This is your September What’s On for New Zealand, curated by your local staff. Spring is finally here and the weather will slowly become warmer, and with that comes some Spring activities. Current students can check their inbox for the full digest.
Auckland
Treaty of Waitangi Exhibit [FREE]
When: Saturday, Sept 10 from 10am – 5pm
Where: Auckland War Memorial Museum, Domain Dr, Auckland Domain, Parnell, Auckland
This display explores some of the history surrounding the Treaty of Waitangi, and Treaty settlement process here in Auckland. The Treaty was signed in 1840 by representatives of the British Crown and more than 500 Māori rangatira (chiefs). It symbolises the unique relationship between the peoples of this nation a relationship that continues to evolve today.
Festival Italiano 2016 [FREE entry]
When: Sunday, Sept 25 from 11am – 4pm
Where: Festival Italiano, Osborne St, Newmarket, Auckland
Come to Newmarket and be Italian for a day! The largest Italian Festival in New Zealand is back hosting al fresco dining with Auckland’s best Italian restaurants, plus an Italian market with over 30 stalls, live music and entertainment, activities for children, delicious tastings, cultural experiences, Ferrari cars, spot prizes and the chance to win a trip to Italy.
AKL Heritage Fest – Memories of Auckland Past
When: Tuesday, September 27 from 6:30pm
Where: Leys Institute Library Ponsonby, 20 St Marys Rd, Ponsonby, Auckland
Filmmaker Everall Deans presents his video about life in Auckland in the 1950s and ‘60s. The video captures personal stories and memories of people who grew up in the city during these decades. The screening is combined with a compilation of archival films from the period, presented by Ngā Taonga Sound & Vision. Koha entry. Bookings essential. Email: heritage@iloveponsonby.co.nz
Mexfestival [$12]
When: Saturday, Oct 29 from 8:30am – 10pm
Where: The Cloud, Queens Wharf, CBD, Auckland
Mariachi, Aztec dance performance, Mexican folk dance, delicious authentic Mexican food (including famous and traditional drinks), arts & crafts, make-up artists, contests, a great Day of the Dead Altar Exhibition and much, much more.
Auckland Underground Film Festival [FREE]
When: Friday 30 September 6:30pm – 8:30pm
Where: Academy Cinemas, 44 Lorne St, CBD, Auckland
The Auckland Underground Film Festival is an international short film and video art festival showcasing New Zealand’s creative talent alongside innovative video artists from around the globe. Our aim is to provide a supportive platform for the exciting and challenging work that is outside the scope of mainstream film festivals and art galleries.
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.
Roller Disco [$5]
When: Every Friday in September from 6:30-8pm
Where: Bell Hall, Waldegrave St
Come get your skates on and have some fun! Skating Roller Disco every Friday.
Fleabag [$20]
When: Every night in September, 8pm start
Where: Centrepoint Theatre, 280 Church St
Fleabag is a portrait of a girl who isn’t afraid to admit what she thinks is wrong with her. It’s like meeting a friend for an up-close and personal chat. This is comedy story-telling at its very best with all the unspoken nitty-gritty of real life.
Giselle – Royal New Zealand Ballet [From $37]
When: Friday, Sept 9 from 7:30pm
Where: Regent on Broadway, 53 Broadway Ave
In a remote village, the beautiful and innocent Giselle is courted and captivated by a mysterious stranger. When he is revealed as Count Albrecht, betrothed to another, Giselle, broken hearted, descends into madness and death. In the forest, the Wilis, vengeful ghosts of jilted brides, meet to greet their recently arrived sister: Giselle, who rises from her grave to join their ranks. Albrecht arrives to mourn, and the Wilis exact their revenge, compelling him to dance until he dies from exhaustion. Giselle shields him from their fury, until the first light of day brings the promise of forgiveness and redemption.
Romantic, mystical and lyrical, Giselle is a timeless production of one of classical ballet’s great stories.
The Nutcracker – Imperial Russian Ballet Company [From $65]
When: Wednesday, Nov 9 from 8pm – 10:30pm
Where: Regent on Broadway, 53 Broadway Ave
The Nutcracker is famous for Tchaikovsky’s music. The genius of Tchaikovsky created one of the most recognisable and enduring music scores ever written. The illustrious cast of the Imperial Russian Ballet Company enjoy performing The Nutcracker more than any other ballet from their extensive repertoire, especially when they are joined by children from local ballet schools in the cities that they perform in around the world.
Wellington
Third Thursday: Curio Show [FREE]
When: Thursday, Sept 16 from 6pm
Where: Wellington Museum, 3 Jervois Quay, Queens Wharf
Wellington Museum’s Curio Show takes a close look at the weird and wonderful curios hidden in houses across the Wellington region. Get an item appraised, learn how to preserve items or just come along and enjoy an entertaining evening.
I Didn’t Write This [$10]
When: Friday, Sept 16 from 8 – 9:30pm
Where: The Cavern Club, 22 Allen St, Te Aro
Pairs of performers supply each other with written material (some honed and some not-so-honed) and leave them to do with it as they please. While the performer speaks, the writer is there to take credit for the jokes’ success (or to take blame for the jokes’ failings).
It’s like a big inside joke and you get to be a part of it. Tickets $10 at door
At the Zoo [$23]
When: Sunday, Sept 18 from 9:30am – 5pm
Where: Wellington Zoo, 200 Daniell St, Newtown
Part of Conservation Week Celebrate New Zealand’s unique native wildlife as part of Conservation Week 2016 and see Little Blue penguin chicks! Tickets $23 at the door.
Tulip Sunday – Spring Festival [FREE]
When: Sunday, Sept 25 from 11am – 3pm
Where: The Soundshell, 101 Glenmore St
Celebrate spring and Dutch culture at the Soundshell. See thousands of tulips – and other spring flowers, entertainment and dine on delicious food.
Christchurch
New Brighton Seaside Market [FREE]
When: Every Saturday, 10:00am – 2:00pm
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.
Astronomy Public Open Night [$10]
When: Every Friday in September from 7:30 – 9pm
Where: Canterbury Astronomical Society, 218 Bells Road
The Canterbury Astronomical Society observatory has 3 fixed telescopes (12”, 14” and a 16”) and an assortment of portable telescopes, which will be open during our public open night programme for 2016 from our introduction talk starts at 7:30 pm with a sky tour and telescope viewing to 9 pm. The opening will be dependent on the weather, so please check our website before heading out to the observatory.
St Anne’s Catholic School Spring Fair [FREE entry]
When: Sunday, Sept 18 from 11:30am – 2pm
Where: St Anne’s Catholic Primary School, 739 Ferry Road, Christchurch
There will be a variety of cultural foods for lunch, white elephant, toys, books, clothes, vintage cars, ponies, raffles, baking & sweets, and games.
Public Spring Planting Day
When: Sunday, Sept 18 from 10am – 12pm
Where: Charlesworth Reserve Charlesworth Street, Brookhaven, Christchurch
Charlesworth Reserve’s habitat is a restoration of a tidal wetland and surrounding coastal shrub land and forest. Over 100,000 trees, shrubs and marsh plants have been planted at this site and volunteers play a major role in caring for these as well as establishing further habitat. You can be a part of this great project by coming along for our public planting day. Do good and feel good!
German Film Festival 2016 – Christchurch [FREE]
When: Sept 28
Where: Christchurch Art Gallery – Te Puna o Waiwhetu, Cnr Worcester Boulevard and Montreal St, Christchurch
Welcome to the 8th German Film Festival in New Zealand. Showing Superworld and Fukushima, Mon Amour on Sept 28.
Dunedin
Tai Chi from Master Wenbiao Zhou [Gold Coin Donation]
When: Sept 17 & 24 at 1:30pm
Where: Toitū OSM – Bullnose Lounge
In association with the Dunedin Chinese Garden, come and learn the ancient art of tai chi from Master Wenbiao Zhou.
Arcee Rapper & The Acoustic Paintings [FREE]
When: Wednesday, Sept 7 at 9pm
Where: Refuel
Back where she began, Dunedin! Arcee is ready to give you a special performance of 100% piano rap.
Clap Clap Riot & Racing New Zealand Tour [$15]
When: Friday, Sept 16 at 8pm
Where: Re:Fuel
Both bands will be bring their frenetic stage presence to five of country’s centres, including two hometown shows to cater to both all ages and R18 audiences. Tickets through undertheradar.co.nz
2016 Chinese Moon Festival [$9 entry]
When: Sunday, Sept 18 at 10am
Where: Dunedin Chinese Garden
Enjoy a garden tour, lantern making, a cooking class, games, storytelling, prizes and more.
