Animal Antics
National Dog Show October 6-8, 9am-4pm, Sir Woolf Fisher Arena, Vodafone Events Centre, 770 Great South Rd, Manukau
While every dog may have his day, only the finest will fetch ribbons and other accolades for their masters. In addition to more than 1500 of New Zealand’s ‘top dogs’ on show, this event offers plenty more including all sorts of doggy merchandise. See nds.dogsnz.org.nz.
Country Calendar
Equidays October 13-15, Mystery Creek Events Centre, Hamilton It’s almost time to saddle up and mosey on down to Hamilton for Equidays. From clinics, seminars and exhibitors showcasing a huge range of gear, to food and entertainment, this event celebrates all thing equine. See equidays.co.nz.
Waikato A&P Show October 27-29, Claudelands Event Centre, 800 Heaphy Terrace, HamiltonAt Rural Living we wonder what an Auckland A&P would be like… cafe latte drinking contests (the world champ must be from Ponsonby!) and handbag dog shows perhaps? Then again, maybe it’s best to leave these wonderful rural events to country folk and head south instead! For information visit waikatoaandp.co.nz.
Home & Garden
Waikato Home & Garden Show October 5-8, 8.30am-4.30pm, Claudelands Arena, Brooklyn Rd, Hamilton It might be a rather long garden path to be led down to Hamilton, however it’s likely to be well worth the journey during the Waikato Home & Garden Show.
Whether building, decorating or renovating, this event offers expert advice with the latest materials, equipment and tools on show too. Visit waikatohomeshow.co.nz.
Music, Musicals & Theatre
Topp TwinsThe Topp Twins – Heading for the Hills October 6, from 7.30pm, Pukekohe Town Hall, cnr Massey Ave and Edinburgh St The country’s hills are coming alive with the sound of laughter. Oh, and music too!
One of NZ’s favourite entertainment double acts (featuring Jools and Lynda Topp), is sure to be the talk of our town following this performance. With more country music and comedy than you could shape a mouth-harp at, this show promises much to love from a much-loved pair of Kiwi legends.
See topptwins.com.
Strange Resting Places October 6-14, OSPA Theatre, 24 Hall Rd, Onewhero When the renowned Maori Battalion battled for control of Monte Casino, two worlds (and cultures) clashed. This play tells the story of unlikely friendship and impossible love set in war-torn Italy. An exploration of culture, Strange Resting Places reveals that humour can defy even the horrors of war. See ospa.org.nz.
Flying Feathers October 6-28, (Thursday to Saturday nights from 8pm), Backstage Theatre, Victoria Ave, WaiukuWhen chief constable Henry Potterton is confronted by ladies of looser than usual morals, can this Englishman retain his stiff… upper lip? During this comedic caper by Derek Benfield (presented by Waiuku Theatre Group) more than just a few feathers are ruffled when this unamused policeman finds his brother’s home has been transformed into a bordello. See waiukutheatre.org.Fabulous 50sOctober 12, 11am-1pm, Hawkins Theatre, 13 Ray Small Dr, Papakura
Don’t even bother taking those old records off the shelf because, this month, it’s time to take a trip back to the heyday of rock n roll thanks to this live performance by Operatunity! Details via operatunity.co.nz.
Footloose October 20 – November 4, times vary, Pukekohe Performing Arts Centre, 2 Harrington Ave, Pukekohe While James Dean might not have had a cause against which to rebel, when Ren McCormack was told he wasn’t allowed to dance, you bet he was going to cut… Footloose! Based on the ‘80s flick, this stage adaptation by Pukekohe Performing Arts is sure to have locals kicking up their heels and off their Sunday shoes. See pukekoheperformingarts.org.nz or pukekohe.org.nz/events for details.
Arts
Art Week Auckland October 7-15, Auckland wide A celebration of arts throughout Auckland, this event sees some of the finest work on display. In particular, check out the Flora group exhibition (from October 6 at Franklin Arts Centre, 12 Massey Avenue, Pukekohe), as well as two now on at Papakura Art Gallery (10 Averill Street, Papakura), Cabinets of Curiosity and Cast of Mind. For details of these and other exhibitions, see artweekauckland.co.nz.
Ordinary Magic exhibition October 20 – November 12, Pollok Arts & Crafts Co-op, 2141 Awhitu Rd, Pollok While Awhitu’s art community may insist that their work is ‘ordinary’, the creations it conjures up really does seem like magic to the rest of us. Aiming to capture the magic in everyday moments (a child tasting his/her first ice-cream, for example), this exhibition’s theme should see local artists present some enchanting pieces indeed. For further information, or to submit work (entries close Oct 17) contact the co-op on 09 2352225.
Sport, Fitness & Racing
Pedal 4 Prostate October 8, 8am-5pm, Hampton Downs Motor Sport Park, Hampton Downs Rd, Te KauwhataTo put it incredibly mildly, prostate cancer can be… a right pain in the bum! Fortunately, by cycling around the Hampton Downs race track for four hours, we can all help raise funds to fight this devastating disease. Yes participants are bound to be more than just a little saddle sore afterwards but all for a good cause. See hamptondowns.com/pedal4prostate.
Spring Challenge Women’s Adventure Race October 13-15, times vary, starts at Vodafone Events Centre, 770 Great South Rd, Manukau Girls may just want to have fun, but that’s not enough for today’s women! Leave those couch potato blokes at home and head down to the Vodafone Events Centre to take part in one of the most testing (and rewarding) adventure races New Zealand has to offer. From mountain biking to on and off trail hiking and rafting, courses are tailored to suit women aged 13 and up, rookies to veterans. See springchallenge.co.nz.
Partners Life Raceday for Cure Kids October 28, from 11am, Auckland Racing Club, 80 Ascot Ave, Remuera Auckland’s social season kicks off at a gallop with a day of racing designed to raise funds for youngsters who have overcome more hurdles than many of us ever face. For details, see ellerslie.co.nz/raceday-calendar.
Auckland Marathon October 29, from 6am, starts at King Edward Pde, Devonport While some sports may feature confusing rules, there’s nothing more straight forward (almost quite literally) than running. But it’s only when we’ve tackled a 40km plus course that we can ever say that we can do what Pheidippides did! For more information (there are plenty of shorter courses too) see aucklandmarathon.co.nz.
Expos, Fetes, Festivals
Waiuku Cossie Club’s 50th Anniversary October 9-15, times vary, Waiuku Cosmopolitan Club, 4 Victoria Ave, WaiukuIf life begins at 50, celebrations of a half century ‘not out’ are unlikely to be quite as lively as those planned at the Waiuku Cossie Club this month. For details, see waiukucossie.co.nz.
Franklin Age Positive Expo October 20, 9.30am-2.30pm, PIA Hall, 57 Ward St, Pukekohe Apparently, life begins at 40; if so, it’s not until we hit 65 that the fun can really begin! From products and advice to entertainment and more, this event is designed to highlight almost everything imaginable which makes life as a senior the best it can be! Information available via facebook.com/franklin.positiveageing. Free transport is available to over 65s – contact White Rose Cars 09 238 9728.
Armageddon Expo October 20-23 (Labour Weekend), times vary, ASB Showgrounds, 217 Greenlane West, Epsom It’s life, Jim, but not as we know it, not as we know it, Jim!
From Trekkies to Whovians, toon fans to comic book aficionados, all who favour a healthy dose of fantasy in their lives are liable to flock (or fly) to Epsom this month. If Armageddon is any indication of how the world ends, what’s so wrong with enjoying an apocalypse now and then? See armageddonexpo.com.
Hamilton Gardens Scarecrow Festival October 29, 11am-3pm, Hungerford Cres (off Cobham Dr), Hamilton Charming the birds out of the trees might be a handy ability to have but, to country sorts, scaring crows from one’s fields is far more useful! Whether planning to design your own scarecrow in an effort to win a prize, or simply to admire the handiwork of others, this event offers a fun day out for all the family. Details via hamiltongardens.co.nz/events.