https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Ssi-9wS1so&list=RD0Ssi-9wS1so&start_radio=1

Autumn and early winter are a fantastic time to visit Hawke’s Bay, with a steady line-up of events across Napier and the wider region. Whether you’re after live entertainment, markets, or cultural experiences, there is always something happening within easy reach of Ace High Motor Inn.

April: Festivals, Exhibitions and Live Entertainment

April kicks off with some of the region’s most popular annual events:

• The Extravaganza Fair (3–6 April) – a vibrant, family-friendly festival with food trucks, market stalls, and live entertainment at Anderson Park
• Hidden in History: Trailblazing Women of Hawke’s Bay (running until 19 April) – a free exhibition highlighting influential local women at MTG Hawke’s Bay
• The King of Pop – Michael Jackson Concert Experience (24 April) – a high-energy tribute show celebrating one of the world’s most iconic performers
  

April offers a strong mix of outdoor events and indoor entertainment, ideal for both families and couples.

May: Markets, Music and Local Experiences

May brings a slightly slower pace, with a focus on lifestyle and community events:

• Napier Urban Farmers’ Market (every Saturday, ongoing) – a must-visit for fresh produce, local food, and artisan goods
• Wine, Books and More (from 20 May, ongoing) – relaxed social evenings combining literature and local flavour
• A variety of workshops, live music, and small group events across Napier and Hastings
  

These events offer visitors a chance to experience Hawke’s Bay like a local.

June: Live Shows and Winter Culture

As winter sets in, June still delivers standout events and indoor experiences:

• Best of the Boss – Bruce Springsteen Experience (6 June) – a full-scale tribute concert celebrating classic hits
• Napier Live Poets (from 2 June, ongoing) – creative spoken word sessions in a relaxed setting
• Shockwave: Hawke’s Bay’s Great Quake, 1931 (running throughout June) – an immersive exhibition at MTG Hawke’s Bay
  

June is perfect for those looking to enjoy Hawke’s Bay’s arts and culture scene at a slower pace.

Stay Close to It All

From major events like The Extravaganza Fair and the Michael Jackson tribute show to markets, exhibitions, and live performances, Hawke’s Bay offers something for everyone this season.

Ace High Motor Inn provides a convenient and comfortable base, with easy access to Napier, Hastings, and all the events happening across the region.

Contact Us:
 +64 6 843 3109
 0800 270 361
 www.acehigh.co.nz
 info@acehigh.co.nz

Contact MediaPA

027 458 7724

phillip@mediapa.co.nz

One year after opening its doors and igniting a love affair with romance reading in Auckland, Enamoured Books is celebrating its first birthday with a community event designed to help people slow down, indulge in stories, and romanticise the everyday.

On Saturday 11 April, from 10am–5pm, the Remuera bookstore will transform into the cosy book-lover experience many readers dream of — sipping coffee while browsing shelves of romance novels, discovering new authors, and treating themselves to a stack of stories to take home.
For one day only, visitors will be able to purchase coffee from a special in-store Enamoured Books cart, with the experience beautifully styled by Babylon, creating a lush bookshop moment where visitors can enjoy a coffee in an elevated, cosy setting while discovering their next great love story.

The first 50 guests to purchase a romance book on the day will receive a curated goodie bag filled with indulgences for book lovers, including gorgeous romance books and products from brands such as Karen Murrell, Maebel, Saint Beauty, No Ugly, The Beauty Hub and Babylon.
Shoppers will also have access to limited-edition Enamoured tote bags and the chance to win back the entire book haul they purchase on the day.
The focus remains on creating a relaxed experience where visitors can browse at their own pace — taking a quiet moment to immerse themselves in stories while romanticising their everyday lives. However, staff will be available throughout the day to help readers discover their next favourite title and guide them through the many sub-genres of romance.

But the celebration is about more than a birthday — it’s about the community that has grown around the store. “Opening Enamoured was my dream, but what has happened over the past year has been even bigger than I imagined,” says founder Ruby Wallace.
“We’ve created a space where people can talk about romance books openly, ask questions, and explore the genre without shame. The community that has formed here is incredibly special.”
“We’ve seen people make friends at our events while standing in line, browsing the same section, or chatting about their favourite books. Some of the regulars who now come in together actually met here for the first time.”

A Safe Space for Romance Readers
Since launching, Enamoured has become one of the few bookstores in New Zealand dedicated entirely to romance — a genre that has seen a global resurgence in recent years.
But for Wallace, the store’s mission goes beyond selling books.
“Romance novels have long been written by women, for women, and there’s a strong focus on female pleasure and emotional connection within these stories,” she says.
“For a long time people felt embarrassed about reading romance. Many of us remember secretly borrowing our mum’s Mills & Boon books. Now readers are proudly displaying them on their shelves, discussing them online, and building communities around them.”
Alongside celebrating the genre, the store also takes a thoughtful approach to guidance, helping readers understand sub-genres, themes, and trigger warnings so they can choose books that are right for them.
The bookstore champions a sex-positive, shame-free environment, encouraging readers to explore the genre in a way that feels comfortable.
“Pleasure is subjective, and romance books can actually be a really positive tool for people to understand their own boundaries, interests, and fantasies,” Wallace explains.
“Whether someone prefers sweet love stories or something spicier, the most important thing is that they feel safe exploring it.”

Breaking Down the Misconceptions
Part of Enamoured’s mission is also to challenge common misconceptions about darker romance sub-genres.
“There’s often an assumption that darker books exist purely for shock value,” Wallace says.
“But when you read them in full context, they’re still romance stories — relationships built on care, trust and connection. The intensity may be part of the narrative, but the emotional relationship remains the centre of the story.”
The store encourages readers to take ownership of their reading journey — learning about trigger warnings, understanding what themes they are comfortable with, and exploring the genre at their own pace.
“Sexual empowerment is about autonomy and education,” Wallace says.
“We want people to feel confident making choices about what they read.”
Encouraging Responsible Reading
While Enamoured is proudly a sex-positive and shame-free space, the bookstore also places strong emphasis on age guidance and responsible reading.
Wallace says building a healthy reading culture means ensuring readers understand the themes within the books they choose.
“We absolutely welcome young adult readers into the store and want them to feel comfortable exploring the romance genre,” she says.
“But we are also very clear that some books contain mature themes and are recommended for readers 16+. Education and transparency are really important to us.”
For books containing darker or more explicit themes, Enamoured provides clear messaging and encourages readers to review content guidance before purchasing.
“In those cases we clearly note that the book is recommended for readers over 16. Trigger warnings are included inside the books and on our website, and if anyone has questions they are always welcome to reach out for guidance.”
The approach reflects the store’s broader philosophy — empowering readers with knowledge rather than gatekeeping the genre.
“One of the most important parts of sexual empowerment is autonomy,” Wallace says.
“That includes understanding what you’re comfortable with and feeling confident making decisions about what you read.”

Romanticising the Everyday
For Wallace, the first birthday event is about returning to the magic of the store’s opening day — and celebrating the community that has embraced the concept.
“At Enamoured we always say we want people to romanticise their lives,” she says.
“That might look like taking an hour to sit with a coffee and a book, treating yourself to a story that makes you feel something, or simply finding a space where you feel seen and understood.”
“One year on, that dream is still at the heart of everything we do.”

EVENT DETAILS
Enamoured Books First Birthday Celebration
Date: Saturday 11 April
Time: 10am – 5pm
Location: Enamoured Books, 346 Remuera Road, Remuera, Auckland
On the day:
• Coffee cart experience inside the store from 10am – 2pm
• First 50 guests to purchase a romance book receive a curated goodie bag
• Limited edition Enamoured tote bags
• Chance to win back your book haul
• A celebration of romance reading and community

About Enamoured Books
Enamoured Books was founded with a simple yet powerful mission: to create a space where romance lovers can indulge in their passion for reading without judgement.
Romance books are more than just stories — they are an escape, a form of empowerment, and a way to explore love in all its forms.
The store offers an extensive selection of romance titles spanning contemporary love stories, rom-coms, fantasy romance and spicier reads, celebrating diversity and inclusivity across the genre.
At Enamoured, every reader is invited to step into their own love story — romanticising life, embracing their interests, and connecting with a vibrant community of fellow book lovers.
enamouredbooks.co.nz
Follow Enamoured Books on social media
Instagram: @enamouredbooks
Facebook: @enamouredbooks
TikTok: @enamoured.books
 

Auckland comes alive from April through to early winter with a vibrant mix of cultural festivals, live performances, and creative events. For visitors planning a stay, Best Western Newmarket Inn & Suites offers a comfortable and convenient base, with easy access to the city’s top venues and attractions.

Here are some of the standout events happening from the start of April:

• World of Cultures Festival (March 21- April 5)
• Location: Various locations across Auckland
• Kicking off the month, this citywide celebration showcases Auckland’s incredible cultural diversity. Visitors can explore international food, music, dance, and traditions through a variety of free and family-friendly events held across the region.
• Dreamer Indoor Light Festival (3 to 12 April)
• Location: New Zealand International Convention Centre
• This immersive experience transforms indoor spaces into a glowing, interactive environment. It is a visually striking event that appeals to all ages.
• Autumn Armageddon Expo (25 to 27 April)
• Location: Auckland Showgrounds
• One of Auckland’s largest pop culture events, Armageddon brings together fans of gaming, comics, film, and cosplay. Expect special guests, interactive exhibits, and plenty of entertainment throughout the weekend.
• Taite Music Prize (29 April)
• Location: Q Theatre
• This respected event celebrates outstanding New Zealand music, recognising albums that show creativity and artistic depth. It is a highlight for music lovers and industry insiders alike.
• New Zealand International Comedy Festival (1-24 May)
• Location: Multiple venues including SkyCity Theatre and The Civic
• Taking over venues across the city, this festival delivers weeks of laughter with local and international comedians performing stand up, improv, and more.
• Auckland Writers Festival Waituhi o Tāmaki (12-17 May)
• Location: Aotea Centre
• A major cultural highlight, this festival features renowned authors and thinkers from New Zealand and around the world. Attendees can enjoy talks, panel discussions, and workshops in a lively and inspiring atmosphere.
• Auckland Festival of Photography (29 May - 14 June)
• Location: Various galleries across Auckland
• Closing out the season, this festival transforms Auckland into a citywide gallery. Exhibitions and installations highlight powerful visual storytelling from both emerging and established photographers.

With such a diverse calendar of events, there is something for every visitor to enjoy. Staying at Best Western Newmarket Inn & Suites places you close to the heart of the action, while offering a relaxing retreat at the end of a busy day exploring Auckland.

Contact Best Western Newmarket Inn & Suites

info@abf.net.nz

0508 899 699

https://www.bestwesternnewmarket.co.nz

Contact MediaPA

027 458 7724

phillip@mediapa.co.nz

“A perfect day.”

That from Selwyn Sounds promoter, David Parlane who says from the first note played yesterday at 11am to the last at just after 8.30pm, the day was perfect.

8000 people dance, sat, drank and ate in the sun on Saturday at the Lincoln Domain, enjoying the ninth Selwyn Sounds. This year headliners were Tony Hadley ex Spandau Ballet and Irish superstar, now living in Australia, Ronan Keating.

The festival sold out in record time last year and people were still wanting tickets right up to the day.

“Everyone was there to have a good time, and they did,” says Parlane. “The dance area was full from the beginning to the end of the day. There was not a cloud in the sky and as things cooled in the evening when Ronan Keating came on, the vibe was magic.”

Perennial favourite Automatic 80s kicked things off at 11am with songs that had the crowd dancing and singing. Their version of 99 Luftballons sung in German by Pearl Runga was incredible.

OpShop were performing publicly for the first time in six years; they were tight and fun, their songs clearly resonating with the crowd. Mi Sex brought their usual wonderfully mad energy and talent to the stage, and When The Cats Away showed why they are such Kiwi music legends. Tony Hadley ex Spandau Ballet hit the stage next, performing an eclectic playlist (including Spandau Ballet’s hits True and Gold) which showed he still has an incredible and powerful voice.

Then Irish superstar Ronan Keating finished the day with a performance that had everyone spellbound. He finished with Life is a Rollercoaster; the crowd chanted “one more song” and he returned to the stage; this crowd was not going to let him go until they heard it.

Parlane is already planning the 10th anniversary Selwyn Sounds for next year.

“If you thought this lineup was incredible…..just you wait for 2027,” he says.

Annual music festival Selwyn Sounds, which sold out in record time late last year, is almost upon us.

On March 7, a crowd of 8000 will pack the Lincoln Domain for a great day of music from a range of acts, headlined by international stars Ronan Keating and Tony Hadley - ex-Spandau Ballet.

Selwyn Sounds promoter, David Parlane, says all of the musicians and performers can’t wait to hit the stage. He adds that despite being sold out he’s are still getting inquiries about tickets.

“We’ve had a group who had bought VIP tickets to our corporate area contact us, and due to unforeseen circumstances they can’t make it so those tickets are now available. But that’s it,” he says. “Everything has been snapped up. There’s even a massive wait list for campervan and other vehicle parking spots. It’s going to be an incredible day.”

Crowd favourites Automatic 80’s will kick things off at 11am, followed by one of New Zealand’s most loved rock bands OpShop, then 80’s legends Mi Sex, followed by incredible icons of live Kiwi performance When the Cat’s Away. The penultimate performer of the day is Tony Hadley (ex-Spandau Ballet) and just when you thought it couldn’t get any better - headliner and Irish superstar Ronan Keating brings it all home.

Key information for ticket holders is available here or (go to) selwynsounds.co.nz/FAQs. It includes what you can and can’t take into the festival, how and when you can access the site; ID, entry and festival rules, and parking/site map information.

Parking opens at 8:45am, express pass and corporate gates open at 9:30am, general admission gates open at 10:00am and the festival runs from 11:00am to 8:30pm

Additional

More than 70,000 tickets have been sold for Selwyn Sounds since it began in 2017.

Selwyn Sounds has supported the community with $320,000 brought into the local and wider Canterbury economy – that includes approx. $10k a year for the local school from carparking for the event.

More than 66 bands and performers have rocked the Lincoln Domain at Selwyn Sounds since 2017.

www.selwynsounds.co.nz

All FAQs selwynsounds.co.nz/FAQs

With event day fast approaching, excitement is building for the Frankton McDonald’s Colour Run/Walk, made possible by the generous support of local and national sponsors and partners who have come together to back this community fundraiser. Set to light up Innes Common at Hamilton Lake on Sunday 15 February 2026, the event will run from 10am to 2pm, with gates opening at 9am for early check-in, filling the lakefront with colour, music and connection.

This 4km run and walk is designed for all ages and abilities, bringing families, friends and workplaces together in support of Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC). Every step taken and every ticket sold helps support families when they need it most. Full event details, tickets and donations are available at www.HamiltonColourRun.co.nz.

The Businesses Making This Event Possible

Community events don’t happen on goodwill alone, and this one is no exception. We’re incredibly grateful to the businesses who have stepped up to support this kaupapa.

At the forefront is Platinum Sponsor McDonald’s Restaurants Limited, whose long-standing commitment to family wellbeing and community connection underpins the heart of this event.

Our Gold level Sponsors – JP & Associates, After, Omega Finance, Aman Bali & Co, The Bottle-O Te Rapa and No.1 Motels – have played a vital role in bringing the Colour Run/Walk to life. We also acknowledge Blackfox Creative for providing creative direction across the event’s marketing and website.

Colour, Energy and Interaction on the Course

Participants can expect plenty of action along the route thanks to our Colour Station Sponsors, who will be out there creating memorable moments:

• Wash Rite, adding both colour and cooling fun with a water-spray truck
• Winger Motors
• Hamilton Eye Clinic
• Laser Eye Centre
• Camarosa
• Virtual Print

We also thank our Silver Sponsors – BNZ, Lorna Jane, Glenview School and Parry Group of Restaurants – for backing this community fundraiser.

Supporting the Event from the Ground Up

A number of partners are working behind the scenes to ensure everything runs safely and smoothly on the day. Our thanks go to:

• JSR Refrigeration & Air Conditioning
• TR Trucks
• Sitech Systems Limited
• Elyte Hydration
• Eagle Security
• The Warehouse
  

We also acknowledge MediaPA for their role in helping share the story of this event across the wider community.

Join Us and Be Part of the Colour

As the countdown continues, now is the time to get involved. Whether you’re running, walking, volunteering or donating, your support makes a real difference for RMHC and the families they care for.

The Frankton McDonald’s Colour Run/Walk is a celebration of what can happen when a community comes together. To every sponsor, partner, supporter and participant, thank you for helping make Hamilton Lake shine.

� Tickets & donations: www.HamiltonColourRun.co.nz

FRANKTON McDONALD’S COLOUR RUN / WALK
� Innes Common, Hamilton Lake
� Sunday 15 February 2026
⏰ 10am–2pm (gates open 9am)

Live music, face painting, photo booth fun, giant bubbles, splashes of colour and water, coffee, food trucks, kids’ activities, and emergency services displays will all be part of the day.

I'd be happy to critique "The Elephant in the Room" by Leonardus Aarts.

Title and Conceptual Framework:

The title is clever and loaded with meaning. "The elephant in the room" refers to an obvious truth or problem that everyone knows about but no one wants to acknowledge. This creates immediate expectations: Will we see a literal elephant? A metaphorical one? How does Aarts visualize this common idiom? The answer appears to be both—there are suggestive forms that could read as an elephant (particularly the spiral/circular forms center-right that might suggest a trunk), but the work operates primarily in the realm of abstraction and visual complexity.

Composition and Structure:

The painting has an all-over composition reminiscent of Abstract Expressionism, particularly Pollock or de Kooning, but with more controlled, deliberate mark-making. The surface is densely packed with overlapping forms, lines, and gestural marks that create multiple layers of visual information. Unlike pure gestural abstraction, however, there's an underlying structure—vertical elements on the left suggest architecture or spatial divisions, while circular and curved forms on the right create movement and flow.

Color Palette:

The dominant yellows and greens create an organic, somewhat acidic atmosphere. These colors, combined with blacks, grays, and touches of red and orange, generate visual tension. The palette feels slightly unsettling—not quite natural, not quite comfortable—which effectively supports the title's implication of discomfort or avoidance. The yellow particularly dominates, suggesting illumination but also perhaps anxiety or warning.

Linear Language:

Aarts employs multiple types of line work: thick black contours, thin scratchy marks, curved gestural sweeps, and angular architectural lines. This variety creates visual richness but also contributes to the overall sense of chaos or crowding. The lines don't just define forms—they create a network or web that traps the eye, making it difficult to focus on any single element. This could be read as a brilliant visualization of the title's concept: the "elephant" is obscured by all the visual noise we create around it.

Figurative Elements:

Hidden within the abstract complexity are suggestions of faces, eyes, and organic forms. I can identify what appear to be eyes in multiple locations, circular forms that might be heads or faces, and the aforementioned elephant-like curves. These half-hidden figurative elements create an uncanny quality—we sense presence without clear representation. This ambiguity perfectly captures the idea of something obvious yet unacknowledged.

Spatial Dynamics:

The work oscillates between flatness and depth. Some areas push forward through color intensity or mark density, while others recede. The left side feels more structured and architectural, while the right side is more organic and flowing. This creates a dynamic push-pull that keeps the eye moving across the surface, never quite settling—again, perhaps reinforcing the discomfort inherent in the title's concept.

Technical Execution:

The layering technique is sophisticated, with transparent washes allowing underlayers to show through while opaque marks assert themselves on top. This creates archaeological depth—a sense of history and accumulation. The paint handling varies from thin and washy to thick and gestural, demonstrating range and intentionality rather than stylistic monotony.

Strengths:

Conceptually rich relationship between title and visual execution
Sophisticated layering and mark-making that rewards close viewing
Effective use of visual density to create psychological tension
Successfully balances abstraction and suggestion
The palette, while potentially unsettling, is cohesive and purposeful
Shows influences from art history while maintaining individual voice

Areas for Consideration:

The overall density, while thematically appropriate, can be visually exhausting; a few areas of relative calm might provide needed contrast
Some sections (particularly upper center) feel slightly more resolved than others, creating minor inconsistencies
While the figurative suggestions are intriguing, they could be either pushed slightly further for clarity or pulled back further into abstraction—the current balance, while interesting, occasionally feels unintentional rather than strategic
The red/orange accents are effective but somewhat scattered; consolidating them might create stronger focal points

Contextual Observations:

Comparing this to the "Theatre" works, Aarts demonstrates remarkable range. Where "Theatre" was colorfully expressionistic and "Theatre Reprise" was linearly complex but restrained, "The Elephant in the Room" synthesizes both approaches—it has the color energy of the first and the linear complexity of the second, while introducing a more overtly conceptual dimension through its title.

Overall Assessment:

This is an ambitious, intellectually engaging work that successfully visualizes a metaphor through formal means rather than literal representation. The painting creates the experience of searching for something obvious that remains elusive—much like the social dynamic its title describes. It's challenging, complex, and deliberately uncomfortable, which makes it effective art even if not always "pleasing." The work demonstrates mature artistic thinking where form, content, and concept work in concert.

Aarts shows himself to be an artist interested in both formal exploration and conceptual depth, capable of moving between different modes while maintaining a recognizable sensibility across works.

Now I can see "Theatre Reprise" - and it's quite a different work from the previous "Theatre" painting. This gives me a much better understanding of Aarts' approach to revisiting a theme.

Comparative Approach:

This reprise represents a fascinating departure from the colorful, impasto-heavy original. Where "Theatre" was vibrant and sculptural, "Theatre Reprise" is restrained, almost monochromatic, and significantly more linear. This suggests the artist is exploring the same subject through an entirely different aesthetic lens - less about atmospheric color and texture, more about linear structure and spatial complexity.

Line and Form:

The work is dominated by sinuous, organic contour lines that create a maze-like quality. These lines meander across the surface, defining spaces, suggesting figures, architectural elements, and abstract forms. The line quality itself is confident and fluid, showing practiced hand control. However, the sheer density of linear information creates a visual puzzle that demands sustained attention from the viewer.

Color Palette:

The near-monochromatic scheme of grays, blacks, creams, and subtle mauves with strategic touches of yellow creates a subdued, perhaps more introspective mood than the original. This restraint allows the linear complexity to take center stage. The yellow accents provide crucial focal points that guide the eye through an otherwise overwhelming composition.

Spatial Ambiguity:

Unlike the relatively clear architectural reading of "Theatre," this reprise embraces deliberate spatial ambiguity. Forms seem to exist simultaneously in multiple planes - are we looking at a stage, an audience, architectural facades, or all of these at once? This flattening and layering is reminiscent of Cubist strategies, where multiple viewpoints collapse into a single picture plane.

Figurative Elements:

There are suggestions of faces, eyes, and human forms embedded within the linear network - particularly visible in the upper portion and center-right. These fragmented figurative elements reinforce the "theatre" theme (performers, audiences, masks?), but they're integrated into the overall pattern rather than standing as discrete elements. This creates an intriguing tension between representation and abstraction.

Compositional Structure:

The work divides roughly into horizontal registers, but unlike the clear stratification in "Theatre," these zones interpenetrate and overlap. The upper third seems more architectural, the middle more figurative, and the lower section returns to architectural or perhaps reflected elements. However, these boundaries are permeable, creating visual complexity.

Strengths:

Exceptional linear confidence and fluidity
Sophisticated integration of figure and ground
The restraint in color allows the compositional complexity to shine
Successfully creates a sense of theatrical space through non-literal means
The fragmented, simultaneous quality captures something essential about the theater experience - multiple narratives, perspectives, and realities coexisting

Areas for Consideration:

The density of information is somewhat overwhelming; the eye struggles to find rest points
While the yellow accents help, a few more strategic focal points might improve visual navigation
Some areas (particularly lower left) feel slightly more resolved than others, creating inconsistency in the level of finish
The relationship between the linear elements and the subtle tonal variations could be pushed further for greater depth

Overall Assessment:

This is a sophisticated, intellectually engaging work that demonstrates the artist's range and willingness to completely reimagine a subject. Where "Theatre" was about sensory immersion through color and texture, "Theatre Reprise" is about conceptual complexity and spatial riddles. It's less immediately accessible but potentially more rewarding with sustained viewing. The work shows influences from early modernism (Cubism, perhaps Klee) while maintaining an individual voice.

The comparison between these two works reveals an artist comfortable moving between expressive modes and one interested in exploring how radically different formal strategies can address the same theme.

I'd be happy to provide an art critique of "Theatre" by Leonardus Aarts.

Compositional Strengths:

The painting demonstrates a strong sense of architectural rhythm through the repetition of vertical building forms. The artist creates visual interest by varying the width and color temperature of these structures, preventing monotony. The horizontal banding in the lower portion provides effective counterbalance to the vertical elements, creating a stable compositional framework.

Color and Light:

Aarts employs a sophisticated cool-warm color dialogue. The dominant turquoise and blue-green palette suggests evening or artificial light, while strategic placement of yellow-orange accents (particularly in the windows and right-side building) creates focal points and atmospheric depth. This interplay suggests the vibrant energy of a theater district at night.

Technique:

The heavy impasto application is both the painting's greatest strength and potential weakness. The thick, sculptural brushwork creates remarkable texture and physicality, giving the piece an almost relief-like quality. However, in some areas—particularly the middle horizontal band—the gestural marks become somewhat chaotic and may obscure the intended forms. The technique works best in the architectural elements where the structural intent remains clear beneath the expressive surface.

Spatial Considerations:

The reflection or foreground element (the banded sections at bottom) is somewhat ambiguous. While this could be an intentional abstraction of water reflections or theater lights, the relationship between these horizontal elements and the buildings above could be more clearly articulated. The viewer's eye has to work perhaps harder than necessary to parse the spatial relationships.

Overall Assessment:

This is an energetic, confident work that captures the vitality of urban theater life through expressionistic means. The painting succeeds in conveying atmosphere and mood over literal representation. The bold color choices and vigorous paint handling demonstrate artistic conviction, though some areas might benefit from slightly more restraint to enhance readability without sacrificing expressive power.

Tom Wingfield has secrets to share                  

From the team that brought you Blithe Spirit, another classic masterpiece, The Glass Menagerie by Tennesee Williams is brought to Circa Theatre from January 24 - February 21 2026.

Tom Wingfield takes us back to his home life in 1930s St Louis, Missouri.Back to a family trapped by dreams and delusions. Times are tough. His solo mother, Amanda, a faded Southern belle, is hellbent on finding a better future for her emotionally fragile daughter, Laura, while Tom, a budding writer, is caught between his duty to his family and his desire for freedom.

Fiercely moving and seriously funny,The Glass Menagerie is an achingly beautiful story of four people struggling to conform to the expectations of others.

“ A play only remains a classic as long as it continues to yield new meanings.I’m thrilled to be exploring just that with my talented cast of new and established performers” Colin McColl

Featuring Circa stalwart Simon Leary as Tom and Hera Dunleavy (Blithe Spirit) as Amanda, with Jackson Burling as “The Gentleman Caller” and exciting newcomer Ashley Harnett as Laura, this is a rare opportunity to experience the urgent relevance of Tennesee Williams’ haunting and uncompromising masterwork.

The Glass Menagerie reunites director Colin McColl with Tony Rabbit (Designer). Their 40 year theatrical partnership has seen their work presented in Sydney, Glasgow, London, Brisbane, New York, Oslo and at festivals and theatres throughout New Zealand.

Don't miss this rare opportunity to experience the urgent relevance of Tennessee Williams haunting and uncompromising masterwork. 

The Glass Menagerie by Tennesee Williams

Directed by Colin McColl

24 Jan – 22 Feb

Preview 23 Jan

Circa One

Tues – Sat 7pm

Sun 4pm

Special midweek matinees

1pm Thu 12 Feb & 1pm Thu 19 Feb

$25 – $60

Circa.co.nz

New Zealand homeowners are embracing synthetic lawns as a practical way to enjoy a green outdoor space without the weekly maintenance.

For years, the classic Kiwi backyard has come with a familiar routine: mowing every weekend, patching dead spots, and battling muddy lawns through winter. But in 2026, more New Zealand households are starting to question whether a natural lawn is worth the time, cost, and effort. Across the country, artificial grass is quickly becoming the go-to solution for people who want a clean, green outdoor space that stays usable all year round.

This isn’t just about aesthetics. It’s about lifestyle. And for many Kiwi families, it’s about making outdoor areas more functional and less stressful.

The pressure of busy lives and rising costs

Between work, kids’ sport, weekend plans, and everything else life throws at you, mowing the lawn is becoming one of those chores that always gets pushed back. And when it does get done, it rarely feels rewarding. Add in the rising cost of watering, fertilisers, and lawn care products, and it’s easy to see why many homeowners are looking for an alternative.

In parts of New Zealand where dry summers and water restrictions are becoming more common, maintaining a lush lawn can feel like a losing battle. Even in wetter regions, lawns are still prone to damage from heavy foot traffic, pets, shaded areas, and seasonal wear. Artificial grass offers an appealing option because it stays consistent, with no ongoing watering and far less upkeep.

Families want outdoor spaces that work year-round

One of the biggest drivers behind this trend is simple: families want their outdoor spaces to actually be usable.

For parents, a muddy lawn often means more cleaning, more laundry, and more stress. For dog owners, it can mean worn patches, holes, and muddy paws tracking through the house daily. And for both, it often means a backyard that looks tired after only a few months of real use.

A well-installed synthetic lawn gives households a cleaner, more reliable surface. Kids can play outside without turning the lawn into a mud pit, pets can run around without digging up the backyard, and the whole space stays much more manageable through winter.

Modern artificial grass looks and feels more realistic than ever

For a long time, artificial turf had a reputation for looking flat, shiny, and obviously fake. That might have been true years ago, but modern artificial grass has come a long way.

Newer synthetic grass options use improved yarn technology, stronger backing systems, and realistic blade shapes designed to hold their structure and colour. Many premium turf styles now include multi-tonal fibres that mimic the look of natural lawn, with a softer feel underfoot and better drainage to reduce pooling and odours.

Today’s artificial grass isn’t just about looking green. It’s about performance, durability, and comfort, especially in New Zealand’s varied climate and strong UV exposure.

It’s not just for backyards anymore

Artificial grass is no longer limited to traditional lawns. In 2026, it’s being installed in a wide range of spaces, especially in modern homes where outdoor areas are smaller or harder to maintain.

Across NZ, synthetic lawns are becoming popular in:

• Courtyards where natural grass struggles to grow
• Townhouses and high-density housing, where outdoor areas need to stay tidy
• Rooftops and balconies, where greenery is wanted without soil or mess
• Commercial spaces, including offices, childcare centres, and public-use areas
• Family homes, where children and pets need safe, durable surfaces

For homeowners who want their outdoor areas to look finished and feel inviting, turf has become an easy way to create a clean, green base for the rest of the space.

A shift in what Kiwis expect from their outdoor spaces

The rise of artificial grass is part of a bigger shift in New Zealand home living. People still love the outdoors, but they’re making choices based on ease, long-term value, and how their space fits their lifestyle.

Urban Turf Solutions is one company seeing the shift firsthand. With a growing network of approved installers and dealers across New Zealand, they supply a wide range of artificial grass designed to suit everything from family backyards to rooftops and high-traffic commercial spaces. The company says more Kiwis are choosing synthetic lawns because instead of spending weekends maintaining lawns, many households are investing in outdoor areas they can actually enjoy. 

Whether it’s to save time, reduce water use, or keep a backyard cleaner for kids and pets, artificial grass is becoming less of a luxury and more of a sensible choice for everyday NZ living.