More than a dozen groups from different ethnic communities are set to perform at Mt Eden's Multi Ethnic Dance Festival, organised by the Nepalese Cultural Centre. The festival's objective - as well as presenting some talented performers -is to bring cultures closer together.
TODAY, 6.30pm-9.30pm, Mt Eden War Memorial Hall, 487 Dominion Rd, Balmoral, Auckland. Admission is free.
WHITE FEATHER
On a bright Saturday afternoon 100 years ago, two women sit on the top of a hill. One knits. One watches the view. But as the conversation unfolds, the shadow of World War I looms. Edith's son has not yet enlisted in the army, and Eliza has something to say. But war always brings out the unexpected, and soon the women are confronted with the unsettling consequences that come when we challenge the ones we love.
Duty, honour, freedom and beauty collide in White Feather, a short play that delves into the humanity behind the moments that test our friendships, our beliefs, and ourselves. As part of Auckland Museum's Home Front exhibition.
TODAY AND TOMORROW, from 11.30am. Auckland War Memorial Museum, Domain Dr, Auckland Domain, Parnell. Free.
ARTIST'S SECRET
Renowned Kiwi artist Max Gimblett is to give a public talk, sharing the secret of his success in art fundraising. The painter, 80, created seven artworks based on a quatrefoil shape - a distinct decorative framework - thousands of which were reproduced on brass and sold to raise money for the restoration of St David's Church in Khyber Pass. Gimblett had attended the church as a boy growing up in Grafton. The total amount raised, believed to be a New Zealand record, will be announced on the day.
TOMORROW, 3pm, St David's Church, Khyber Pass Rd.
SCIENCE
Pump yourself up with an air jack, step inside a wind tunnel to experience gale force winds - if you ever wanted to spark your kids' interest in science, this weekend is the one to do it. Motat's Science Roadshow features more than 60 interactive exhibits, with experts on hand to explain the physical and chemical properties of different substances and how these are put to everyday use.
TODAY AND TOMORROW, 10am-5pm, Motat, 805 Great North Rd, Western Springs, Auckland. Normal admission fees apply.
ZINES
All things DIY are set to be celebrated at Auckland Zinefest, with a makeshift market set to take over Auckland Art Gallery. A zine, which is an abbreviation of fanzine, is a handmade, self-published magazine. The Zine Market will feature zines and other creative works from more than 70 zine makers and artists, with workshops available to boot.
TOMORROW, 11am-4pm, Auckland Art Gallery, cnr Kitchener St and Wellesley St.
PLAN AHEAD
CURIOUS COOK
Ever wondered what it takes to make a croissant? Find out in the flesh this weekend at the NZChefs National Salon. The heat will be on the country's chefs as they battle it out for a series of titles including NZ Chef and Pastry Chef of the Year. Visitors to the annual hospitality championships will also be able to watch margarine sculpting, cake decorating and barista and cocktail competitions. This year's feature competition is the Gourmet Pacific Challenge, where teams from around the Pacific will battle it out for the Pacific Rim title.
July 28-31, 8am-5pm daily, Logan Campbell Centre, ASB Showgrounds, Greenlane.
DEBATE
Should thousands of New Zealanders have been legally forced to join the armed forces in 1916? In the Case For Conscription, The Auckland War Memorial Museum will hold a dramatic debate to argue just that - bringing to life the voices of New Zealanders who spoke for or against conscription at the time. From politicians to mums, soldiers, the church and conscientious objectors, everyone had an opinion on the complicated and emotionally charged issue.
Saturdays and Sundays from July 30-August 21. Sessions from 11.30am, Auckland War Memorial Museum, Auckland Domain.
Entry is free.
MUSIC
Musical collaboration Fly My Pretties will assemble for the first time in three years this August, for shows in Auckland and Wellington. The audiovisual experience will feature a 14-strong cast of favourites including Barnaby Weir, Iraia Whakamoe and The Black Seeds' Jarney Murphy and Nigel Patterson - along with new faces like A Girl Named Mo, Ills Winter, and Miloux. The music is accompanied by original storytelling. There is a family-friendly matinee show early in the day.
August 12, 8pm-11.30pm, August 13, 1pm-4pm and 8pm-11pm; and August 14, 7pm-10.30pm, The Mercury Theatre, Mercury Lane. Adults $75, children $25.
DA VINCI
Not content with just being an incredible artist, Leonardo da Vinci was also an inventor way ahead of his time. Award-winning exhibition Da Vinci Machines, from the museum of Leonardo da Vinci in Florence, Italy is coming to Motat. It includes many of his iconic inventions, and an impressive collection of complex machines precisely created from original 15th century da Vinci drawings.
Featured are digital prints of some of his famous artworks, including the Mona Lisa and The Last Supper.
July 30-October 16, Motat, 805 Great North Rd, Western Springs, Auckland. Normal admission fees apply.
