highlights and legacy
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13 April 2026
Our community gathered across Wellington, Auckland, and Christchurch alongside dignitaries, survivors, and descendants to tend the "Flame of Memory."
Yom HaShoah is the designated day of Remembrance of the Holocaust and Heroism, coinciding with the anniversary of the Warsaw Ghetto uprising.
Moving addresses were delivered by descendants at all events.
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27 January 2026
Centered on the theme “Bridging the Generations,” the Centre hosted nationwide commemorative ceremonies in Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington, Blenheim, and Christchurch. Notable speakers included Her Excellency the Right Honourable Dame Cindy Kiro (Governor General of New Zealand), Hon Mark Mitchell, Hon Chris Bishop, Chief Human Rights Commissioner Stephen Rainbow, and Race Relations Commissioner Dr Melissa Derby.
The events featured the trailer premiere for our new educational film, We Were Just Children, funded by the Ministry for Ethnic Communities.
Music
Upcoming
November 2026
Kristallnacht Commemorative Concert
Stories of our Jewish musical pioneers
Wellington: Mon 9 November | Auckland: Tue 10 November
Join us in Wellington and Auckland for an evening that is far beyond a standard classical recital. A live storytelling experience woven through with masterwork chamber music and archival images.
This year's commemorative Kristallnacht concert celebrates the extraordinary lives and monumental legacies of New Zealand’s refugee musical pioneers. Names like Clare Galambos-Winter, Marie Vandewart, Greta Ostova, Erika Schorss, and Lili Kraus didn't just find sanctuary in New Zealand - they gave our country its musical soul, helping establish the NZSO, Chamber Music New Zealand, the APO, and scholarships that support young musicians to this day.
On stage, the Te Kōkī Trio - Inbal Megiddo (cello), Martin Riseley (violin) and Jian Liu (piano), alongside Professor Kim Cunio, will introduce each piece by sharing the human stories behind it - pre-war lives in Europe, courage through the dark years, and the vibrant musical legacy these musicians built right here.
This is a joyful, uplifting celebration. Do not let their voices fade into obscurity - come hear the stories, the music, and be part of this special evening together.
Talks and presentations
Upcoming
L’Dor V’Dor Speaker Series 2026
Join us on the last Wednesday of the month (March - November) in person or online for our lecture series exploring a diverse range of topics, including Holocaust history, memory and human rights.
Tickets:
$10.00 (+GST and booking fee) per session
$7.00 (+GST and booking fee) for Members
Wednesday 28 October 12PM - 1.30PM
Topic: 'Vera' by Manuela Irianni. From the racial laws to Plaza de Mayo
Speaker: Professor Giacomo Lichtner (Victoria University of Wellington)
Upcoming L’dor V’dor sessions
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In addition, from our archives, you might like to listen to Aubrey Pomerance’s talk at the Holocaust Centre in Dec 2014, about the Jewish Museum Berlin, the building, exhibitions, and the archival Holocaust education programme.
https://soundcloud.com/hcnz-nz/aubrey-pomerance-teaching-the-holocaust-at-the-jewish-museum-berlin
Past Highlights & Legacy
Watch Past Sessions: Missed a previous L’Dor V’Dor speaker event? Full recordings of our past educational presentations are available to watch.
Films
Upcoming
Our new educational documentary for schools. Available for teachers.
More information under Lessons and activities
