Latest news with #ElephantPublicity
Scoop
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
World Press Photo Exhibition Announces New Auckland Venue
Press Release – Elephant Publicity The World Press Photo Exhibition offers a striking window into the past years defining and often overlooked moments and news events, capturing stories of conflict, climate, culture and community. Rotary Club of Auckland presents World Press Photo Exhibition Saturday 26 July – Sunday 24 August, Auckland Opening next month, the prestigious international World Press Photo Exhibition returns to showcase the world's most compelling photojournalism from around the globe. Following the closure of Smith & Caughey's at the end of July, the exhibition has a new home for 2025 thanks to the generosity of the owners of 131 Queen Street and the team at Krukziener Properties. The exhibition will run as scheduled from 26 July – 24 August, with tickets available online via Eventfinda or at the door. The World Press Photo Exhibition offers a striking window into the past year's defining and often overlooked moments and news events, capturing stories of conflict, climate, culture and community. The World Press Photo Exhibition features a wide selection of images from the World Press Photo Contest 2025, taken by 42 international photo journalists and documentary photographers. Included in the diverse selection of images and stories on display at this year's exhibition is Amanda Maciel Perobelli's series Brazil's Worst-Ever Floods that captures record-breaking floods in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, which caused widespread environmental devastation, the displacement of over 600,000 residents, and the death of 183 people. Federico Ríos' project Paths of Desperate Hope documents a variety of individuals as they journey through one of the most important migration routes in the world, the Darién Gap, a 100-kilometer long stretch of dense and roadless jungle connecting Colombia and Panama. This treacherous land route is a critical passage for those seeking to migrate from South America to the United States, with more than a million people having braved the route since 2021. Also on display will be Ebrahim Alipoor's long term project Bullets Have No Borders, capturing kolbars (border couriers) who carry goods such as household appliances, mobile phones, and clothes, on their backs through treacherous terrain from Iraq and Turkey into Iranian Kurdistan. They work in incredibly tough conditions, for very little money, and at risk to their lives – both from the elements and from authorities. The Rotary Club of Auckland is proud to bring the World Press Photo Exhibition to Auckland, with all proceeds from the event going towards Rotary youth charities and disability charity PHAB. World Press Photo Exhibition Auckland Dates: Saturday 26 July – Sunday 24 August Times: Sunday – Tuesday: 10.30am – 6pm. Wednesday – Saturday: 10.30am – 6.30PM Tickets via Eventfinda
Scoop
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Whāia Te Waiora – Matariki On Karangahape Road 2025
Press Release – Elephant Publicity This three-day celebration will light up the rori with installations, window displays, projections, live performances, music, and more, many free and all created by local artists, community leaders, and businesses. Thursday 19 – Saturday 21 June 2025 | Free All Along Karangahape Road Nau mai, haere mai — welcome to Matariki on Karangahape Road. This Matariki, Karangahape Road invites you to Whāia Te Waiora — a vibrant and deeply grounded Matariki celebration led by our people, for our people. From Thursday 19 to Saturday 21 June, this three-day celebration will light up the rori with installations, window displays, projections, live performances, music, and more, many free and all created by local artists, community leaders, and businesses. Hoki atu ki tōu Rori kia purea ai e koe ki ngā tae o te Hapori — Return to your Road to bathe within the colours of community. Grounded in the principles of whanaungatanga, the kaupapa of Whāia Te Waiora – 'in pursuit of wellbeing' – offers space for reflection, remembrance, and reconnection during the Matariki season. Karangahape Road has been divided into three whānau sections, each led by a community leader. Each section responds to four significant whetū, forming a constellation of kaupapa that weaves through the street — connecting artists, venues, and experiences. Together, the whānau are guided by Te Puna o te Ao Mārama, a stunning taonga toi installation by the late Teare Turetahi, gifted to the kaupapa by the Turetahi Whānau Trust. This sacred work first adorned Fort Street and Jean Batten Place in downtown Tāmaki Makaurau, and now takes pride of place on Karangahape Road, each vibrant disc a whetū, a guide, a reminder. The event also honours taonga toi as a solution, the collective leadership of the Hāpori Rori Steering Committee, and the enduring legacy of the late Teare Turetahi. Designer and community leader Nayesha Mulholland (Ngāti Uepohatu, Ngāti Porou) reflects on the kaupapa's potential: 'I'm looking forward to seeing the road come alive — seeing everyone walking the street and engaging with the mahi toi and having those conversations. Matariki is a time for reflection and for setting intentions for the year ahead, and I think this kaupapa creates a space for people to do that, even if it's just in small ways — even if it's just having a conversation with someone or pausing in front of a work.' Audiences will also be introduced to the community leaders through Whānau Spotlight, a series of storytelling moments exploring whakapapa, practice and leadership. They are available to read via the website. PROGRAMME HIGHLIGHTS A full programme will be live soon at All events are free and whānau-friendly. NIU DAWN: Whakaako kia Whakaora! | Educate to Liberate! Thurs 19 June | 4–5pm | Open Coffee, 553 K'Rd launches its newest taonga with kōrero and waiata from the Polynesian Panther Party Legacy Trust and Niu Dawn artists. A guided hīkoi to the local Educate to Liberate murals grounds this kaupapa in place. GENEVA AM | PIKIPIKI ALBUM LISTENING PARTY Fri 20 June | 6–7:30pm | A Space, 309 K'Rd In celebration of Matariki, Geneva AM invites you to an early evening release party for Pikipiki, hosted in association with Whāia te Waiora. Whānau vibes and fresh sounds. TE WHARE TAPERE – IRON BANK COURTYARD STAGE Fri 20 June | 4–10pm | Iron Bank Courtyard, 150–154 K'Rd The whānau-friendly heart of our Matariki night! A kaupapa Māori stage featuring storytelling, kapa haka, circus, spoken word, music and DJs. Hosted by Kayne Ngātokowhā Peters. KARANGAHAPE MATARIKI MĀKETE Fri 20 June | 4–9:30pm | George Courts Discover taonga from 15+ local vendors. Hosted by Celestial Corner and Kick Back Make Change, the Mākete uplifts artists and supports rangatahi. Jewellery, apparel, crafts, wānanga and more. Nau mai, haere mai. DIVE INTO THE MAGIC OF TE WAIHOROTIU Fri 20 June | 4–10pm | St Kevin's Arcade Lie back and look up! An immersive animated underwater world by illustrator Ezra Whittaker projected across the arcade ceiling, inspired by the hidden awa beneath Karangahape Road. ONGOING INSTALLATIONS & STREET ACTIVATIONS Teare Turetahi's Te Puna o te Ao Mārama – anchoring the kaupapa in legacy, light and unity. Cheeky Tuna Puppet – a playful tribute to the Waihorotiu stream, lurking in St Kevin's Arcade. Projections, window displays, and native Pōhutakawa trees – lining and lighting up the street. This is just the beginning. Additional events and activations will be announced soon!
Scoop
08-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Tom Sainsbury And The Dynamotion Misfits Are Home For Christmas
Press Release – Elephant Publicity Auckland's baddest, booty-shaking, big-hearted dance-comedy maniacs, Dynamotion, are back to wreak merry havoc on your holidays with A Christmas Crisis — burning up the floor in Q Theatre from 10 – 20 December. It's festive season, baby — and everything's falling apart. Mr and Mrs Claus are headed for splitsville. Ashleigh's Christmas Cupcake Shoppe is teetering on the edge. The elves are cracking under the pressure of soulless consumerism. Oh, and the North Pole? Melting faster than a snowman in a sauna. Looks like it's time for a Christmas miracle — Dynamotion style. From the brilliantly twisted minds of Tom Sainsbury and Lara Fischel-Chisholm comes a full-blown, high-kicking, sleigh-sliding, disco-ball-drenched Christmas spectacular packed with interpretive dance, chaotic energy, and enough tinsel to choke a reindeer. Starring some of New Zealand's funniest, fiercest, and naughtiest performers — including Tom Sainsbury, Chris Parker, Kate Simmonds, Harry McNaughton, Liv Tennet, Karamia Muller, Lara Fischel-Chisholm, Jennie Robertson, and a whole sleighful of Dynamotion misfits — A Christmas Crisis is here to serve your silly season (or at least distract you from it for 90 minutes). Since bursting onto the scene in 2012 with Terror Island Dynamotion have been putting the 'fun' back in 'funk' — and also 'fundamentally questioning what dance theatre even is.' These legends invented dacting (dramatic acting + interpretive dance) and have built a cult following for their gloriously silly, ridiculously clever full-length shows that are part dance party, part fever dream, and 100% joy. They've been praised by Metro, Theatreview, Theatrescenes, and probably your mate from Pilates who went once and hasn't shut up about it since. 'A high-adrenaline production full of thumping dance tracks, inspired and very clever choreography and wall-to-wall laughter.' – Andrew Whiteside (The Children of Sacred Valley) 'The dance numbers are terrific… extremely clever and very, very silly.' – Theatrescenes 'Dynamotion is dynamite indeed.' – Theatreview Dynamotion's original dance comedy works have become a staple of the Auckland theatre calendar, with 10 full-length productions to their name. They've presented at the NZ International Comedy Festival, the Body Festival in Christchurch, and Tempo. Their last show sold out after one Facebook post! So get booking. Yule be glad you did.
Scoop
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Billy T And Fred Award Winners Announced For The 2025 NZ International Comedy Fest
Press Release – Elephant Publicity After a month of side-splitting shows from the very best local and international comedians, the NZ International Comedy Festival with Best Foods Mayo wrapped up this evening at Last Laughs. After the performances, the New Zealand Comedy Trust honoured the brightest comedy talent of this year's festival with multiple awards, including the coveted 2025 Fred Award for the Best New Zealand Show in the Festival and the 2025 Billy T Award for a comedian with the most outstanding potential. Last Laughs, a showcase of the best of the best homegrown talent, was hosted by 2021 Fred Award winner Eli Matthewson, with performances from Fred Award finalists – Abby Howells, Angella Dravid, Melanie Bracewell, and the 2025 Billy T Award nominees, David Stuart, Hoani Hotene, Lesa MacLeod-Whiting, Booth the Clown & Jak Darling, and Itay Dom. Started in 1997 and inspired by comedy legend William James Te Wehi Taitoko MBE (Billy T James), The Billy T Award celebrates the growth of fresh talent in the Aotearoa comedy industry. Each year it is awarded to an outstanding emerging performer with a commitment to their comedy career. Hoani Hotene took home the prestigious Yellow Towel for the Billy T Award and a $5,000 cash grant from New Zealand Comedy Trust. The award was presented on stage at SkyCity Theatre by 2024 Billy T Award winner Lana Walters. Named in honour of much-loved comedy icon John Clarke's legendary Kiwi character Fred Dagg, The Fred Award recognises the Comedy Festival's Best Show by a New Zealand comedian. Angella Dravid was named the 2025 Fred Award winner, receiving the iconic Golden Gumboot and a cash grant of $5,000 from the New Zealand Comedy Trust. 2024 Fred Award Winner Barnie Duncan and Chris Parker (standing in as Trygve Wakenshaw) were on stage to hand over the baton to the new Fred recipient. Other award winners this year also include: Best Newcomer (Auckland): Sean Collier with Write-Off Best Newcomer (Wellington – Joint Winners): Mo Munn with Is It Off? and Liv Ward with EPIC WAY! I'm Gay? Oui oui faguette™ I LOVE KIM HILL (1999 version) Festival Director's Choice Award: Johanna Cosgrove with SWEETIE Best International (Joint Winners): Elouise Eftos with Australia's First Attractive Comedian and Rosco McClelland with Sudden Death James Nokise was also honoured in person in front of his peers with his 2024 Topp Prize by New Zealand Comedy Trust Chief Executive, Lauren Whitney.
Scoop
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
B*tch Better Have My Funny: The Queens Of Comedy Hit The NZ Comedy Fest
Press Release – Elephant Publicity One of NZs greatest stand up comedians, the evening will also feature award-winning comedian Justine Smith. Justine is much-loved from her stints on 7 Days and Taskmaster. The NZ International Comedy Festival with Best Foods Mayo is now in full swing, and the laughs just keep coming. The New Zealand Comedy Trust is thrilled to announce B*TCH Better Have My Funny, a night packed with great comedians, great vibes and a line-up that delivers hit after hit. Join Kiwi comedy legend Michèle A'Court as host on Saturday 17 May at Q Theatre, for this incredible line-up of pure entertainment – fast, funny, and full of energy. Host Michèle A'Court is a 2023 ONZM recipient, and winner of Female Comedian of the Decade at the NZ Comedy Guild Awards in 2010 and the 2015 Reilly Award for Excellence in Comedy. Michele has performed around the world, including in Canada, the UK, Australia, Papua New Guinea and East Timor. With her work on stage, screen and radio, Michèle is truly one of our country's best comedians. She'll be joined by this year's Best Foods Comedy Gala host, Hayley Sproull. Multi-talented comedy sensation, audiences will recognise her as co-host of ZM's Fletch, Vaughan & Hayley Breakfast Show, winner of Taskmaster season 5 and host of The Great Kiwi Bake Off. One of NZ's greatest stand up comedians, the evening will also feature award-winning comedian Justine Smith. Justine is much-loved from her stints on 7 Days and Taskmaster. She also hosted the Best Foods Comedy Gala in 2021, won the Billy T Award in 2003 and has won the NZ Comedy Guild's Best Female Comedian four times. Rounding out the first comedians on the bill is Courtney Dawson, winner of Best Newcomer at the 2024 fest. Since kicking off her comedy career in 2019 she's won the Raw Comedy Quest, starred in Celebrity Treasure Island, Paddy Gower Has Issues and Have You Been Paying Attention?, and hosted the 2024 Comedy Mixtape. The international pay gap is still sitting at 23%. If you're a teacher, nurse, midwife, healthcare worker, caregiver, early childhood, social worker, youth worker, probation officer, corrections psychologist, or anyone else impacted by the Pay Equity Amendment Bill passed under urgency this week, then the New Zealand Comedy Trust are offering 23% off your ticket. With more names still to be announced, come for the punchlines, stay for the party. It's the comedy show you'll be talking about on Sunday. The 2025 NZ International Comedy Festival with Best Foods Mayo runs from 2 – 25 May. The full programme is available now at Content Sourced from Original url
