1. World Press Photo Exhibition
It's a terrifying image: the Russian ambassador to Turkey, Andrey Karlov, lies dead on the floor, with his assassin standing next to him, one hand raised to the sky and the other on his gun. An Assassination in Turkey by Burhan Ozbilici won the 2017 World Press Photo of the Year. See it in person alongside many other powerful images, such as the one above of boxer Carlos Balderas taken by Jay L. Clendenin, at this year's World Press Photo exhibition. Proceeds go to The Rotary Club of Auckland.
• Level 6, Smith and Caughey's, 253-261 Queen St, Auckland Central, from Saturday July 1-30. To book tickets ($15 weekdays, $18 weekends) visit Worldpressphoto.co.nz
2. Natural Beekeeping School
Did you know Victoria Park is home to three beehives? If you're interested in bees, beekeeping or even just the honey drizzled on your toast, head along to a free beekeeping class in the park this Sunday where an experienced beekeeper from For the Love of Bees - a city-wide project that works to bring bees back into the city - will teach the basics of natural beekeeping,
• Campbell Free Kindergarten, 203-271 Victoria St W, Auckland Central, Sunday July 2,10am-12pm. Free. Visit Fortheloveofbees.co.nz
3. Art for Education
The Art for Education group is holding an art sale this weekend to raise money for the Malala Fund, which will feature works from an eclectic range of New Zealand artists. The fund helps millions of girls excluded from education in places such as Syria and Nigeria. Artists involved include Toni Gill, Sophie Miya-Smith, Sophie Blazey, Nic Little and many more. At opening night, on Friday June 30, guests can also enjoy drinks, nibbles and jazz alongside the artworks.
• 449 Mt Eden Rd, Mt Eden, Friday June 30, 5.30-10.30pm; Saturday July 1 and Sunday July 2, 11am-6pm. Entry is free, donations are welcome, Visit Eventfinda for more info.
4. The Mooncake and the Kumara
While its title may sound like a strange dish, this play is actually an inviting love story. The Mooncake and the Kumara by award-winning play Chinese playwright Mei-Lin Te Puea Hansen, centres on a Maori-Chinese love affair that grows among rows of potatoes. The play, inspired by a true story, sold out at the Auckland Arts Festival in 2015 and is returning to Q Theatre this weekend. Layered with myth and legends the compelling story is told in English, Maori and Cantonese.
• 305 Queen St, Auckland Central, until Saturday July 8. For tickets, from $25, visit Qtheatre.co.nz
5. Word Cafe Raglan
Celebrate the power of words at Word Cafe Raglan this weekend. Take a trip to the picturesque seaside town and rub shoulders with a great lineup of inspiring writers including media personality and novelist Karyn Hay, poet Paula Green, graphic novelist Sarah Laing and international best- selling novelist Nalini Singh.
• Raglan Town Hall, Friday June 30 to Sunday July 2, visit Wordcaferaglan.co.nz to book tickets, from $20.
6. Te Taumata Kapa Haka
For an exciting live cultural performance head down to the Cloud on Saturday to see a selection of New Zealand's best kapa haka groups bringing their unique style of Maori arts to Auckland. The Te Taumata event is part of the Matariki festival and is free family fun.
• Queens Wharf, Saturday July 1, 12-5pm, visit Matarikifestival.org.nz
7. Aotea Square Ice Rink
Take in some winter fun at the Aotea Square Ice Rink, which is back in town for some winter fun. The popular icy wonderland this year includes a new exciting Skate Path and a free winter lounge lit up in celebration of Matariki. While you're at Aotea Square, also take in the magic of the Mountain of Light installation by Angus Muir Design which features 12,000 lights and 4000 pixels.
• 50 Mayoral Dr, until July 23, 10am to 10pm. Adults $20, children $15 (under 12 years), visit Heartofthecity.co.nz
8. Twenty-Seven Names Sale
Local label Twenty-Seven Names is holding a two-day sale this weekend at Flying Fish Studios, featuring clothing from its archive, samples and seconds - its first-ever such Auckland sale. This is a great chance to get your hands on some designer clothing from one of New Zealand's most innovative brands. Please bring a gold coin donation for Unicef.
• 203 Ponsonby Rd, Ponsonby, Saturday July 1 and Sunday July 2, 10am-5pm.
LOOKING AHEAD
Future events to book and look forward to
New Zealand International Film Festival, Auckland, July 20-August 6
An Evening with Sigur Ros, Spark Arena, Auckland, July 21
Lil Yachty, Powerstation, Auckland, July 25
Auckland Restaurant Month, from August 1
Jerry Seinfeld, Spark Arena, Auckland, August 12
