What's On This Week

Auckland Zoo is embracing the wintry weather with a daily 'Splish Splosh and Splat' show with Periwinkle the Penguin. Photo / Supplied

HOLIDAY

At Kelly Tarlton's there's a chance for kids to play underwater detective in the two-week-long school holiday Deep 'N Disguise trail. They'll get a chance to see where and how some of the aquarium's 20 shyest creatures hide out in the nooks and crannies, sometimes using clever disguises. And there's a quiz for the kids to complete along the way, too.

Kelly Tarlton's Antarctic Encounter & Underwater World, 23 Tamaki Drive, Orakei

THEATRE

Auckland-based Zimbabwean playwright Stanley Makuwe's play His Excellency Is In Love is back by popular demand after earlier performances. This political satire tells the tale of an ageing Mugabe-like dictator and his potentially disruptive dalliance with a mistress 40 years his junior. Starring Francois Byamana as the lead character. One night only.

His Excellency Is In Love - Maidment Theatre, Auckland, July 4

FAMILY

One of the more unique Auckland venues to watch theatre in is up and running for the school holidays. At the Hawke Sea Scout Hall for the next two weeks the Starfish Magic kids theatre group present their new show Fabulous Fables. Expect quirky versions of favourite Aesop's Fables, including The North Wind and the Sun, and more.

StarFish Magic present Fabulous Fables - Hawke Sea Scout Hall, 55 West End Rd, Coxs Bay

FAMILY

Instead of moaning and complaining about the weather, Auckland Zoo is embracing the wet, wintry conditions for their July school holiday programme. The kids can bust out their brightest gumboots and enjoy daily "Splish Splosh Splat" shows with Periwinkle the Penguin, interactive water displays, a snow weekend (July 18 and 19) and the chance to learn about water conservation.

Auckland Zoo Holiday Programme - Western Springs, July 4-19

FESTIVAL

Billed as a "celebration of Maori creativity, enterprise and essence", Atamira: Maori in the City happens over three days this weekend. From kapa haka to karaoke, there are plenty of performances to enjoy, including shows by Smashproof, Nesian Mystik, Herbs, King Kapisi, and House of Shem. There is also an exhibition of Maori artists with works for sale.

Atamira: Maori in the City - ASB Showgrounds, Greenlane Rd, July 3-5, free. Go to www.atamira.org/ws for a full programme

CLUBS/DANCE

From its early days more than 10 years ago at the old Cirque Bar, through to sell-out shows at the St James and Vector Arena, Deep, Hard and Funky is one of Auckland's most famous dance parties. This Saturday the event is happening at the Ellerslie Racecourse. A long list of local DJ talent is headlined by four international guests, most notably Frenchman Alan Braxe.

Deep, Hard and Funky - Ellerslie Racecourse, from 9pm, July 4, tickets from $55, go to www.iticket.co.nz

ROCK/POP

Yes, people still buy music on vinyl, and your chance to enjoy fresh New Zealand wax arises this Saturday. The Cheese On Toast Singles Club sees two up-and-coming Auckland bands committed to seven-inch records. Brand New Math add their grunge pop on one side, and Street Chant's popular live tune Scream Walk is on the flip. Nice. They celebrate the release with a gig this weekend at the Bacco Room.

Cheese On Toast Singles Club - Bacco Room, Nelson St, July 4

MARKET

The three-month-old Devonport Craft Market has established itself as a fixture in the seaside'burb's weekend calendar. Its growing number of mostly local stallholders are offering hand-made clothing, soft toys, homewares, art, jewellery and much more. It's a good excuse to pop into the area for Sunday lunch.

Devonport Craft Market, Devonport Community House, 32 Clarence St, (near New World) 10am to 2pm Sunday (first Sunday of every month)