That's a lot of different ways to say hello.

Many get into trouble overseas through 'cultural insensitivity'.

Freedom to say our piece helps make us laid-back lot we are, writes Alan Duff.

Are we in danger of kicking creativity out of the classroom? Dionne Christian looks at what the arts can teach our children.

Quality celebration of all our cultures more sorely needed than a parade each, writes Brian Rudman.

In part 3 of our Arts in Auckland coverage, Dionne Christian looks at how you try to include everyone.

My grandfather's book of Sundowner columns in selected form is kind of my Bible. I still have dreams he is alive, if missing a few marbles, writes Alan Duff.

With high-profile regional facilities in central Auckland - not to mention the lion's share of festivals - is there arts and cultural life in the 'burbs?

Is Auckland now the city of arts? Dionne Christian investigates in a five part series that starts today by looking at arts & the economy.

Harsh realities of modern life in the Pacific are portrayed in a stunning stage work, writes Dionne Christian.

Our attitude to Waitangi Day is so sombre, it should be renamed Waitangi Awareness Day, Raybon Kan writes.

When Sally Liu returned to China for a visit and her aunt asked how much she earned as a university lecturer, it took her a moment to answer.

Here are a few reasons why the French are different to us, writes Alan Duff.

Artist Tiffany Singh has helped 15,000 children from across New Zealand inscribe their hopes and dreams on to Tibetan prayer flags, which will fly en masse in Wellington from next month for the New Zealand Festival.

The Southside Arts Festival has morphed into Urbanesia, and offers more than 70 events, concerts, workshops and family days, many of them free, at a range of venues.

Pasifika beats, arts, culture and talent will be seen and heard around Auckland over the next two weeks during the Urbanesia festival, which starts today.

Diwali celebrations attracted thousands of people to downtown Auckland over the weekend.

Auckland's Aotea Square has seen the sights and sounds of the Diwali festival this weekend.

The Indian festival of Diwali sees celebrations fan out across Auckland over a weekend with local and international performers, writes Sarah Ell.

After months of pouring monsoon rains, millions of devout Hindus across western India celebrate the birthday of Ganesha, the elephant-headed god.

The Islam Open Day held at Aotea Square in central Auckland yesterday aimed to allow people to discover the world of Islam from different perspectives.

For decades Karangahape Rd's eclectic tenants have jostled together. Now, those who love it fear Auckland's most vibrant street is under threat.

This year's Wallace Arts Trust Paramount Award was presented last night at Pah Homestead in Auckland to a Hamilton-based pacific artist.

Hundreds of artworks adorn Auckland, highlighting our culture and diversity, finds Sarah Ell.

Everyday use of Maori language in Aotearoa is accepted in many areas of society but we still have a way to go before its usage is normalised, writes Paora Maxwell.

Year 2 students at Glenfield's Mānuka Primary School are still learning to read and write in English - but they are already learning te reo Māori too.

The annual raise is turning into a relic of the pre-crisis economy as companies turn to cheaper ways to compensate employees.

Te reo Maori it is primarily an oral language and has survived long enough now to suggest it will not be lost. But imagine how much better it would be if it was celebrated.