Explore A History-Defining Exhibition, Visit A Christmas Market & More Fun Things For The Weekend

By Julia Gessler
Viva
Ngatai Taepa's 'Tane Mahuta - Manos Nathan Legacy' (2016). Photo / Supplied

Immerse yourself in contemporary Māori art

Comprising more than 300 artworks, ‘Toi Tū Toi Ora: Contemporary Māori Art’ is notably the Auckland Art Gallery’s largest exhibition ever held in its century-long history, and is poised to be unforgettable, not only because of the sheer magnitude of its size but also because of the breadth of Māori artists and modern works spanning back to the 1950s.

Star Gossage's 'I have sung my way through the world' (2018). Photo / Supplied
Star Gossage's 'I have sung my way through the world' (2018). Photo / Supplied

To mark the occasion, the gallery will be offering a sundry of exciting things on opening weekend, including hāngi food for sale at the gallery cafe, Taonga puoro music played in the exhibition, flax flower-making, hīkoi, dance performances and spoken word poetry.

Saturday December 5, from 11am to 9pm, and Sunday December 6, from 10am to 5pm. The exhibition ends Sunday May 9. Auckland Art Gallery, Wellesley St East, Auckland.

Shop for vintage

A killer eye and an unquestionably good sense for pattern play have marked Salt & Funk’s online vintage trove since its inception. In a special Christmas drop, the store will be releasing small collections of pre-loved garments each day for seven days on its website, from Monday December 7 to Sunday December 13.

Its clothes are often snapped up quickly, so keep an eye out for the times of each release on their social channels to secure pieces for your wardrobe. Saltandfunk.com

Attend a movie marathon

Hollywood Avondale’s annual movie marathon, boasting an impressive 24-hour-long film showcase, begins this Saturday. Though the event is cloaked in mystery (the complete list of films will only be revealed on the day), the organisers promise a smorgasbord of genres and decades for a wide range of cinematic tastes.

Tickets are $65 and are available through their website. Add on a beanbag chair for an extra $20. From 3pm on Saturday December 5 to Sunday December 6. Hollywood Avondale, 20 Saint Georges Rd, Avondale, Auckland.

See some small sculptures in Wellington

Art fiends will enjoy checking out 'Surface Effect', a group exhibition featuring little works made from bone, resin, coral and more by Glenn Barkley, Chauncey Flay, Sam Kelly and Julian McKinnon at Jhana Millers Gallery.

Open Wednesay to Friday, from 11am to 5pm, and Saturday, from 11am to 4pm. Ends December 19. Level 1/85 Victoria St, Te Aro, Wellington.

Experience experimental dance

Experimental Dance Week Aotearoa kicked off on Monday under the creative direction of Alexa Wilson, and will culminate in its final few shows on Saturday, December 5. See contemporary dance choreographer Jesse McCall and performance artist Janaina Moraes as they move through their strokes of alternative dance. Herald Theatre, 50 Mayoral Drive, Auckland.

Browse a curated Christmas market

The inimitable East Street Hall is hosting its Christmas market this Sunday, December 6, from 12pm to 5pm.

East Street Hall Christmas market. Photo / Supplied
East Street Hall Christmas market. Photo / Supplied

Pick up a few treasures from local vendors Lucky Dip Clothing, Polka Studio, Studio Lucy McMillan, Waves Vintage and Buddy Hemp Goods, then dine on some Middle Eastern fare. East Street Hall, 5 East St, Auckland.

The South Island Wine & Food Festival is on

Highlighting the best in viniculture from Nelson to Marlborough, this one-day-only event, complete with an artisan market, cooking theatre and an abundance of food stalls, is sure to perk up your palate.

This festival is not just for oenophiles and foodies, though. A medley of local music acts, including Zed, Sons of Zion, Holly Arrowsmith and Tami Neilson, will be performing throughout the day. Grab your tickets, priced at $55, from their website. Saturday December 5, from 11am to 7pm. Hagley Park, Christchurch.

Be illuminated at the Auckland Museum

Join the Auckland Museum for an important free talk, Ngā Kākano: Decolonising and Indigenising Museums, this Monday. Led by an expert panel, including journalist Sandra Kailahi, academic Ngāhuia Te Awekōtuku, professor of art and design at AUT Dr Albert Refiti, and curator of Māori art at the Auckland Art Gallery Nigel Borrell, the evening will explore the ways in which we can deconstruct and challenge existing systems and help shape a new future.

Monday, December 7, from 6.30pm. Bookings are essential. Enter through the Museum's Tuitui Bistro or the southern doors. South Atrium, Auckland Museum, Auckland Domain, Parnell.

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