JAMES NOKISE AT THE TOPP OF HIS GAME

The New Zealand Comedy Trust is thrilled to award the 2024 Topp Prize to James Nokise, a multi-talented comedian, playwright, columnist, podcaster, theatre maker, and social commentator. Known for his fearless approach and his ability to give a voice to underrepresented communities, James exemplifies the irreverent spirit of the Topp Twins.

Read More
Michelle Lafferty
HELP SAVE OUR FEATHERED FRIENDS THIS CHRISTMAS

BirdCare Aotearoa’s nurseries are a hive of activity this holiday season, with hundreds of baby birds in need of urgent care. From native species, cared for under the Department of Conservation’s special permit, to beloved songbirds, the organisation’s hospital is filled with tiny lives depending on expert help to survive and thrive.

Read More
Michelle Lafferty
THE QUEEN OF IRELAND, PANTI BLISS, TO LIGHT UP AUCKLAND THIS PRIDE!

Notorious drag artist and accidental activist Panti Bliss, affectionately known as the "Queen of Ireland," is bringing her powerhouse presence to Aotearoa during Auckland Pride 2025. Presented by Auckland Live, a division of Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, Panti’s latest show, If These Wigs Could Talk, will take over the Wintergarden, The Civic from Wed 19 – Sun 23 February 2025, for an unmissable evening of laughter, glamour, and life stories from the heart of drag royalty.

Read More
Michelle Lafferty
SAVE THE DATE: JENNIFER WARD-LEALAND AND MICHAEL HURST ON TOUR WITH IN OTHER WORDS

Figment Productions is thrilled to announce the nationwide tour of In Other Words, starring celebrated actors and real-life couple Jennifer Ward-Lealand and Michael Hurst. This tour follows the productions highly successful Australasian premiere and sold out season at Q Theatre Auckland, which charmed critics and audiences alike. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience the unforgettable production in Hamilton, Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin, Wānaka, Hastings, and Auckland from 22 February 2025. See the full tour schedule below.

Read More
Michelle Lafferty
TIM BRAY THEATRE COMPANY ANNOUNCES CLOSURE FOLLOWING THE SANTA CLAUS SHOW ‘24

With deep regret, the Trustees of Tim Bray Theatre Company announce that the company will close after 33 years following its final season of The Santa Claus Show '24. This difficult decision comes as a result of the ill health of Founder and Artistic Director, Tim Bray QSM, who has been diagnosed with desmoplastic small round cell sarcoma. This is a rare soft tissue cancer, more commonly seen in children and young adults but occasionally seen in older adults. While the condition isn’t curable, Tim has recently started a course of chemotherapy to help control the cancer and will require ongoing treatment. 

Read More
Michelle Lafferty
TOP US COMEDIAN CAN’T GET ENOUGH OF NEW ZEALAND

Highly acclaimed US comedian, Josh Wolf, has just announced he is heading back to New Zealand this coming February. After a sold-out tour in 2023, Wolf will be bringing his hilarious show, the ‘High On Life Tour’, to more cities in 2025, including new locations he has not performed in previously.

Read More
Michelle Lafferty
GLOBAL COMEDY STARS FELICITY WARD AND TAPE FACE JOIN BEST FOODS COMEDY GALA LINE UP

The New Zealand Comedy Trust is delighted to announce the first international and local acts taking to the stage at next year’s Best Foods Comedy Gala – Felicity Ward, Tape Face and Eli Matthewson. The ultimate night of laughs will be hosted by Hayley Sproullon 2 May in Auckland and 3 May in Wellington, kicking off the annual 2025 NZ International Comedy Festival with Best Foods Mayo.

Read More
Michelle Lafferty
2024 WINNERS OF PORTAGE CERAMIC AWARDS ANNOUNCED

Te Uru is thrilled to announce the 2024 Portage Ceramic Award last night went to Wendelien Bakker for her work Sea of Grass. This year’s Merit Award winners are Terry Bell for The Clay Pulls You In, Ted Kindleysides for Figure Bottle Form (set of two) and Raukura Turei for Nau mai e hine.

Read More
Michelle Lafferty
CELEBRATE SUMMER AT AUCKLAND LIVE’S CHRISTMAS IN AOTEA SQUARE

Auckland Live Christmas in Aotea Square is back and so is summer. While Santa is getting Christmas ready, we are transforming Aotea Square into the ultimate pre-Christmas summer hangout. From Friday 29 November to Sunday 22 December the Square will be dressed up for Christmas with The Christmas Pavilion and The Illuminating Light Forest by Angus Muir. Experience an array of free entertainment and performances – from live music to circus, visual arts to karaoke, and even an outdoor cinema.

Read More
Michelle Lafferty