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Matariki 2023
Matariki is a time where people, whānau, and communities gather together to remember the year that has passed, to celebrate the present, and to plan for the next year. It is a time to remember our loved ones who are no longer with us, to feast and celebrate with our relatives and friends, and to look towards the future and the hope of a season full of bounty.
The Alembics Lab
Designed for anyone who wants to learn the practical skills of distillation and extraction. The online Foundation courses are the gateway to working with natural flavour and aroma. The specialised courses will elevate your skills and enhance your practice. In person courses also available
Auckland Swords Club
You've seen sword fighting in the movies, think Zorro and pirates - what about giving it a go? Increase your fitness and learn a very fancy new skill. Elegant!
Rongoa Maori
A series of practical workshops for rongoa Maori - Traditional Maori Medicine. Workshops are taught in the bush in a supportive and encouraging environment for both Maori and non-Maori participants. All workshops are run over a weekend and are held in the ngahere (bush). The aim is to teach people how to identify the plants used for rongoa, where to find them, and how to collect them and the tikanga (customs) that must be followed.
Sourdough Bread Workshops
Guided by Vera, a passionate sourdough enthusiast you will learn to make your own sourdough starter, take it away and bake your own delicious loaf at home - impressing friends and family. Vera comes from the Czech republic and missed good sourdough bread here in NZ, so started baking for my friends and neighbours. Her classes are consistently sold out and she has glowing reviews
Babylon Workshops
Love to get your hands dirty? Have a passion for pretty plants? Babylon have exciting classes at their plant paradise. Keep an eye on their ‘Workshops’ page for upcoming workshops at the potting bench, bring a friend and learn something new!
Gisborne Astro Tour
Under the dark skies of Patutahi in the East Coast, Gisborne Astro Tours is a unique and memorable experience for all ages. Tucked away from the hustle and bustle and set in the beautiful backcountry of the East Coast, you can experience a unique and in-depth voyage of discovery to the far corners of the universe. This intimate and inspiring 2-hour astro tour with a highly acclaimed astronomer is your gateway to the stars.
The National Aquarium of New Zealand
Come and meet the gorgeous and iconic Kororā (little penguins).The National Aquarium is a rehabilitation centre for Little Penguins. Some penguins are brought in because they've been abandoned as chicks, are partially sighted, have become sick in the wild, or have been injured in dog attacks. Some are also missing flippers due to getting caught in fishing nylon. Once recovered and ready, Little Penguins are sent back out into the wild. But some are unfortunately not strong enough to return to their natural habitats, so they find a permanent home at the Aquarium's Penguin Cove.
Napier Repair Cafe
Sustainable Napier has a kaupapa of community connection, inclusiveness, and building resilience. Follow them on Facebook to see some of their great events. Perhaps attend the monthly Repair Cafe to get an item repaired or lend them your skills as a volunteer.
Voice Arts
Follow on Facebook to see their inspirational programmes and how you can get involved.
The Napier RSA Wine Club
The wine club is an open invitation to anyone over 18 years old, not just Napier RSA members. They welcome anyone who enjoys wine or would like to broaden their horizon on the subject. Many of the regulars enjoy a meal and a yarn in the club bar afterwards.
Seasons Art Classes Nelson/Tasman
Art Classes over 13 weeks catering for adult learners, ideal for either absolute beginners and also more advanced artists who use a more challenging curriculum to stretch their skills, inspire them or 'get their mojo back' after a break. Art like so many things is a lovely topic with 'layers' to inspire and delve into. Social, well structured way to learn the foundation skills of drawing, oil pastels, watercolour and acrylic painting. Many branches across NZ.
The Ashburton Art Gallery
Ashburton Art Gallery is an exciting and innovative regional public art gallery and a source of pride to the local community. The gallery aims to present a varied, thought provoking, and innovative programme of locally, nationally and internationally sourced exhibitions.
Ascot Encaustic Art Supplies
Where encaustic art has a specialist home in New Zealand. Lynn and Steve service clients from their base at Marton, where the public are able to visit by arrangement to see the art form demonstrated, see the many directions the art form can be taken in, and purchase supplies.
Joyful Pear Design
A wide range of workshops including web design, blogging, digital art, eBooks, DIY marketing, genealogy and art classes. All classes include your own hands-on projects, printed handouts to aid memory, and free techniques you can continue using in your home or office.
Te Oro
In this multi-purpose space young people and the local community can come together to perform, practise and learn the arts; express their creativity and talents; and celebrate their cultures.
Nathan Homestead Pukepuke
Nathan Homestead is an iconic Manurewa community venue where people create, celebrate and connect while surrounded by nature and history. An awesome events and classes. Follow on Facebook to be a part of it and be inspired!
Lake House Art Centre
Be part of this dynamic arts scene, take in an exhibition or enrol in a class, whether you are a beginner or more experienced the adult art class tutors are able to provide excellent guidance for anyone at any level. Great way to connect with like minded new friends. For children and teens there is a varied range of classes in different mediums with qualified and experienced tutors.
Kumeu Arts
Kumeu Arts is a buzzing community arts centre, not for profit incorporated society and registered charity that offers classes, untutored groups, events, workshops, festivals and exhibitions. Exhibitions are always free to visit and both galleries are wheelchair accessible. The building (located behind Kumeu Library) was once an Auckland Council works depot, but has since been transformed into a fully functioning, fit for purpose arts centre with two galleries and a gift shop selling art and crafts made by local artisans.
Estuary Arts Centre
New to painting, or wanting to test the waters with a new medium? Experimenting with ceramics, or giving life drawing a try can be fun and inspiring. Expand your artistic journey and learn new things in many of their upcoming adult or kids classes.
Papakura Art Gallery
Papakura Art Gallery is located in a refurbished fire station on Averill Street in Papakura's CBD. You will love the programmes and engagement.
Ōtara Music Arts Centre (OMAC)
OMC, Ardijah, King Kapisi and Annie Crummer are just a few of the names that have come through OMAC - the Ōtara Music Arts Centre, what an iconic space to go on your personal musical journey.
Creative Matakana
Based among beaches and vineyards of Matakana, an hour north of Auckland, this week-long programme of artistic workshops is held in early May each year. Participants learn from talented tutors, exchange ideas and techniques, meet people with diverse interests, and discover Matakana and its beautiful surroundings. Extra events include a welcome event and a participant’s dinner.
Corban Estate Arts Centre
Boasting the Homestead Galleries and Gallery Shop, a renowned public programme offering art classes and engaging events, a highly regarded schools education programme, the Kākano Youth Arts Collective, over twenty resident artists’ studios, an exceptional on-site cafe the Coffee Studio, and a number of prestigious arts organisations who call this place their home.
Emporium Brewing
Located in the beautiful seaside town of Kaikoura on New Zealand's South Island Emporium Brewing is far more than just a brewery. With an 18 hole mini golf course, two Escape Rooms and an anon-site bar, they provide a range of activities on dry land for when you are back from your ocean adventures viewing all the wonderful marine life Kaikoura has to offer. It is a fun place to visit for tourists and locals of all ages and they would love to meet you.
Crystal Mountain
For crystal enthusiasts out there, have a look at this purpose built gallery which houses New Zealand’s largest selection of crystals and minerals from around the world. Many rare and beautiful specimens are available both on exhibit and for sale. Crystal Mountain has been specifically built for easy access for visitors of all ages, regardless of physical ability, and will delight old and young alike with things to see and do.
TranzAlpine Train
Weaving coast-to-coast through the stunning Southern Alps, the TranzAlpine journey is one of a kind. Ranked amongst the best train journeys in the world, the TranzAlpine route is truly stunning. Cutting through the mountainous spine of New Zealand's South Island, the railway weaves through cliff-lined river gorges, over high mountain plains, over braided rivers and around pristine mountain lakes.
Northern Explorer Train
This is an unforgettable day-long adventure you will never forget! This is an epic journey of engineering marvels, through the full spectrum of New Zealand's stunning scenery and charm.
Art Metro
Adult and children’s classes are individually taught in a group setting, over a nine week term, and they offer a variety of art tuition. Maybe start with an ABC class. These art classes are specifically for people who want to give it a go, with a group of like minded people. The classes provide an easy step by step painting structure which has been the hallmark of the Art Metro teaching programme for the last decade or so, and has enabled hundreds of Cantabrians to develop new creativity in their lives.
Watch this Space Art Tours
Watch This Space is your comprehensive guide to Christchurch street art. Use it for free on your phone, tablet, or computer. Also take a tour of the street art of Ōtautahi (Christchurch) and see things in a different way.