Nana Wintour: Auckland

Showing posts with label Auckland. Show all posts

5/01/2017

Auckland Writers Festival 2017: The Must-See Writers+Events

In my not so humble opinion as a JAFA, that's just another fabulous Aucklander for anyone not in the know, the Auckland Writers Festival is a good time. As someone who likes reading you might think it'd be a sin for me to say otherwise. Truthfully though, I wouldn't be harping on about it now if I thought it was not worth anyone's time. This year they have one helluva lineup; Roxane Gay, Rupi Kaur, Chris Kraus, Ashleigh Young, Paul Beatty and more. Today I'm going to talk you through seven events I think you should know about, plus I have a very exciting lil' giveaway so stay tuned to the end of this post.

Walk On High, free: One of the booksellers in Unity Books alerted me to this fun event taking place on High Street. From 6.30-8.00pm, a series of events will be happening. Insta-essays, poetry, theatre and games are just some of what can be expected. It sounds fun and like an unforgettable evening to explore the streets and get immersed in some unique experiences.

Best of the Spoken Word, ticketed: Five of New Zealand's finest voices will come together to showcase their creative work, engage in a little improv. There'll even be a few guest appearances from the likes of Rupi Kaur, Paul Beatty and Ivan Coyote. If you are a poetry enthusiast then I imagine this one will be right up your alley.

The Art of the Essay, free: As soon as I saw this event in the programme I was like 'yes please, I am there'. Roxane Gay+Ashleigh Young sharing their wisdom is enough to entice me. I don't think I need to say much more here. You get the gist.

Pop Up: Rupi Kaur, ticketed: I'm going to Milk and Honey, Kaur's Sunday session which has since sold out. Hence the addition of this new event. If you missed out the first time around, you cannot miss this one. Kaur is a voice to watch and I particularly loved milk and honey. In fact, I revisit it all the time. It's the kind of poetry that stays with you long after you've completed reading it.

The Book of Forgiving, ticketed: Mphu Tutu Van Furth co-wrote the aforementioned book with her father, Archbishop Desmond Tutu. Her session sounds fascinating and inspiring, as she'll be delving into her life and the place of forgiveness. I actually want to read this book now too so I'll be hunting that down in the local library.

The Song of the Book, ticketed: Music lovers and lyricist enthusiasts, this one's for you. Four of our local songwriters were set the challenge of creating a piece of music, inspired by one of the books featured in this year's festival. As music is all about storytelling, this is the perfect marriage of creative mediums.

Difficult Women, ticketed: When I heard that Roxane Gay was headed to Auckland for the Writers Festival, I knew I could not miss out. She's one of my favourite people on Twitter to follow and I love reading her writing whenever I get the opportunity, especially her op-eds. I cannot wait to hear her speak about her work and everything really.

Now for the fun part, thanks to the lovely folk at Auckland Writers Festival*, I have a double-pass to Rupi Kaur's pop up event on Friday May 19th to give away. To enter, leave me a comment telling me what you're most looking forward to at the Writers Fest this year and feel free to use the additional entry options in the box below. Please note; you must be able to get to Auckland for this event and will have to collect your tickets from the box office. If you are under eighteen, please get permission from a parent or guardian before entering.

This giveaway closes Tuesday 9th May. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*Giveaway thanks to the lovely people at AWF 2017. This giveaway is not sponsored and all love of literary goodness is my own.

6/28/2014

The Extras: Auckland Eats

I may be biased being an Aucklander and all but in the last few years it seems like all these amazing culinary places have magically appeared. It's like that moment in Harry Potter when the food just appears before everyone's eyes. I'm not complaining because it means there's always somewhere around to find delicious treats to enjoy. If you're from Auckland you may have already frequented some of these. If you're not from around these parts and are looking for somewhere to eat tasty food then read on. I take no responsibility for any impromptu Saturday food trips...

Orleans-As tempted as I am to write about this one in a Southern dialect I will spare y'all (whoops) the pain. In case the name didn't act as a giveaway, Orleans is home to Southern comfort food. If you're a curly fries fan, you need to get some of those to start and share around your table. You can't go past the Chicken Waffle either. It sounds unusual, but trust me it is good. Their jugs of punch go down a treat as well. I really love the decor in here too. One of my friends described it as a "hipster's heaven" which is rather accurate.

Bluebells Cakery-If you follow me on Instagram you are bound to have seen at least one cupcake themed snap from Bluebells in my feed. They do the best cupcakes in Auckland. Now that's a bold claim, but it's one I stand by. Their sweet treats are never too sweet and the icing is never sickly. Wins in my books. It's a bit of a drive to get to Bluebells but it's well worth the visit. You can't go past their cupcakes or coconut ice. Hannah tells me the caramel slice is amazing too if you're a fan of that. Wash that cake down with one of their milkshakes in a jar. You won't regret it!

3/18/2013

From Runway to the Streets: A fashtastic giveaway!

Auckland has certainly been a hive of fashionable activity of late, and it doesn't look set to cease anytime soon! This Saturday, Newmarket's annual Catwalk on the Street event is taking place.

During Catwalk on the Street, Osborne Street is completely closed off to traffic & models strut their stuff wearing the latest winter trends. This year there's even the Next Face of Newmarket models taking part in the shows, hoping to win the approval of judges Denise L'Estrange-Corbet of WORLD, Amanda Bransgrove from Monarch Model Management, Gemma Young of Cleo & more!!

Image via Pinterest

Does all this fabulous fashion sound too tempting to resist? I've got two front row tickets to give away to the Designer Street Wear Show at 2pm!! To enter this giveaway leave a comment below telling me your favourite fashion item for Autumn. For additional entries like my Facebook page or follow me on Pinterest.

Good luck!! COMPETITION IS NOW CLOSED

*Note this competition is not international & is only open to Auckland entrants.

11/19/2012

Monday Marvel #20: Designer Delights

I always try to support local designers, particularly when I'm buying gifts for someone's birthday or as a Christmas present. It's always nice to give someone a unique, special gift & to start off/contribute to someone's art collection!

Luckily here in New Zealand there are plenty of talented local artists & designers who have Etsy Stores where you can buy their work online or frequently visit Art & Craft Fairs. Today I thought I'd share with you some work from artists who will be visiting Auckland Markets within the next month or so...hello perfect Christmas shopping opportunity!! I'll also give you links to their online stores & spaces so you can go check the rest of their work out.

Dear Colleen has released this delightful new calendar just in time for Christmas (yay!). Each month is illustrated with pictures of all the fresh, delicious produce available in New Zealand. This would make a great gift for any Masterchefs in your midsts or to send overseas. Colleen will be having a table at the MOAD Market in Auckland this Saturday, double yay!

10/21/2012

A Supercalifragilistic Spectacle: Mary Poppins In Review.

Winds in the East, there's a mist coming in. Like something is brewing....and 'bout to begin.

Well, Mary Poppins actually has now begun in Auckland, I just couldn't resist using that lyric. We went to the show last Sunday & loved it so I thought I'd do a post about it for you all. Instead of doing a traditional review I've decided to compile a list of 10 reasons why you must go & see Mary Poppins in Auckland. There really are more than 10 reasons though!

And why exactly should you see Mary Poppins?

7/26/2012

Get prepared for the Auckland Art & Craft Fair!

Twice a year something wondrous arrives on the Auckland Art & Craft scene. I'm talking about the Auckland Art & Craft Fair of course! The 6th fair is taking place this Saturday in the Aotea Centre.

The Auckland Art & Craft Fair is; "a one of a kind, special event happening twice a year, in Winter and in Summer. Designed to showcase a selection of New Zealand best independent and contemporary Designers, Artists & Crafters selling their products direct to the public for one day only.

At the Fair you will find products with an emphasis on quality, craftsmanship, creativity and style. You can purchase direct from the seller, knowing that you are supporting our local talent and you will be taking home a special piece that has soul".

One of the fair's sponsors is the legendary Frankie Magazine. How awesome is that?!

4/19/2012

A Very Vintage Day: In Photos.

I can't believe the holidays are nearly over, and that the Very Vintage Day out was nearly a week ago! Time moves too quickly these days.

With two theatre spells last week and the fair I naturally did quite a bit of dressing up. This is what I wore to the fair. I am pleased to report that there were lots of elegantly dressed ladies, many sporting red lips and of course dapper gents who dressed up for the occasion. I got frock envy a number of times.

Here's the rest of the photos captured of the Very Vintage Day Out:

How we knew we were in the right place.

Stunning frock! B & I walked past this frock a number of times. It was mesmerising in person.

B made these delicious biscuits for our picnic! So good. Love all the colours on them.

4/17/2012

Oh What A Night! Jersey Boys in Review.

The New York Times dubs this show "too good to be true", and it almost is. How often does a Broadway musical make its way to New Zealand? With the arrival of Jersey Boys in Auckland, legions of theatre goers will be rejoicing.

Jersey Boys is the award-winning Broadway musical which charts the rise and fall of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. In New Jersey you had three choices; join the army, get mobbed up or become a star. It certainly happened for these four, who became one of America's biggest pop sensations of all time. By the time they were 30, the band had sold 175 million records. How's that for an impressive statistic?

4/11/2012

Mid Week Music

Oh Auckland and overseas readers, have I got a story for you this week! Take yourself back to 1960. Think of the Fab Four. No not THAT Fab Four, the Four Seasons!

Now you'll notice both of those songs come from Jersey Boys, the musical chronicling the rise and fall of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. Four boys from the wrong side of the tracks became one of the biggest American pop music sensations of all time. Their songs are constantly covered and featured in films. Perhaps one of those above may be familiar to you.

Outside the Civic Theatre in Auckland.

Outside the Princess Theatre in Melbourne.

I'm heading along to the show once, perhaps twice this week and will be doing a review of it. So keep your eyes open or even adoring sometime next week.

4/04/2012

Vintage Finery in store for Auckland

Everyone loves Vintage fashion-it's nostalgic, refreshing and designers are constantly looking back at it for reference many years later.

So what if you love vintage, and live in Auckland? If you answered yes to either of the above then you're in luck. The first Very Vintage Day Out will take place next Saturday.