New Zealand 1990 Commission

Michael Bassett (the minister) appointed Don Hutchings to the position of CEO of the commission.

There was an initiative to diversify New Zealand's imagery such as using the kōtuku (white heron) instead of the kiwi or silver fern as its logo.

The events began on New Year's Day 1990 with televised coverage of a dawn ceremony of a waka welcomed into Gisborne accompanied by song from Kiri te Kanawa.

[4] In February the successful launch was followed by the disastrous Sesqui 1990 fair in Wellington that shut down after just two weeks due to a lack of attendance with debts exceeding NZ$6.4 million.

[6] The New Zealand Sports Hall of Fame proved so popular however that it was made permanent.