The Spinoff’s top pick of events from around the motu. Here’s the week 4 – 11 September.

Welcome to The Spinoff event guide, your weekly, curated selection of gigs, events and exhibitions happening across Aotearoa. If you want to pitch your event for future guides then please use this handy form.


Tāmaki Makaurau
A promotional image for Bic Runga's performance with the Auckland Philharmonic Orchestra showing Runga mirrored, with text overlaid.

Music: Bic Runga with Auckland Philharmonia

Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre, Aotea Centre
7.30pm Saturday, September 6
$95.34–$175

The set promises to include Runga classics such as ‘Something Good’, ‘Precious Things’ and ‘Bursting Through’.


Raglan
A promotional image for musicians Greta O'Leary and duo, Moon Goose: the image shows O'Leary on the left and Moon Goose at night on the left - they are by the sea and one person has a violin and another with a guitar. There is text overlaid.

Music: Greta O’Leary And Moon Goose – River Dark Album Release Tour

Stewart St Hall
27.30pm Thursday, September 4
$15–$30

Greta O’Leary and Whaingaroa folk duo Moon Goose (Holly Dove and Britta Hamill) are touring their brand new works.


Tauranga

Theatre/puppetry: The Orange Box

The Village Box, The Historic Village
11am Saturday, September 6
$10.75–$21.50 (family passes available)

Spanish company Naranjarte bring a mix of circus, puppetry and illusion for the whole family.


Ngāmotu
An image of the author Catherine Chidgey who has long red hair. She is wearing a necklace and is looking into the camera.Author Catherine Chidgey is one of the speakers at the Ao Pūrākau festival.

Storytelling: Ao Pūrākau | Story Worlds Festival

Various venues incl Puke Ariki Museum, Libraries, Govett-Brewster Art Gallery | Len Lye Centre
Various times, September 11–14
Free – $20

A new festival celebrating storytelling in its many forms to explore how stories shape our worlds. The programme includes events with writers Catherine Chidgey, Michael Bennett, Clare Moleta, Tim Jones and Cassie Hart.

Te-Whanganui-a-Tara
A promotional poster for the Great Sounds Great festival which has a red block with black and white figures on it; and a list of artists beside it.

Festival: Great Sounds Great

Various venues, Cuba St precinct
4pm Saturday, September 6 ’til 3am Sunday, September 7
$79–$99

A music and arts festival showcasing 40 artists over 10 venues. Featuring: Anthonie Tonnon, The Bats, Hans Pucket, Jazmine Mary, Jordan Hamel, Rebecca Hawkes, Shayne Carter, The Phoenix Foundation and many more.


Whakatū
A promotional image for Rock the City which is a showcase of eight youth bands. There is a band in black and white in the background with "Rock the City" in block letters overlaid. There are red "X" symbols in the lower corners.

Music: Rock the City 

Theatre Royal
7pm Friday, September 5
$10

A non-competitive youth music showcase: eight bands will perform their original music. Featuring: Shedheads, Imperfect Circles, Salisbury Road, Recovery, Triple Stuffed, Flipswitch, Lodestone and Armadillo.


Ōtautahi
A promotional image for Twelfth Night play at the Court Theatre showing a woman gesturing off stage wearing a dark blue robe. Text is overlaid.

Theatre: Twelfth Night

The Court Theatre
6.30pm Thursday, September 4; 7.30pm Friday & Saturday, September 5–6
$29–$79

“If music be the food of love, play on!” That one.

Literature: Late Night Poetry Hour

Little Andromeda
9pm Friday, September 5
$10

An open mic then two feature poets, hosted by Ray Shipley.


Ōtepoti
A promotional poster image for Otago Polyfest which is bright orange and yellow with a graphic of a flower. Text is overlaid.

Pasifika: Otago Polyfest

More FM Arena, Edgar Centre
9am–9.30pm Thursday, September 4; 9am–3pm Friday, September 5
Free

The 32nd annual Otago Polyfest will bring together thousands of tamariki, rangatahi, whānau and kaiako to celebrate language, identity and community through powerful performances and vibrant cultural experiences.