7 Things To Do & Watch This Month
Turama Festival
Inner-city Auckland’s Albert Park is set to be turned into an interactive art exhibition for the Tūrama Festival. Meaning ‘to illuminate’ in te reo Maori, Tūrama Festival will display the works of over 30 artists using light installations specifically designed for a park environment.
With displays using projectors, interactive sculptures and performance art, visitors will be treated to an exciting sensory experience, complete with food and beverage vendors and music from local talent. With over 40,000 visitors expected over the weekend-long event, this free-to-attend festival is set to enchant and delight art-lovers young and old.
Albert Park, Auckland, July 26-28.
The Lion King
The remake of the much-loved Disney classic is coming to screens in July. Using photorealistic computer animation, the 2019 version promises to be longer and add more dimension to the story than the original. With a release date marking 25 years since the original came out and featuring an all-star cast, including Beyoncé, Seth Rogen, Donald Glover, and James Earl Jones returning as Mufasa, The Lion King is set to be one of the must-see movies of the year.
In cinemas July 17
The Kitchen
After the arrest of their Irish mobster husbands, three women must take over their organised crime operations in New York City. Set in the 1970’s and starring Melissa McCarthy, Elizabeth Moss and Tiffany Haddish, the women prove more than capable of running the syndicate and taking out the competition. Based on the comic book miniseries of the same name, The Kitchen is ideal watch for crime-drama enthusiasts wanting to see women win at a man’s game.
In cinemas August 29
Stranger Things
The Netflix supernatural thriller is back for a third season this July. After two seasons of freaky happenings and alternate universes in the small town of Hawkins, fans have been waiting out for another season of the hit show. Set in 1985, in amongst blossoming romances and complicated friendships, the gang are still haunted by looming danger. Get set for another exciting ride of teenage love, angst and fighting against evil.
Showing on Netflix from July 4.
Baby Show
If you’re a new or expectant mother, or have a couple of toddlers or grandchildren in tow, the 2019 Baby Show is the place to brush up on the latest in the world of parenting. Featuring over 200 exhibitors and specials and discounts for show attendees, visitors can expect everything from baby strollers and car seats, to maternity wear, nutrition support and organic and eco-friendly products. Along with expert advice and face painting and entertainment to keep the kids preoccupied, the Baby Show will get you well-equipped with all your parenting needs.
ASB Showgrounds, Auckland, August 16-18
Onepū
The Atamara Dance Company use Maori contemporary dance to convey the powerful expression of mana wahine (the intrinsic power of women). Created by renowed choreographer and dancer, Louise Potiki Bryant, the performance comprises of dance, music and video projection as six female deities control and release the winds of the world. Looking to be a beautiful show by one of the country’s leading dance companies, Onepū is sure to be a high-quality production telling the stories of Aotearoa.
Various locations around New Zealand, June 28 – August 22.
Negociants New Zealand Fine Wine Tour
One New Zealand’s leading wine merchants, Negociants, will be holding their annual wine tasting events in July in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. Featuring a selection of wines from both New Zealand and Australia, this is your chance to meet some top winemakers and try the beautiful wines they produce. Tickets include all tastings, an antipasti plate and a Riedel Ouverture Magnum wine glass in a takeaway gift tube. Visit NegociantsFineWineTour.com for tickets.
Auckland, July 22; Christchurch, July 23; Wellington, July 24.
