Forget the bad weather, you can still get out and enjoy yourself. This month there is an exciting range of cultural and meaningful events happening throughout New Zealand, so be sure to head along.
Fashion for a Cure – Wellington
Join Breast Cancer Cure Ambassador and event MC Petra Bagust on 24 May for an evening packed with fun, fashion and fundraising at St James Theatre. It’s an opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to breast cancer research while celebrating New Zealand fashion.
Be inspired by 17 top New Zealand fashion designers as they showcase their latest collections on the runway. Listen to the insights from Breast Cancer researcher Andrew Shelling and seize the chance to bid on your next amazing mini-break, New Zealand based-experiences, beauty products and more.
Your ticket includes:
– Three-course dinner including canapés and a bespoke drink on arrival
– A fully inclusive evening with a selection of wine beer and non-alcoholic beverages “
– A fabulous Fashion for a Cure goody bag to take home
Wine lovers – Auckland
Immerse yourself in an exclusive experience that’s usually reserved for those who venture to the vineyards of Hawke’s Bay at Somm’s latest “Guest in Residence” series.
Church Road, the internationally acclaimed Kiwi winery, is hosting a new series at Somm Cellar Door until the end of May with a line-up of exclusive offers including a meticulously curated wine flight, a tantalising set menu and an intimate winemaker’s tasting event led by Church Road’s Chief Winemaker and five-time New Zealand Winemaker of the Year, Chris Scott.
Check out more details about Somm’s Guest in Residence series online.
Royal New Zealand Ballet presents Swan Lake – Napier, Christchurch, Dunedin & Invercargill
Whether you’re a ballet lover, or it’s your first time, you won’t be disappointed by this performance by the RNZB. Swan Lake transports you from the palace ballroom to the lakeside in wave upon wave of beauty and emotion. You’ll be inexorably drawn into the unfolding tragedy and exalt as the dancers bring every facet of their iconic characters to life.
Celebrating the dramatic and technical brilliance of a new generation of RNZB dancers, this production, honouring and cherishing the artistic legacy of former Artistic Director and RNZB kaumatua Russell Kerr will celebrate the company’s rich past and bright future.
This beautiful production is on until 2 June 2024 around the country with the support of colleagues from the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra (Wellington), the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra (Christchurch) and the Auckland Philharmonia (Auckland).
A Different Light – Auckland
Step into A Different Light: First Photographs of Aotearoa at Auckland Museum and explore the captivating evolution of photography in 19th-century New Zealand. Delve into the advances that took photography from its beginnings for an exclusive few in the mid-1800s, to being a part of daily life by the turn of the century.
Experience the 19th-century studio as you pose for your own digital Victorian portrait and explore the wonder of this new technology that changed the way we see ourselves forever.
Featuring precious, original photographs from Auckland Museum, Hocken Collections, and Alexander Turnbull Library, this exhibition offers a unique glimpse into our visual heritage.
Learn more about A Different Light: First Photographs of Aotearoa and see what else is on at the Auckland Museum this month. Free with Museum Entry.
Ready for a laugh? Various locations
The NZ International Comedy Festival started back in 1993 at the Watershed Theatre in Auckland. Audiences loved it right from the start and the festival grew and grew into the massive annual event that it is today!
The festival is now a highlight on Aotearoa’s arts calendar, and the 2023 event saw over 75,000 people experiencing live comedy. The audience also has a satisfaction rate of a whooping 98.5% so if you’re up for some belly-clenching laughter to lift your spirits make sure you head along!
On until 26 May, check out the shows in your area.
Wildlife revealed – Christchurch
The world-renowned ‘Wildlife Photographer of the Year‘ exhibition is on at Canterbury Museum’s pop-up space at CoCA from May – September.
On loan from the Natural History Museum in London, you’ll get a fascinating glimpse of wildlife across the world, taking you from the bottom of the oceans to the peaks of mountains.
The 100 photographs on display include spectacular images of a three-legged Arctic fox backlit by the midnight sun in the Canadian Arctic, a polar bear drifting off to sleep on a Norwegian iceberg, and an endangered golden tri-spine horseshoe crab cruising the seabed in the Philippines.
‘Wildlife Photographer of the Year’ is the most prestigious photography event of its kind, providing a global platform that has showcased some of the best photography talent from around the world for nearly 60 years.
NZ Art Show – Wellington
Aotearoa’s premier annual art show is back at the TSB Arena in Wellington. For 21 years the NZ Art Show has provided a world-class platform for the appreciation and acquisition of contemporary art. It has a history of connecting art lovers with quality works of art. It doesn’t matter if you’re a seasoned collector or buying your first piece – there’s something for everyone.
With 2,000 original artworks on display, the show spans sculpture, photography, abstract and traditional mediums. Many of the 200 talented artists will be there so you can have a kōrero with them and find out more.
On from 30 May – 2 June, book now!
Pink Ribbon Breakfast – Auckland
The Riverhead and SOLD by Riley and Mac are hosting a Pink Ribbon Breakfast on Saturday 25 May, raising money for the Breast Cancer Foundation NZ. Pop on your best pink frock and head along for a morning of delicious food and drinks, prizes and more.
Every ticket holder receives their choice of breakfast dish, a glass of bubbles or orange juice and an entry into the major prize draw – a luxury 5-Star Stay for Two at Cordis Auckland! Plus, there are lots of amazing spot prizes to be won, a quiz and a raffle basket full of goodies. Pink cocktails and mocktails will be available for purchase on the day along with tea and coffee.
All proceeds will be donated to the Breast Cancer Foundation NZ providing education, awareness and support for breast cancer in Aotearoa. Get your tickets before they run out!
Unique Festival Experiences – Gore
New Zealand’s 10-day Country Music Festival is back from 24 May until 2 June, and you won’t want to miss it. Bayleys Tussock Country is mostly about music, but it’s also a celebration of all things Southland.
Amongst the 60 events happening the five most notable and fun experiences include the Farm & Mai Mai Tour, the Old Hokonui Whiskey & Food Match Event, a Line Dancing for Beginners Workshop, the Tussock Country Ute Muster (celebrating the mighty mullet), and a delicious Cheese Roll Making Workshop.
See online for dates, times and ticket information.
