The Spinoff’s top pick of events from around the motu. Here’s the best for the week October 23–30.
Welcome to The Spinoff event guide, your weekly, curated selection of gigs, events and exhibitions happening across Aotearoa. If you want to pitch your event for future guides then please use this handy form.
Tāmaki Makaurau
Literature: Book launch – Tāmaki Makaurau 2025: Essays on life in Auckland
Ellen Melville Centre, 2 Freyberg Place
6pm Fri, October 24
Free
Come along to celebrate a book of 12 essays, each exploring a different facet of Auckland life. All welcome.
Multiple venues
On now until November 2
Various prices
A vibrant array of theatre, circus, music, disco and immersive experiences, as well as a programme of writers events with writers from across the motu.
Te Whanganui-a-Tara
Music fundraiser: Benefit show for displaced children from Gaza and Ukraine
Newtown Community Centre
6pm Fri, October 24
$15 online, $20 on the door
Four Wellington bands have united to raise money for children displaced by war: LUNG, S H E, Electric Tapestry, Antu Marama.
Whakatū
Theatre: YES YES YES
Suter Theatre, 208 Bridge St
6.30pm Thurs, October 23
$15–$35
Nelson Arts Festival brings this brilliant theatre show created specifically for young adults.
Ōtautahi
History tour: Her City – The women who built Christchurch
Starts at Ngaio Marsh House
10am – 3pm Thurs, October 23 & Sun, October 26
$42
“This whole day tour weaves together the legacies of Dame Ngaio Marsh, Kate Sheppard, and Jane Deans. As you journey through their historic homes, you’ll discover how each woman’s vision, courage, and creativity were rooted in the very spaces they inhabited.” Part of the Christchurch Heritage Festival.
Māruawai
Visual art: The Bosshard Browne Collection exhibition
Eastern Southland Gallery, Gore
Open now until November 23
Free
For 16 years (1976 – 1992) Patricia Bosshard Browne was a prominent dealer with Bosshard Gallery, first in Akaroa within a former powerhouse building, and then in Dunedin. The artists she represented included Ralph Hotere, Philip Trusttum, Jeffrey Harris and Joanna Margaret Paul. Kobi Bosshard is widely regarded as the “grandfather” of New Zealand contemporary jewellery. This exhibition celebrates and showcases works from the couple’s significant gifts to the gallery.
