All are welcome at the two-day meditation practice in Mt Eden.
All are welcome at the two-day meditation practice in Mt Eden.
Tech savvy
If the only technology you've encountered this week is your iPhone, there's still time to push the boundaries with a Techweek AKL event. More than 45 events are on city-wide until Sunday, with the Museum of Transport and Technology boasting four alone. Choose from making a robot, building your own computer, 3D printing or making your own game at a series of workshops run by Motat's The Idea Collective. Introduction to Robotics is run by Robogals, a world-wide network of engineering students committed to getting more girls in technology-related fields.
The Idea Collective at Motat.
Today and tomorrow, 10am-5pm, Motat, Western Springs. Normal admission fees apply, with some sessions $10.
No meditation experience is necessary for those who want to dip their toes in the waters of Buddhism this weekend. The Tibetan Buddhist practice of Nyungne ("nyoong-nay") is a two-day meditation practice, which also involves an entire day of silence and fasting. As well as being an escape from the rat race, it is said to purify attendees both physically and spiritually - and get rid of that negative karma. For those who can't quite manage to forgo breakfast, it is acceptable to come for the odd session. All are welcome.
Today and tomorrow, 6.30am onwards, Compassion Kadampa Buddhist Centre, 2 Stokes Rd, Mt Eden.
Deadly design
The Death by Design Collective are staging a series of clothing swaps nationwide, as part of a social enterprise to bring together a love of clothing, shopping and sustainability.
Head to Browns Bay with the best clothes, shoes, bags and accessories from the back of your wardrobe and be ready to find a new favourite outfit for free.
Today, St Anne's Hall, corner of Glencoe Rd and Beach Rd, Browns Bay, Auckland. Children's clothing swap from 11am-1pm, and adults from 1.30pm-3.30pm.
Winetopia
All the best New Zealand wineries under one roof? Yes please! Winetopia presented by Singapore Airlines comes to Auckland this weekend, and is expected to draw thousands of people to Shed 10. Marketed as the most comprehensive public wine-tasting event in the country, the festival will have wines from every region along with food matching, sommelier-led tasting classes and live music. Tickets can be bought for either the morning or afternoon sessions, which include the first five wine tastings and a wine glass.
Today from noon-3.30pm and 4.30pm-8pm. Queens Wharf, Shed 10, Quay St, Auckland.
Art show
Nab a masterpiece at Baradene College's annual fundraising art event, which will see emerging artists present work along established names like Josh Lancaster, Michel Tuffery, Frances van Dammen, Ramon Robertson and Jeff Thompson. More than 700 works from 120 artists will be included, with works in painting, ceramics, glass and bronze.
Hummingbird by Lucy Eglington.
Today and tomorrow, 10am-4pm, Baradene College Auditorium, 237 Victoria Avenue, Remuera. Entry is free and there is an on-site cafe. Previews at baradeneartshow.co.nz.
PLAN AHEAD
Next month: Grounded romance
Call it love in an air-conditioned climate - Love N Stuff might just be the first play ever set in Auckland International Airport. While fluorescent lights aren't typically considered the height of ambience, in this play the departure lounge comes into its own. Written by award-winning playwright Tanika Gupta, the play follows Hindu doctor Bundi and Muslim engineer Mansoor, who live happily in a 35-year marriage in Sandringham until Mansoor decides he must leave for his homeland - and the pair have it out in the most public way possible. It's presented by the Prayas Theatre Company, and directed by Sananda Chatterjee.
June 23-July 3, Tapac, 100 Motions Rd, Western Springs. Bookings at tapac.org. nz.
Next month: Hospice help
After Government funding, the Hibiscus Hospice need to raise $1.8 million just to keep the not-for-profit organisation running every year. One of its major fundraisers is its Art Exhibition and Sale, the largest of its type in the Rodney District. This year there will be 400 works for sale and more than 90 artists exhibiting paintings, prints, photography, glassware and jewellery. The hospice provides palliative care to those with terminal illnesses in the community and in-house, with an aim to enhance the quality of life remaining.
June 3-6, 9am-4pm, Estuary Arts Centre, 214B Hibiscus Coast Highway, Orewa. Tickets are $25. Ph: (09) 421 9180 or online at hibiscushospice.org.nz.
Next month: Food, etc
Feeling those winter blues creeping in already? Nip them in the bud with a trip to Hawke's Bay for the Food and Wine Classic. The food festival runs for a month in June, with each weekend packed full of culinary experiences including themed picnics, dinners, masterclasses, wine tastings, markets and the popular Napier night fiesta. Tickets to some events have already sold out.
June 6-26, various locations around Hawke's Bay. See fawc.co.nz for info and ticketing.
Next month: Magic netball
The Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic netball team plays four important home games at Claudelands Arena in Hamilton throughout the season. The speed and athleticism of these players is showcased in this local transtasman series.
They've been singing for 40 years, and this Sunday the Pakuranga Choral Society will raise the rafters of Howick's All Saints Church.
The choir gives two major concerts a year, with this mid-year songfest focusing on popular opera hits. Conductor Carmel Carroll will lead, with soloists Emma Sloman, Mary Newman Pound, Derek Hill and Benson Wilson.
August 23, 2pm, All Saints Church, Selwyn Road, Howick. Adults $25, seniors $20, and students $10. Tickets at the door.
