Auckland Photography Festival
3—20 June
Auckland-Wide
Auckland Photography festival has always been an inspiring treat – and this year is no different. The theme is ‘Isolation’, it explores Covid-19’s impact on NZ and international communities, challenging photographers to navigate and encapsulate what isolation is and how we emerge from it. See Julie Fullerton Batten’s award-winning cinematic Looking Out from Within focused on the people of London and the late Lene Marie Fossen’s The Gatekeeper series – which chronicles her own struggles with mental health. Another highlight is Lockdown, which features Aucklanders’ images recorded during Level 4 lockdown. Featured image caption: Dragon Fruit, T-Bar farm of Mr. Vu. Image Credit—Wara Bullôt At Studio One Toi Tū.
Pink Floyd Experience
10—12 June
Bruce Mason Centre
If you’re a fan of Pink Floyd, this show is definitely a must see! Experience Pink Floyd’s iconic Animals and The Wall albums on another level. The team behind the Pink Floyd Experience bring forward an emotionally charged, dramatic presentation. Featuring impressive graphics, light work and a team of talented musicians, you’ll feel like you’re in an immersive music video.
2021 French Film Festival Aotearoa
10—23 June
Auckland-Wide
On bringing the latest and greatest French flicks to our cinema screens, Fergus Grady says: “We are all about bringing a world of stories to our corner of the Pacific and we’re thrilled to be bringing the best of French film to New Zealand cinema goers.” The programme has been designed to take audiences on an incredible journey through cinéma français, showcasing the crème de la crème of French cinema and its filmmakers. From comedies and thrillers, to dramas and documentaries, the 2021 French Film Festival Aotearoa is a proud celebration of French culture and storytelling.
Winetopia
18—19 June
Shed 10
Just in case the name wasn’t enough of a selling point, Winetopia is a celebration towards 50 of New Zealand’s best wineries. The day is filled with expert talks, experience and, naturally; tastings. Find a new favourite, try the classics and learn more about internationally acclaimed wine, grown in our backyard.
Barrier Ninja/Sorry for your Loss
19—21 June
Herald Theatre
This Matariki, catch two inspiring solo performances back-to-back from these immensely talented wāhine. Barrier Ninja is documentary theatre, Fran Kewene, the playwright, conducted countless interviews with health practitioners and patients to capture the authentic voice and perspective for her writing. The play creates a portrait of the issues in our current health system for Māori and has been an educational tool for over 1,000 medical students. Sorry for your Loss follows the autobiographical story of a young woman (Cian Parker) who suddenly meets her father and a branch of her family she never knew. Set in the ’90s, this story is the perfect combination of charming, heartfelt and hilarious.
Ponsonby Central Mid-Winter Market
20 June
Ponsonby Central
Ponsonby Central’s Mid-Winter Market is a celebration of local high-quality and unique homewares, fashion, accessories, jewellery, ceramics and gifts. The market runs from 10am-3pm in The Sapphire Room, conveniently located right by some fantastic brunch spots.
The Lion King
24 June
Spark Arena
Gooo to spark arenaaaa, soooo you can learn the words to that song. The world’s favourite musical event The Lion King and the classic multifarious song ‘Circle of Life’ will finally be hitting our shores, from 24 June-18 July. The fantastic two-and-a-half hour musical is guaranteed fun for all ages.
Sci-fi Movies At The Stardome
30 June
Stardome
A night out under the stars (both film and projected) minus the winter chill? Ideal. The Auckland Stardome is showing a sci-fi film monthly against the stars, in their state-of-the art planetarium theatre. Recline back in their comfy chairs, with your free popcorn, and enjoy this otherworldly event.
