This is your August edition of What’s On for New Zealand, curated by your local staff sharing all of their recommended events and must-do’s for the month for each city. Current students can check their inbox for the full digest.
Auckland
Raw Comedy – Winter Season [$5 for Students]
When: Every Monday in August
Where: The Classic Comedy Club, 321 Queen St, CBD
Anything goes – stand-up, music, sketch, mime, dance – anything!
We recommend arriving at least 15 minutes before the show to ensure you get a good seat.
The Classic is a licensed bar requiring all minors (under 18) to be accompanied by their parent at all times. Anyone looking under 25 will be asked for ID.
Da Vinci Machines Exhibition [$8 for Studnets]
When: Saturday, July 30 – Sunday October 16 from 10am – 5pm
Where: MOTAT (Museum of Transport & Technology), 805 Great North Rd, Western Springs
This award-winning international touring exhibition invites visitors to delve into the mind of Renaissance artist, scientist and inventor Leonardo da Vinci and showcases many of his iconic inventions.
Amongst da Vinci’s many innovations, guests will discover automatons (the precursors to robots), nautical, hydraulic and architectural tools, ground-breaking applications of civil engineering and fear- inspiring machines of war such as the tank. Highlights include the bicycle, hang glider, defence of town halls, as well as his fascinating flying machines.
The Sunup Club [$20 in advance]
When: Wednesday Aug 10, 6:30 – 10am
Where: Thievery Studio, 203 Karangahape Rd, Newton, CBD
The Sunup Club is a sober, family friendly daybreak rave housed in the beautiful Thievery Studios on the infamous K Road. Join us once a month for your mid-week escape from reality, where we will dance the morning away in a sensory feast complete with rotating DJs, three energising Yoga classes (7am, 8am and 9am), a Circus play pen complete with equipment, awe-inspiring circus performances and more. Email raveintotheday@gmail.com to book your ticket. $20 pre sale or $25 at the door.
She’s Not For Sale [$15]
When: Saturday Aug 27 from 7– 9:45pm
Where: Edge Kingsland, 44 George St, Kingsland
Hope Street has spent the last four years working to prevent child trafficking in Uganda. We have some incredible stories to share with you! Featuring live music by talented Kiwi artists Raylee Bradfield, and Emily Rice & Charles Looker in their new duo CHEM. Canapés and dessert provided. Free giveaways. Live Skype session with the children in Uganda!
Palmerston North
Thursday Night Street Feast – Food Truck Winter Bliss
When: Every Thursday in July from 5pm
Where: The Square, The Square, Palmerston North
The Thursday Night Street Feast is a welcoming world gourmet street food event with no pretensions. Sample the sights, smells and tastes of a global food village and be treated to live local entertainment in the heart of Palmerston North.
Bollywood Dance Sessions [$5]
When: Aug 1 from 7:30 – 8:30pm
Where: Rangiora Community Hall, Rangiora Ave, Palmerston North, Palmerston North
A great opportunity to try something new at Shree Bollywood dance Academy NZ. Take a break from your usual schedule and come join a fun and social way of exercising and learning real “Bollywood moves”. The academy teaches Kathak- one of the oldest Indian classical dance forms, Indian folk dancing as well as Bollywood or free style dancing incorporating contemporary and jazz moves. Students pay $5 at door.
Manawatu Gorge Steam Excursion [$60]
When: Aug 7 from 9am – 1:40pm
Where: Palmerston North Railway Station, Matthew Ave, Palmerston North
Feilding Steam Rail invites you to a leisurely trip through the Manawatu Gorge to Woodville and return. The train will consist of our own four red 1940 vintage carriages and 1927 Wab794 ex-NZR Steam Locomotive that have been restored at our base in Feilding.
Ohau Monthly Market
When: Saturday, Aug 20 from 9am – 1pm
Where: Ohau Public Hall, Muhunoa Road West, Ohau
Held on the Third Saturday of each month at Ohau Hall, Muhunoa Road West, Just south of Levin
We have over 40 stall holders, with a great variety of Art, Craft, Baby Knits, Baking, Giftware, Plants, Pickles,Localy grown Vegetables, Jams.
Film Night
When: Friday, Aug 26 from 7pm
Where: Audio Visual Museum of New Zealand, 2 Avenue Rd, Foxton
MAVtech opens the museums doors at 6pm for viewing of our nostalgic audio visual things from the past, things our grandparents used to watch and listen to. Then at 7 pm upstairs in the cinema dress circle, you will be entertained by a selection of advertising from the past, (comedy by today’s standards).
Wellington
Fresh Bananas [$10]
When: Wednesday, Aug 3 from 8 – 10:00pm
Where: VK’s Comedy & Blues Bar, 60 Dixon Street
VK’s Comedy brings you the new weekly Wednesday show Fresh Bananas.
Fresh bananas is a bunch of comedians doing 100% new material. Full lineup to be announced. Doors open at 7pm. Door sales available if not sold out prior.
New Zealand International Film Festival
When: Friday, July 22 – Sunday, Aug 7
Where: Embassy Theatre, 10 Kent Terrace, Mt Victoria
The New Zealand International Film Festival (NZIFF) returns this year with an array of over 140 feature films and documentaries to enjoy. The latest and brightest of international cinema direct from premier festivals in North America, Australia and Europe as well as world premieres of many New Zealand films. See link for line up and prices
Dine Wellington: Creole Pop-Up [Meals from $25]
When: Aug 12-28
Where: Roxy Cinema, 5 Park Road, Miramar, Wellington
In the heart of Wellington’s creative film scene, CoCo at The Roxy presents The Kings of Creole, a pop up exclusive to the festival, bringing you the sights, sounds and flavours of life on the Bayou.
New Zealand Chocolate Festival [$25]
When: Aug 13 from 10am – 2pm and Aug 14 from 10am – 7pm
Where: Te Papa, 55 Cable St, Wellington
Chocolate treats galore await you at this festival of pure chocolate indulgence. Savour the finest freshly handcrafted chocolates, meet New Zealand’s elite chocolatiers and buy delicious goodies direct from the makers. Watch culinary experts demonstrate the skill of working with chocolate and taste their exquisite creations. Give in to the allure of the chocolate fountain and enjoy so many other chocolate temptations. The New Zealand Chocolate Festival is an experience not to be missed.
Salt Bar
When: Wednesday 17 August – Saturday 20 August
Where: Prefab Hall, 14 Jessie St
Prefab Hall and Garage Project bring you Salt Bar, a four-day pop up which lets the salt shine! Treat yourself to a menu of salty tastes, an al fresco raw bar serving up freshly shucked oysters, hot cups of chowder and salty fried goods from the kitchen inside.
Christchurch
New Brighton Seaside Market [FREE]
When: Every Saturday, 10am – 2pm
Where: New Brighton Pedestrian Mall, Brighton Mall, New Brighton, Christchurch
Come down to the seaside and enjoy, live entertainment, great food, fresh produce, arts, crafts, jewellery and more.
New Zealand International Film Festival
When: July 28 – Aug 14
Where: Isaac Theatre Royal, 145 Gloucester St.
The New Zealand International Film Festival (NZIFF) returns this year to bring you an exciting array of over 140 feature films and documentaries to enjoy. The latest and brightest of international cinema direct from premier festivals in North America, Australia and Europe as well as world premieres of many New Zealand films.
Botanic D’Lights [FREE]
When: Aug 3-7 from 6 – 9pm
Where: Christchurch Botanic Gardens, Rolleston Ave
Botanic D’Lights transforms the Botanic Gardens into a spectacle of illuminated artworks and innovative light installations. Developed and produced by a dedicated team from Christchurch, this five-night winter spectacle engages NZ’s leading lighting artists, designers and creative thinkers. Plenty of hot drinks and tasty street food from a range of food trucks on site. All proceeds from the gold coin donation will go to revitalising the Children’s Garden. Please dress warmly and bring a torch.
Scottish Society of NZ Pipe Band Celtic Winter Ball $35]
When: Saturday, Aug 6 from 7:30 – 11:30pm
Where: Scottish Society Hall, Cnr of Edgeware and Caledonian Rds, St Albans
Come help us celebrate our successful competition season! We are having a winter ball, complete with Charlie’s Ceilidh Band, Haggis ceremony, delicious supper, pipes and drums, cash bar, raffles, and heaps of fun. The wearing of Highland dress is encouraged.
Latino Market, Night & Indoor [FREE]
When: Saturday, Aug 20 from 5 – 9pm
Where: The Arts Centre of Christchurch, 30 Worcester Boulevard
Features authentic Latin food and crafts, dance workshops, live music, Latin DJ, performances and all the colour and fun from the Latino vibes.
The Stars Are On Fire: WORD Christchurch Gala Evening [$35]
When: Friday, Aug 26 from 7:30 – 8:45pm
Where: Isaac Theatre Royal, 145 Gloucester St
Do not doubt that the stars are on fire tonight. Come and hear seven of our guests speak, read, sing and entertain you with a burning passion in the beautiful surroundings of the Isaac Theatre Royal. Celebrate the beginning of an amazing weekend of festival events and sample a little of what is on offer.
Dunedin
Tai Chi Classes
When: Saturdays in August from 1:30pm
Where: Toitū Otago Settlers Museum – Bullnose Lounge near Chinese Gardens
In association with the Dunedin Chinese Garden, come and learn the ancient art of tai chi from Master Wenbiao Zhou. Gold coin donation.
POP UP Op Shop
When: Aug 19 from 9am – 6pm
Where: 125 George Street, Dunedin
Thousands of quality pre-loved designer clothing & accessories at only $5 each and all childrens 3 for $5. With all proceeds going towards Next Rotary Generation Dunedin charities, please like our facebook page to see our upcoming 2016 Community projects. One Day Only.
Ultimate Bowie [$69.90]
When: Friday, Aug 29 from 7:30pm
Where: Dunedin Town Hall
Ed Blaney’s “Ultimate Bowie” delivers a stunning two-hour show that features the Ziggy Stardust album performed in its entirety then a Greatest Hits set of Bowie classics, from Space Oddity to Lets Dance to David’s latest massive hit Blackstar.
Uni Snow Week 2016
When: Aug 27 – Sept 1
Run by students, for students, the most notorious week in the NZ snow sports calendar is fast approaching. With support from the New Zealand & international snow sports industries, the OUSSC is putting together the craziest week Wanaka has ever seen! There will be a series of events, parties and shenanigans on and off the mountain. Get Discounted lift passes up both Treble cone and Cardrona 30% off rentals and 20% off pre event tuning at Outside Sports in Wanaka and Queenstown.
Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox [$65-155]
When: Aug 30 from 7pm
Where: Dunedin Town Hall
Bradlee, the creator and mastermind behind the group, has turned Postmodern Jukebox into a juggernaut by building an incredible grassroots movement around the act. He continues to pick the songs, create the arrangements and shows, and put together the casts for every tour – which includes several notable names alongside some phenomenal undiscovered talent.
