The New Zealand Pavilion is set to celebrate its biggest month yet at Expo 2020 Dubai, revealing a stellar lineup of music, dance and culinary events throughout January. The action-packed cultural calendar, running from Jan. 13, culminates with New Zealand’s National Day celebrations on Jan. 31, including a special performance by one of the nation’s top-selling live bands, Six60.
Guided by its Expo theme “Care for People and Place,” New Zealand’s January cultural showcase celebrates the breadth and variety of the country’s creative talent. Throughout the month, Expo visitors can join culinary events hosted by leading New Zealand chefs and enjoy a diverse range of performances by some of its most celebrated singers, dancers, and artists, as well as a specially curated production from the future of New Zealand’s performing arts.
Clayton Kimpton, New Zealand’s commissioner-general to Expo 2020 Dubai, said: “This month’s calendar of cultural happenings at Expo 2020 Dubai is a prime opportunity for Aotearoa New Zealand to demonstrate our creativity and innovative spirit on a global stage. We look forward to welcoming visitors to join us in marking our National Day on Jan. 31 and celebrate our country’s creativity, showing how care and hospitality are part of New Zealand’s rich culture.
“The diverse lineup of events planned for our National Day celebration will give Expo 2020 visitors a deeper understanding of who we are and put the spotlight on our arts and creative sector, which contributes $10.98 billion to our gross domestic product,” he added.
Taste New Zealand, a culinary showcase of the nation’s food and beverage offering, is a three-week event being led by visiting chefs Sid Sahrawat, and Kārena and Kasey Bird, as well as New Zealander Jesse Blake, head chef at homegrown restaurant LOWE.
From Jan. 23-31, New Zealand will host a modern, urban and youth-focused lineup of performances. Curated by Parris Goebel, creative director of the entertainment and cultural program for New Zealand at Expo 2020, and one of New Zealand’s most internationally successful entertainers, the program will appeal to entertainment seekers of all ages.
Goebel, a New Zealand Samoan choreographer, has become a renowned figure in pop culture around the world, having worked with the likes of Rihanna, Justin Bieber, Jennifer Lopez, Ariana Grande, Janet Jackson, and Nicki Minaj. As part of New Zealand’s January showcase, she has created, directed and produced a show, exclusively for Expo 2020 Dubai, called “Wonderland” that will amplify the voices of young New Zealanders.
“It has been such a privilege to be part of Aotearoa New Zealand’s Expo journey and to showcase our unique entertainment and culture to the world through our amazing talent,” Goebel said.
