Each year a conference is held at various locations throughout New Zealand. Usually, a member society or organisation takes the responsibility to arrange and host a weekend programme, including time for an Annual General Meeting. Our AGMs, under the terms of our constitution, have to take place in the period from 1 March to 31 May, so the conferences normally take place within these months.
A list of past conferences and AGMs can be found here. [pdf link]
Our current constitution dates from 2006. In 2016, our name officially changed from NZ Federation of Historical Societies to NZ History Federation, and this was duly registered.
The conference programmes vary from district to district and host to host but cover both learning and social activities that highlight current issues in the local heritage community and the history of the district where the event takes place, thus increasing heritage knowledge of those who attend.
Those NZ History Federation full member representatives present are also usually provided with an opportunity during the programme to briefly report back on their organisation’s activities during the previous year.
The 2024 Conference and AGM will be held at Taumarunui on 20 April, hosted by the Taumarunui & District Historical Society. In 2025, Albertland Museum at Wellsford will be our hosts, with dates still be be confirmed.
Other gatherings and events
Regional Gatherings are usually held annually in the different regions, as implied by the name. These can be full or part day programmes, including speakers, demonstrations, tours of local interest, an opportunity to share news of activities and concerns, refreshments and networking time. They are usually hosted by member societies, with offer assistance/advice from the NZ History Federation Executive (currently through the vice-President, Kenneth Stringer).
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the organisation of regional gatherings has been affected (updated March 2023).
Workshops have been organised as stand-alone events by the NZ History Federation Executive. These are usually half-day or one day events, where topics of interest at the time to our members are covered. For example, depending on interest, workshops may be arranged regionally in the near future to do with the requirements expected of those of our members who are incorporated societies under the terms of the new Incorporated Societies Act 2022 and its regulations.