See Some Portraits & More Fun Things For The Weekend

Peruse an exhibition

One new exhibition on our radar is from local portrait photographer and writer Abhi Chinniah, whose arresting work places the spotlight firmly on elevating marginalised voices, ethnic communities and women of colour. Born in Ōtautahi Christchurch to Sri Lankan Malaysian parents, Abhi grew up on the east coast of Malaysia and now resides in Auckland creating work that explores the diverse cultures existing in Aotearoa.

Her most recent photo series, A Migrant's Path, sought the connection between home, roots and belonging, and was recently acquired by the National Library of New Zealand. Her latest exhibition, entitled Melanin Rising, continues with this personal theme of exploring how colourism in media impacts these communities.

Using a mix of portraits, essays, and interviews Abhi's deep-dive looks at how to understand problematic skin-lightening practices and media representation of dark-skinned people, with the over-arching and uplifting message of loving your melanin. September 6-28 at Depot Artspace, 28 Clarence St, Devonport.

Have some tacos

Broke Boy Tacos is taking up a lunchtime residency at beloved eatery East Street Hall every Thursday, Friday, Saturday from 11am until 3pm, starting today, September 1.

Choose from an Anchoite Chicken Plate; a Birra Plate; a vegan taco option featuring cauliflower and walnut; guacamole; chips; and Street Fries (think fries smothered in consomme, nacho cheese, sour cream, guacamole, jalapeno, and lime), plus spicy margaritas.

"I named it Broke Boy because I'm broke," says founder Sean Yarborough. "I grew up poor in Kentucky and it's always been a part of my identity. And as a poor kid I was always hungry. It's one of the main reasons I became a chef. Because as you cook, you get to try the food for free."

"I spent the last 11 years living in the Mission District of San Francisco, eating tacos and burritos nearly every single day. Moved to Auckland with my partner who is Kiwi and just couldn't find proper street tacos so I started making them the way they are done in the Mission." 5 East St, Auckland.

See some stars

Pondering our place in the universe are photographer Mark Smith and artist Marissa Healey with their exhibition Shooting Stars. From Smith's images capturing the mysterious lights of expansive night skies to Healey's exploration of daily life with detailed scenes painted on wooden spoons, this is a show that is both thought-provoking and whimsical. September 6-11 at No. 5 St Kevins Arcade, Karagahape Rd, Auckland. Open from 10.30am-6.30pm.

Eat authentic Korean food

Opened on Tuesday, the 26-seater Tokki is a new eatery in Milford offering authentic Korean dishes from chef Jason Kim ex Sidart, Cassia, The Grove and Clooney. The menu at Tokki is inspired by a 1000-year-old tradition of temple fare expect less fried chicken, cheese and clay pots and more elegant, subtle flavours. Much of the produce is sourced from local Korean farmers in Silverdale, and many condiments are house-made, such as the soy sauce, soy bean paste and white kimchi.

The menu is sustainable, minimalist and produce-driven. Highlights include beef short ribs grilled over charcoal, 1m-long knife-cut noodles with XO sauce, and traditional banchan the side dishes that accompany a Korean meal. Open Tuesday to Saturday from 5pm. 87 Kitchener Rd, Milford.

Check out Wilt & Wing

Artist Liam Gerrard has created some beautiful large charcoal and patel drawings of hydrangeas, native moths, and a few other flora and fauna, on show now at Sanderson gallery. Visit the sublime exhibition, which runs from today, September 1, until September 11, and alongside an equally nature-filled show by up-and-coming artist Molly Timmins.

Watch contemporary dance

Leading New Zealand contemporary dance company Black Grace is reuniting with fashion stalwarts Zambesi on costumes for its upcoming nationwide tour, O Le Olaga (Life), which runs from September 4-10. After a more than two year hiatus, the company recently wrapped its US tour with a successful season at the prestigious Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival, followed by a season at The Joyce Theatre in New York, the home of contemporary dance.

Set to a reimagining of Antonio Vivaldi's Gloria in D Major, the performance features a soundtrack of Te Vaka music accompanied by live percussion and is inspired by the childhood memories of Black Grace's founding artistic director, Neil Ieremia (ONZM), and the traditional beat of his parents' beloved homeland, Samoa, while navigating the tidal shifts of time and space.

The company's distinctive style is described by The New York Times as an "exhilarating, seemingly inexhaustible energy", supported by long-time collaborator Zambesi's fluid designs. "We worked closely with Neil, initially meeting with him and his dancers during rehearsals to get a feeling and understanding of the work," explain designers Elisabeth Findlay and Dayne Johnston.

“Everyone is unique, and getting to know the dancers in person inspired us to create their individual looks. Balance and detailing were observed and also the movement of the dancers was a particular consideration of the design. Drape and free-flowing fabrications came together to complement this important new work. We are very proud to be collaborating with Black Grace on the world stage, and are super-excited to see these works come alive for their New Zealand shows.”

Black Grace presents O Le Olaga (Life) in Auckland on September 4, Wellington September 6 and Christchurch September 10. Tickets from $45 available from Ticketmaster.co.nz

Celebrate spring

A taste of Japanese spring is on the menu at Azabu Mission Bay, with Hanami, presented by Roku gin. Hanami means "watching blossoms", and diners will be seated among cherry blossoms, or sakura, and offered new spring dishes served alongside cocktails that celebrate the new season, such as a gin-based highball, Japanese G&T and a negroni made with Roku gin, Italian bitters and sakura. What a way to welcome spring, we say! Hanami runs from September 1-November 27. Book now at Savor.co.nz.