22 Great Things to Do in April

1. Ans Westra at {Suite} GalleryPhotographer Ans Westra is being celebrated in a permanent exhibition that explores her 60-year span of work. Her raw documentary photographs capture the landscapes, lifestyle and tangata whenua of Aotearoa  capturing moments that may otherwise be lost. As well as photographs, the 'living museum' includes articles, books and objects from the artist's darkroom. {Suite} Gallery, 243 Cuba Street, Wellington, opening on April 20. Visit suite.co.nz

2. French Opera at Huka LodgeHuka Falls Lodge begin their autumn events calendar with a French Opera Weekend, where young performers of the New Zealand Opera School will entertain with a program of French composers. Jean-Christophe Poizat from Maison Vauron will also present a selection of wine from the Burgundy region accompanied by a five-course menu created especially by executive chef, Paul Froggatt. Huka Lodge, 271 Huka Falls Road,Taupo, April 16. Visit hukalodge.co.nz

3. African Film FestivalBack for its second year, the African Film Festival is returning to Rialto cinemas. The festival not only helps to increase visibility of African filmmakers in New Zealand, but also uses film to broaden understanding of African cultures, allowing perspectives that may differ from those seen in mainstream media to be shared – through both documentary and drama films. Rialto Cinemas, Broadway, Newmarket, April 7-13. Visit africanfilmfestivalnz.org.nz

4. The Auckland Quiltmakers Annual Show and SaleThe Auckland Quiltmakers group will hold their 20^th annual show on the last weekend of April. The group is made up of 35 women who come together to create quilts of all kinds, which will be on display at the show. There will be fabric, thread, old quilts, magazines and books for sale too. Parnell Jubilee building, above Parnell Library, April 30. Tickets are $5 on the door

5. NOMA: My Perfect StormThis award-winning documentary follows chef Rene Redzepi’s journey as he leads his restaurant, Noma, to reclaim the title of Best Restaurant in the World during 2014. Viewers are given insight into the chef’s intricate process. “As a cook, you’re creating a language... the ingredients are our alphabet, and the more letters we have, the more beautiful the prose.” says Redzepi.  In cinemas nationally from April 21.

6. Sherwood Queenstown Sunday WorkshopsGet back to basics and take part in a Sunday workshop at the Sherwood. The Real Crust is a great chance to learn about bread making with Ruth Heath, who owns Peoples Bread, and The Culture of Milk will be hosted by The Sheerwood's own Nicholas Ulfik, focusing on the process of turning milk into yoghurt, kefir and cream cheese. Sheerwood Hotel, Queenstown, The Real Crust is on April 10 and The Culture of Milk on April 24. Email liane@sherwoodqueenstown.nz for bookings.

7. Matt Ellwood: Frieze Saint LaurentArtist Matt Ellwood will be exhibiting works at Melanie Roger Gallery that challenge traditional fashion advertising imagery, focused upon fashion house Yves Saint Laurent. With designer Hedi Slimane departing and Anthony Vaccarello being confirmed as his replacement, the exhibition couldn't have been timelier. The large scale works are detailed charcoal drawings of fashion campaigns, with overlaid text from the magazine pages in which they were originally published. Melanie Roger Gallery, 222 Jervois Road, Herne Bay, April 6-30. Visit melanierogergallery.com

8. Go Green ExpoDiscover all that is new in sustainability, organic products and eco-friendly. This practical expo will cover a wide range of areas – health, beauty, transport, recycling, gardening, building, travel and more. Head along to learn about easy ways to do your bit for the environment. Go Green Expo, ASB Showgrounds, Greenlane, April 16-17. Visit gogreenexpo.co.nz

9. Fashion RevolutionThis year Fashion Revolution will hold an awareness week to bring people from all over the world together to better the conditions for those who manufacture the world's clothes and accessories. The final day of the week marks three years since Rhana Plaza tragedy on 24 April 2013, when 1134 people were killed and over 2,500 were injured when a complex collapsed in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Fashion Revolution Week, April 18-24. Head to fashionrevolution.org to find out ways to get involved.

10. Titirangi Festival of MusicBack for its 11th year, the Titirangi Festival of Music offers a chance to experience a wide range of musical genres. Highlights include The Black Seeds, who will be taking the stage at the Titirangi War Memorial Hall, with support from DJ Manuel Bundy, followed by kiwi classic Dave Dobbyn on Saturday with support from Hopetoun Brown. The full schedule also includes art, food and workshops. Various locations around Titirangi Village, Titirangi Road, April 8-10. Visit titirangifestival.com

11. New Zealand International Film Festival Autumn EventsThe NZIFF Autumn Events will kick off this month in Auckland with a line-up of classic films and New Zealand premieres on the big screen. Classics include The Iron Giant: Signature Edition, The Philadelphia Story, Ran and Stop Making Sense. A must see classic is Fargo, directed by the Coen Brothers, in which gritty violence is offset by beautiful landscape shots. Civic Theatre, Corner Queen Street & Wellesley Street, April 13-17. Academy Cinema, 44 Lorne St, April 23 – May 3. Visit nziff.co.nz

12. Parlour GamesParlour Games will open at the TSB Wallace Arts Centre during early April. The exhibition looks to the history of the Homestead and its many uses throughout its past, including a private residence, orphanage and boarding school. The relationship between the Victorian and the contemporary is explored in works by Matt Coldicutt, Philippa Emery, Natalie Guy, and Amy Unkovich. Parlour Games, Pah Homestead, 72 Hillsborough Rd, opening April 12. Visit tsbbankwallaceartscentre.org.nz

READ: Where to Eat: Homestead, Hillsborough

13. Bowie: Waiting in the SkyThis concert will pay tribute to the late David Bowie and his many personas - Major Tom, Ziggy Stardust, the Thin White Duke and the Man Who Fell to Earth. The performance will include the likes of Eddie Rayner of Split Enz and Finn Andrews of The Veils. ASB Theatre, Aotea Centre, 50 Mayoral Drive, April 15. Visit ticketmaster.co.nz to purchase tickets.

14. The Way of MatterObjectspace are holding their annual graduate exhibition this month, with a focus upon artists who are returning to and exploring craft-based practice. Despite the decline in craft-based tertiary programmes over the past decade there is an increasing interest in the handmade.18 recent graduates show works from a diverse range of mediums and perspectives. Objectspace, 8 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby, opening April 23. Visit objectspace.org.nz

15. Vegan Food FairFor the first time, the Vegan Food Fair is coming to Auckland, perhaps due to the rise in popularity of 'clean eating' as of late. Stalls include Little Island Coconut Creamery and Mr Shankly's, a popular vegan spot that has been at The Street Food Collective recently. ASB Showgrounds, Greenlane, April 10. Visit veganfair.co.nz

16. NZ International Comedy FestivalThe NZ Internation Comedy Festival is bringing three weeks of laughter across the country. The diverse festival line-up includes comedy in many forms, including stand-up, improv and comedic-theatre. The festival kicks off with Flick Electric Co Comedy Gala on opening night, hosted by Rhys Darby, with comedians Arj Barker, Jimeoin, and local favourite Urzila Carlson also performing. Various locations across the country, April 22 – May 25. Visit comedyfestival.co.nz

17. Depot ArtspaceThe Devonport-based gallery has three major exhibitions on for the month - UFO Show, Gallipoli Remembered and The Vernacular Lounge. Gallipoli Remembered will exhibit works by Cynthia and Chris McKenzie, that use the medium of pastel or photography to respond to a recent trip they took to the 100-year commemoration services at Gallipolli. 28 Clarence St, Devonport, all exhibitions run April 9-27. Visit depotartspace.co.nz

18. Wanderlust 108Described as a "field day for mind, body and sound" Wanderlust 108 is a triathlon with a difference. The 5km run is followed by a 75 minute yoga flow session and guided meditation to finish off. Western Springs Park, Auckland, April 30. Visit wanderlust.com

19. Very Vintage Day OutGet immersed in all things from the past at the Very Vintage Day Out. The event celebrates years gone by with a diverse schedule of live music, high tea, workshops and of course, vintage stalls to hunt through. The competition for Miss Pin Up 2016 will also be taking place on the day. Alexandra Park Raceway, Greenlane, April 9. Visit veryvintage.co.nz

20. The Food ShowHitting Christchurch in April, The Food Show is a great chance to explore what's new in cuisine. There will be artisan markets, a healthy hub, street food alley and cooking theatre, including guest appearances from Ray McVinnie, Chelsea Winter and more. Horncastle Arena, Christchurch, April 8-10. Visit foodshow.co.nz

21. Hollie Smith: Water or Gold TourTo celebrate the release of her third album Water or Gold, Hollie Smith is touring the country throughout the month. The tour starts in Twizel, heads all the way up to Auckland and commences in Tauranga, where Smith now lives. Various locations across the country, April 1-16. Visit holliesmith.co.nz

22. POP ProjectDesign studio Alt Group have been commissioned by Waitemata Local Board to create POP, a series of events all across the city. Each of which is the result of a collaboration with an artist or organisation. The simple, interactive events are sure to bring a little fun into your day. Ping Pong in Aotea Square, Hula Hooping in Western Park or Puppetry on inner-city streets. Various locations across Auckland, April 4-14. Visit pop.org.nz/