This May ‘What’s On’ features events happening all over New Zealand curated by our local in-country staff. Also, the New Zealand International Comedy Festival is on this month, with events across the country. Current TEAN students in Auckland, Wellington and Dunedin are also invited to join us in raising some funds for Nepal Earthquake Relief by joining the TEAN fun run/walk in their city.
Auckland
The Wall – Cassette Number Nine [FREE]
When: Every Wednesday in May, 9pm – 3am
Where: Cassette Number Nine
The Wall is Auckland’s weekly bass rave and your destination for midweek beats. The host both international and local underground talent, such as Danny Byrd, Milo & Otis, Mr. Carmack, Hannah Wants and many more.
Colour in Art: Philip Ball [Tickets from $20]
When: 16 May, 10:15 – 11:15am
Where: Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki, Cnr Kitchener and Wellesley Streets, Auckland
From the lapis lazuli of dynastic Egypt to the oranges of Titian in the Venetian Renaissance, the scarlets of the Impressionists to the hues found in digital imagery, UK science whiz Philip Ball tracks how art, chemistry and technology have interacted down the years to produce the colours on our walls and in our galleries and museums. Inspired by his book Bright Earth: Art and The Invention of Colour. Supported by Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tämaki and Royal Society of New Zealand.
Auckland Writers Festival [FREE and paid events]
When: 13 – 17 May
The Auckland Writers Festival was born of a desire to celebrate and promote literacy, reading, writing and ideas in Auckland. A community of writers, booksellers, publishers and avid readers invested grass roots enthusiasm into what has become an eagerly anticipated annual event. Over twelve years, more than 180,000 people have attended the festival, which acts as matchmaker and taste influencer, bringing a writer “out” of the shelf for their readers and creating a lifelong relationship between writers and readers, writers and writers, and readers and readers.
Wellington
Theatresports 2015 – Part of NZ International Comedy Festival in May [Tickets from $15]
When: 3 May – 14 June, Sundays at 7pm
Where: Circa Theatre
The Improvisors are back at Circa with another season of this very popular show. Each night two teams of Improvisors take suggestions from the audience and spin them into short scenes, songs, poems or whatever else takes their fancy. Each show is completely different – what does stay the same is that Theatresports is always a great night’s entertainment for the whole family. We don’t know what ideas you are going to throw at us – we do know that our kind of improv magic has been keeping audiences laughing over many years. Theatresports – putting the “make up” on stage.
Karaoke League [FREE]
When: Every Thursday in May, 8:30 – 11:30pm
Where: The St George Bar and Restaurant, 124 Willis Street
Karaoke League is six consecutive weeks of battling it out over the karaoke machine. As a social event, it is designed to let you guys meet new people and have a good time.
The 5PM Project [$20]
When: 16 May, 5-6pm
Where: Hannah Playhouse (formerly Downstage Theatre), 12 Cambridge Terrace
Part of the NZ International Comedy Festival. Jamie Bowen hosts a show that’s rammed with fresh stand-up and a tonne of laughs.
Palmerston North
Open Stage [FREE]
When: 7 May, 12:30 – 2:30pm
Where: Globe Theatre, Cnr Main and Pitt Sts, Palmerston North
In May 2015 we are opening our concert stages to amateur performers around NZ, giving them the opportunity to play for family and friends, our touring artists and other chamber music fans.
10K for 10K – Womens 10km Charity [$37]
When: 10 May, 9am – 12pm
Where: Massey University – Hokowhitu Campus, Centennial Drive
The 10K for 10K is a women’s only 10km run or walk held on Mothers Day for all ages, fitness levels and abilities. The scenic course is 2 laps of 5km route around the river and through the esplanade. Run/Walk for a good cause.
Sunlight: Aztec Calendar, Sun and Light, Matter of Life [FREE]
When: 28 May 5:30pm – 7pm
Where: Te Manawa Museum of Art, Science and History, 326 Main St
Join H.E. Leonora Rueda, Ambassador of Mexico for an engaging public talk on the Aztec Calendar as part of the events programme to support “Sunlight – Ihi Komaru”, an interactive exhibition that tells the story of how light has shaped life and culture for millions of years.
Christchurch
Hazed in the Square [FREE]
When: Weekends, 10am – 4pm
Where: Cathedral Square, Cathedral Square, Christchurch City
An ‘indie’ market aimed at showcasing Christchurch and Canterbury’s finest artisans as well as up and coming talent. With a lovely balance of ethical and vintage goods within the mix too. There will be something for tourists and locals alike.
Fair Trade Day [FREE]
When: 9 May, 10:30am – 4pm
Where: Trade Aid, 184 Papanui Road, Merivale, Christchurch City
World Fair Trade Day is celebrated on Saturday 9th May 2015 and we are having music, activities and food sampling/tasting made from our fair trade products.
When: Every Wednesday in May, 6:30 – 8:30pm
Where: Rose & Thistle, 24a Main North Road, Christchurch City
1kg of prime steak, coleslaw, hot chips, pint of beer/cider- 30 mins to finish it all- Think you could handle the Killer Kilo Steak Challenge? Put your money where your mouth is and register to take on the Killer Kilo Challenge! Each entry receives a free t-shirt.
Dunedin
Aurora Australis: Beauty While You Sleep [FREE]
When: 13 May, 7pm
Where: Otago Museum
Aurora scientist Steve Butler joins panellists Stephen Voss, Paul Le Comte, Bob Evans, Taichi Nakamura and Dr Ian Griffin as they share their fascination with and pictures of aurora australis, the sleeping beauty. Head along if you want some tips about capturing the southern phenomenon!
Zombie Apocalypse [$35 per person, with discounts for teams]
When: 17 May, 1.30pm
Where: Unity Park/Montecillo Park, Eglington Road, Mornington
A 5km fun-run with obstacles and zombies. Runners wear a ripper rugby belt and three tags. Zombies try to steal the “life” tags and scare the runners as they negotiate obstacles and attempt to finish with at least one tag attached. If all tags are stolen, you will be infected, but don’t worry, the team at the finish line with decontaminate you. Prizes for fastest individual, fastest team, best dressed team, most authentic zombie. Lots of fun for all abilities.
Six60! [$69]
When: 30 May, 7.30pm
Where: Dunedin Town Hall
Six60 have achieved feverish local and international popularity, winning six New Zealand Music Awards, achieving quadruple platinum album sales for their self-titled debut ‘Six60’ and sold out nationwide tours. After spending lots of time in the studio recording their new album the boys are stoked to be back on tour playing to their loyal fans. If you missed their surprise performance on Castle St earlier in the semester then this is your last chance to catch Dunedin’s favourite band.
