What’s On: August and September highlights

A snapshot of events from around the country to inspire, inform and delight.

A Painter’s Palette

When: On Now – 24 November
Where: Dunedin Public Art Gallery, Dunedin

See what you can discover about colour in A Painter’s Palette, the newest exhibition in the whānau gallery at Dunedin Public Art Gallery. Featuring works from Gretchen Albrecht, Saskia Leek, Scott Eady and Jeffrey Harris, this exhibition looks at the fundamentals of colour mixing, while inviting you to explore the cultural and historical contexts of colour, and consider how art reflects and shapes our cultural identities. dunedin.art.museum

Visa Wellington On a Plate

When: 1–31 August
Where: Wellington

The largest culinary festival in the southern hemisphere is back: Visa Wellington On a Plate (VWOAP). Bringing culinary delights to hospitality venues across the city and region. This year’s festival focuses on the crowd pleasers of previous years: events and burgers with a theme of ‘play with your food’. Expect playful dishes, fun and creative events, and a dollop of hands-on audience participation. visawoap.com

Whānau Mārama New Zealand International Film Festival (NZIFF)

When: 31 July – 4 September

Across nine centres, the NZIFF programme includes 12 New Zealand feature-length films, with four short film collections and a special 30th Anniversary screening of Peter Jackson’s Heavenly Creatures. The films have come from 20 different countries including Bhutan, Iran, Somalia, Nepal and Vietnam, as well as China, Japan, the UK, Ireland, USA, France, Germany, Portugal and Australia.

Executive Director Sally Woodfield says that NZIFF 2024 not only brings together a programme of diverse films screening at 15 cinemas and venues nationwide, but also features opportunities to enhance the film-going experience with Q&As, masterclasses, workshops, panel discussions and special events including costume parties and a gig. nziff.co.nz

WORD Christchurch

When: 27 August – 1 September
Where: Christchurch

Bringing together communities through a love of words whether they read, listen or experience them on screen or stage, WORD Christchurch is a dynamic festival providing audiences direct access to the best in New Zealand and the world, groundbreaking ideas, Ngāi Tahu stories, and opportunities for local writers and artists to create new work. The programme comprises 70+ events featuring over 100 writers, artists and thinkers. For five days central Christchurch is flooded with a buzz of excited people and conversations; for those waiting to enjoy from the comfort of home or from further afield, check out their live streaming events. With over 20% of the events free, and most ticket prices under $25, there is plenty to delight and discover. wordchristchurch.co.nz

South Canterbury’s Outstanding Food Festival

When: 12–23 September
Where: Timaru

South Canterbury’s Outstanding Food Festival (SCOFF) is a multi-day festival, celebrating the region’s outstanding food; the growers, producers and artisan creators, from the Pacific Ocean to Aoraki Mount Cook.

The Hawke’s Bay Spring Fling

When: September & October
Where: Hawke’s Bay

The Spring Fling is a series of standout events throughout September and October, capturing the essence of springtime in Central Hawke’s Bay. This year’s programme is a wonderful showcase of the region with gorgeous events at historic homesteads, scenic coastal walks, boutique markets and more. Whether your passion is art, food, wine, shopping, cycling or the great outdoors, the Spring Fling has a little something for all. thespringfling.nz

Neil Driver, New Paintings

When: 10–24 September,
Where: Parnell Gallery, Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland

Through his breathtaking still life compositions and landscapes, Neil Driver evokes a sense of timelessness, serenity, and presence with effortless grace. Parnell Gallery is delighted to present a collection of new paintings from the South Island artist that sensitively guide the observer towards details that might otherwise be overlooked, such as the beauty to be found in the texture of a wooden crate, exquisitely rendered subjects, grown from nature and gathered in time-worn vessels.

In his landscapes and interiors, Driver invites the viewer into his vision, to gaze out at mountains and ocean views through light-filled windows and doors, to observe natural and human-built elements on the landscape with a dream-like sense of time that allows us to be transported to a place that sits outside of time. parnellgallery.co.nz

New Zealand Opera’s Rigoletto by Verdi presented by arrangement with Opera Australia

When: 19, 21, 25 September
Where: Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre, Auckland

A tragic tale of love, power and revenge … and ‘that’ song. Set in stylish la dolce vita 1950s Italy, this cornerstone of the operatic canon blends drama, compelling characters, and Verdi’s lush and unforgettable music. With famous tunes like ‘La donna è mobile’ which is so catchy it has permeated popular culture in numerous films and commercials, it’s easy to understand why this opera has been a smash hit since the day it opened in 1851 in Venice. Featuring a star-studded Kiwi and international cast, the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra, NZ Opera Chorus, and a real Fiat Bambina onstage, this production is a bucket-list event. Sung in Italian with English subtitles. nzopera.com

Race Tekapo

When: 21 September
Where: Tekapo, Mackenzie Country

The Merrell Race Tekapo is an exciting destination race located in the heart of Lake Tekapo, where you can indulge in stunning lake and mountain views, relax and soak in local hot pools, play up the snowy mountains and be blown away by the serenity of the international dark sky zone. With seven race distances to choose from there is something for every trail lover. Choose a distance and course that suits your goals and enjoy the wonderful atmosphere on the day. A great race environment and fun for all! racetekapo.com

Spectrum: Celebrating Acceptance

When: 23–29 September
Where: Art Hole, 336 St Asaph Street, Christchurch

Meg Maguire’s path to becoming an artist is deeply connected to her roots and diverse experiences. Growing up in the Snowy Mountains of South Eastern Australia, she was influenced by her dairy farmer father and Irish midwife mother. A school exchange trip to New Zealand in 1985 sparked her love for the country she now calls home. Her upcoming exhibition Spectrum is about celebrating acceptance. The Spectrum exhibition, co-organised with artist Sheelagh McHaffie, goes beyond art. Held during Mental Health Week, it supports the Together Diverse autism charity, donating 15% of its proceeds. While Sheelagh creates striking silhouettes in white pastel on black paper, Meg brings people’s expressions to life with vibrant colours. Their collaboration sends a powerful message of unity and understanding. megmaguireart.co.nz

Innovate Ōtautahi

When: 23–28 September
Where: Christchurch

Discover new business prospects, groundbreaking technologies, and practical applications that are driving the New Zealand’s technology industry ahead. From a Canterbury Tech Summit to the Innovation Expo, you can discover a future full of possibilities. The expo is a wonderful opportunity to engage with local and international innovators and see the impact their solutions are having in our lives, careers, and region. From interactive showcases to captivating experiences, witness first-hand the transformative power of innovation. The two-day expo is full of interactive exhibitions, networking and learning opportunities for the whole family. innovationexpo.nz

The World of WearableArt Show

When: 26 September – 13 October
Where: TSB Arena, Wellington

The World of WearableArt Show WOW is Aotearoa’s largest theatrical production and Wellington’s not-to-be-missed annual event.