Tag Archives: events

Sunny in Auckland

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It ain’t easy heading back to the city after a beachside getaway. Add the massive challenge of remembering passwords and a deciphering to-do list from the distant days of 2012 and it can all get a bit uninspiring.

This week is not without great moments, some arranged last year like Weezer (with UMO!) on Friday and an important work meeting catchup with a cool editor on the deck of La Zeppa late this afternoon with a lovely jug of Pimms (pictured). La Zeppa’s Pimms is so very good, and so is the Mairangi Wine Cooler at Britomart Country Club.There seems to be a lovely trend of tasty summer drinks in jugs, which I’m very much enjoying. I have visions of Pimms and garden parties on the lawn at my soon to be home, but I digress.
20130109-203744.jpg A long awaited gig, drinks and good company aside, here are some other suggestions for remembering you actually like living in the city – even if you keep seeing pictures of everyone else having swims while you’re wondering why you forgot to bring an afternoon snack to work.

This amazing list of things:
- Go to the tennis (I’m taking the afternoon off work to go to the Heineken Open quarters tomorrow, best plan ever).
- Go to the Baseline Afterparty, a brilliant chance to see some of New Zealand’s finest musicians for a mere $30. And when I’ve been before, it’s pretty easy to watch the final on the big screens or by cleverly standing in the corner near the court. Details: David Dallas, Ruby Frost, Isaac Aesili and Ladi6. Tickets here. I haven’t made a plan yet, but might see you there.
- Borrow a friend and their dog and go for a walk to a cafe.
- Go to Les Miserables, it’s finally here! Here’s my review, if you feel like reading what I thought of it.
- Buy amazing groceries, this always makes me happy. There are some great specials at Nosh right now. Don’t be like me and have a cheese crisis, it’s very disconcerting.

Welcome to the year. Auckland you’re doing it beautifully so far.

Photos, music and Steve Jobs

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I’m taking a short break from enthusiastically cleaning the bathroom to tell you about some great events I’m heading to this week – it’s a bumper week of awesomeness, I promise you.

Who Shot Rock & Roll – the exhibition has just opened and Tuesday night is the first of the monthly late nights – this one features Critic’s Choice Award winner Watercolours, a talk by Tim Finn and DJ Thane Kirby’s Afro. Plus you get to look at photos by the best music photographers there ever were. Sweet price at $15 too.

Settling the Score Live – This is a concert featuring the top voted classical songs played by the APO and MCed by that lovely John Campbell. A good concert for ignoramuses like me.

Little Shop of Horrors – I don’t know how ATC’s production could possibly surpass the amateur one I was involved with in Howick… But I hear the singing is amazing and I’m interested to see Tim Carlsen in this kind of role as his performances last year were of a different tone altogether.

The Agony & The Ecstasy of Steve Jobs 2.0 – I was annoyed with myself for missing out on the performance a few months ago and had been thinking about heading along, but then today they announced the hilarious Taika Waititi and Madeleine Sami had been added to the cast, so I immediately organised a table of six. One show only so hurrrrryyyyy.

Notable mentions must go to a couple of re-runs: I loved Brel and Mary Poppins I’m booking in to go back to see both. This is MOST UNUSUAL.

Finally, props to my flatmate Kinloch who appeared all over the media today dress as a dog and meeting the Royals. Good work indeed.

Over and out.
BUT WAIT THERE’S MORE:

In my cleaning product induced haze I forgot about three more of my favourite events are on this week… seriously Auckland, I can’t keep up!

Taste of Auckland – Food by the best, what more do I need to say. Starts Thursday.

Grey Lynn Park Festival – This Saturday!

Tiger Translate – Saturday night at The Studio.

The power of authenticity

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At the risk of sounding like a self-styled lifestyle guru, I want to say a few words about authenticity, also known as not being a fake or being yourself.

I’m having one of those ‘after work events’ weeks. Tonight there were lots of options, last night there was my favourite ‘meet-your-peers and sample some snacks and drinks from the host’ event Media Mingle. It’s just that time of year – launches, end of financial year parties – the list is endless.

I find these events either fabulous or dire, and often it isn’t about the quality of the catering (even though superior nibbles certainly helps). What so often kills events for me is networking.

On a good day, I can network with the best of them. I can introduce myself to randoms, explain where I work, hear the business pitch… wish I was somewhere else… leave as soon as possible.

This is the thing. I’m a person. I’m not a potential revenue stream. I’m not the person who buys advertising in my company. I’m more likely at the party for the already mentioned several times food, than from a desire to have someone corner me and try to guilt me in to a) buying their product b) giving them free stuff c) promoting their product even though I’ve never used it.

I’d like to follow up the angry sounding paragraph above with the qualification that this week has been delightfully void of such instances. I have chatted with people about their work and mine, music, the Rugby World Cup theme song horror (don’t they like non-boofheads?), interesting projects and opinions on all kinds of things… but not once did someone cross the line into pushy/desperate territory.

What I think it boils down to is that we are interested in people more than products, conversation more than pitches and friendliness more than networking. I think authenticity creates connections with people far more than listing credentials does.

I’m all for ‘fake it till you make it’ on occasions when you need to project confidence. It makes sense that people wear a veneer at parties or events when surrounded by strangers. But when you go in with a firm belief that people are likeable and interesting, without any agenda other than a determination to enjoy yourself, then the chance of enjoyment, relationship building and (dare I say) even networking skyrockets. But really, the enjoyment factor is the most important.  

Blog: Beautiful people

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We’ve all heard it before – it is what is on the inside that counts. I know a some beautiful people. Being around them make me a better friend, kinder person and more smiley customer. That sounds a bit extreme and makes them sound like some kind of superhero or messiah, and not only is that not the case, but puts way too much pressure on people.

What I’m actually talking about are the people who are unashamedly friendly and healthily confident. I’m not saying they don’t have issues, we all do. But somehow they’ve managed to get past living with the ‘am I okay?’ question and instead live with the attitude that people are interesting and fun – so they treat the world that way. I think this is amazing because the responses they get are almost unfailingly positive. They bring out the best in people.

Today I had the fun of spending the morning with one of these people, my gorgeous & loveable friend Lizzie, who is always fun to hang out with. I smiled and laughed a lot as we made extremely important life decisions at the Designer Garage Sale. We even purchased the last two pairs of Black mid-calf For Good boots in the world (apparently) and negotiated that I would get to wear them on Thursday when we are attending the theatre together.

The reason for this rave? Because friendship and shopping is great. Because friends are people who are good for your soul – even when life is less than happy. Because I really like this dress that Lizzie bought at Stitch Ministry today and wanted a reason to mention how utterly gorgeous their clothes are – especially for those who have long legs.

Photo: Very candid Designer Garage Sale shot – forgive me!

 

Blog: At the zoo

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I’ve had an incredible amount of opportunities to go to gigs and events over the years – sometimes for free through friends or work – and for someone who loves seeing live music, theatre and sport it is a beautiful thing.

I really love that sometimes I get to take friends with me to see something I know they’ll love or introduce them to a different genre.  This week has been lovely because I’ve been on the other end as a plus one for events with a couple of friends.

I’ve already raved about Mao’s Last Dancer on Wednesday and tonight I went to one of my favourite places, Auckland Zoo thanks my friend Cate and Sunrise who are sponsors of Zoo Music.

These events are brilliant – families were there with picnics and rugs, the vibe is relaxed, you can go early and look at the animals and you get to listen to some of our best musicians. I don’t think it’s possible to introduce kids to good music too early so Zoo Music is almost like a public service.

Tonight’s lineup was Lydia Cole, the Artisan Guns and Midnight Youth.

I didn’t catch much of Lydia Cole, but was glad to get there in time to see the Artisan Guns who I first saw last year and  whose EP I’ve really been enjoying (I can’t understand why they weren’t at Laneway). They’re a strong combination of solid talent and nice songs. A new EP is coming out soon and I’m looking forward to it.

The Midnight Youth are one of those bands who you might hear on the radio and discover you know the words but didn’t realise it was a local band. They play good old rock and roll, catchy, lots of guitars and strong vocals.

I haven’t seen them since the early days and the touring has really paid off. I’ve seen other bands unable or unwilling to connect with all ages crowds but I was really impressed with Jeremy and the boys show and how they managed to play a great rock show but also adapt to the environment – they pulled off some great crowd interaction.

And I got to see a tiger!

(Image: Midnight Youth) 

Blog: Remarkable stories

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Tonight started with me being excited about finally wearing a dress I bought on New Years day in Sydney. I was off to see Mao’s Last Dancer at The Civic with a friend and as there was a red carpet laid out I thought it I’d make an effort. Like Karen Walker commented about her new line at New York Fashion Week, this dress has more than a hint of the curtains from The Sound of Music – green with flowers. The dress is fun, but the film was more wonderful and inspired a few deeper thoughts on the way home.

Mao’s Last Dancer is an incredible true story told sensitively and shot beautifully. You can read Li Cunxin’s story here: http://www.licunxin.com/. I won’t ruin the story, even though the title should give you a few hints.

It is a special story and he is a special man. Along with the director Bruce Beresford (Driving Miss Daisy) and Screenwriter Jan Sardi, Li was at the premiere and spoke a few words before the film started. Even then, with limited knowledge of his story, I was moved by his humility and genuine excitement about the film about his life. After seeing his story on the screen I feel honoured to have been in the same room as him.

I doubt I will be immortalised in film. Even in this world where we can all blog, YouTube and self publish and broadcast our lives, my stories are not dramatic enough, I haven’t invented anything or lived through tragedies worse than the average person. When it comes to stories, mine is pretty bland, even though I’m really loving living it.

I’m grateful for that. This movie made me glad yet again that I live in beautiful New Zealand where we have freedom and the ability to choose who to follow and what to believe. Even though it’s not quite as safe feeling as when I was a kid and crazy stuff happens – I still love it here and thank God that I was born in little Aotearoa. Even in 2010 there are millions who couldn’t comprehend the amazing lives we have here. Even though the film about Li and his journey, it made me grateful that mine is simpler and relatively uneventful… not that this thought will stop me chronicling the trivialities of my life.

Seriously, see this film.

Blog: How to look effortlessly cool for Laneway

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It cannot be stressed enough that fitting in with the crowd is critical at music festivals – if you don’t look right then terrible things could happen such as:

·         Your friends abandoning you when you are in line for the toilets

·         Your less attractive but better dressed friends all being asked for their numbers by handsome and stylish strangers

·         No-one asking you which band you are in

There are a whole lot of things to consider before you choose your event look and research should be undertaken including watching music videos to see what the crowds are wearing; going to gigs at the Montechristo Room and Cassette number 9 and Facebook stalking your hippest friends and relations to see what is being worn at the parties they forget to invite you to.

Once you’ve got the look right in your head, keep an eye out over several weeks (not longer or your look may be dated) and collect clippings from magazines in a special folder. Try mixing and matching with a cut out of yourself to see if you really can pull off the look, then take a copy with you while shopping for your outfit.

When hitting the shops, don’t take your mum or any of your friends who will tell you that you look okay/great in everything. Aim high, bribe someone cool from work to take you on a lunchbreak. Don’t let your preferences get in the way of your decisions – avoid sparkles, heels and at all costs bootleg jeans. If in doubt go black and skinny.

Once you have your outfit and you’re confident that you’re ready to channel your inner indie star, remember that everything will be ruined if you look like you’re trying too hard. Here are a few hints on how to pull off your new casual look:

1.       Have a practice run – like a bride who has at least one hair and makeup rehearsal, try your look out several days before so that you have time for adjustments.

2.       Remember that you’ve got nearly 12 hours that you want to look hot for. Speaking of hot: wear waterproof mascara and not too much slap – it’s going to be a long day and you don’t want your face to melt off.

3.       Hair – perfection is old school. Make sure you allow at least 90 minutes to sculpt that devil may care style. You may need up to three hair products and multiple appliances to get it just right. Remember it’s better to stay home than to look too perfect, so once you’ve straightened your hair make sure you mess it up a little. Big is out, unless you’re a male vocalist.

4.       Shoes – while you may have issues with height, high heels are not recommended and neither are opened toed shoes. Get yourself some Chuck Taylors and make sure they’re not pristine. Scuffing is essential.

If you have followed this advice, you should have how you look sorted. Don’t ruin it by looking too excited about seeing your favourite band

(Image: Family Cactus, who will be performing at Laneway Festival)

Blog: Tennis courts and tantrums

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I love going to live sport and summer is tennis o’clock. One day I’d love to get to a grand slam, just to be part of the vibe. The game is exciting to watch, especially the power of the men’s game. While I was in Oz I watched a bit of the tennis that was on in Perth and Brisbane on the telly and got to see the laughable Leighton Hewitt treat every point like he’d won the Australian Open. A little fist pumping I can deal with, but regularly with the chainsaw thrown in – sorry Lates, but you look a bit ridiculous.

You don’t really expect to see such drama at the Heineken Open, we seem to attract the quietly talented rising stars and players who are consistent but not often brilliant. There is passion, but it’s not in a grandiose attention seeking kind of way. Here in New Zealand we don’t really appreciate that kind of behaviour anyway.

I went to the feature game of day one of the Open tonight. The delightfully named duo, Jurgen Melzer (Austria) and Fabio Fognini (Italy) played a very even first set with Fognini taking it out 7-5. It seemed early in the second set that the tit for tat game would continue the whole way through, but then Melzer started to hit a few clever shots to take the lead and Fognoni’s composure began to slip. While Melzer didn’t completely dominate and seemed to miss quite a few serves, he took the next two sets respectably 6-6, 6-2. I’m slightly ashamed to admit that my favourite moment of the game was at the end of the penultimate game when poor Fab threw his racquet down with all the fervour of Pat Cash. I assume it was frustration directed at himself, but it just looked like a tanty.

Tennis is great to go to. Once I got to enjoy all the luxury of a corporate box right by the net, with all the deliciousness that entailed. Tonight I settled for beer and chips. It’s a fun event whether you go luxury or el cheapo and beer and chips are pretty fantastic anyway.

Well done to the organisers, sponsors etc, even for day one it was a reasonable crowd, the venue looks great, the Heineken Hotel is cool, people seem excited to be there (even though they seem to think it’s okay to wear ANYTHING in the boxes, do we have no class New Zealand?). Totally worth a visit – and if tennis is not your thing why not cruise down to support the lovely Anna Scarlett (and her partner Susan Blundell) at the NZ Beach Volleyball Open the following weekend, when the whole place gets filled up with sand.

For both events the best advice I’ve received on what to wear to Stanley Street is SUNSCREEN. Too right. Take an umbrella too, this is Auckland.

Photo: My below par photo of today’s winner, Jurgen Melzer. 

Blog: Hippy Nu Yir

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I think I'll make it a rule that I have to spend the turn of each decade somewhere fabulous and landmarky. After celebrating the turn of the millenium in pelting rain at the Auckland Domain, it was good to say sayonara to the noughties at Sydney with the most un-frickin-believeable fireworks display.

Sydney does parties well – with 9pm fireworks for the little ones and midnight ones which was like the best fireworks display you've seen cubed. I love fireworks but have always found seeing one or two at a time a little boring. In Sydney they do layers of fireworks at different locations – from our brilliant vantage point we could see one of the barge displays, the city and the piece de resistance, the Sydney Harbour Bridge. My photo doesn't do it justice. It was spectacular and memorable, with types of fireworks I've never seen. It's so nice when an iconic event lives up to the hype. I think the only time I've seen something better was the dragon rocket in The Fellowship of the Ring. Oh, which reminds me – congratulations Sir Peter Jackson of Wellington!

I'm back in Melbourne for a few more days before returning to take up my Auckland life, but I have to say that the Sydney New Years jaunt was a stroke of genius, with the only disappointment being the fact that the Donna Hay flagship store was not open.

The nice thing about visiting Sydney for the third time in 15 months is that I had already done lots of the tourist stuff and so could relax and enjoy things at a slower pace. Highlights of the three day sojourn included Fish & Chips from Doyles at Watsons Bay, gorgeous Thai from neighbouring Kirribilli, Ben & Jerry's icecream and the purchase of a new non-black dress from Manly (icecream was gorgeous and the dress channels a certain amount of 500 Days of Summer cuteness while also hinting at a Sound of Music curtain dress).

New Year's Eve was totally fun (location, Kurruba Point, water views). Some of the 20 or so Aussies at Kylie and Mark's party enjoyed parroting everything I said in a Murray style accent (thanks so much for that Rhys Darby), but I was okay with assisting with the entertainment. Great food, bubbly and access to firework viewing points. I really like all the Sydneysiders I've met during my visits – they work ridiculously hard but they have a great sense of fun, they're friendly and they all seem to be good at the art of conversation. 

I haven't set any New Years resolutions as such this year, but have scribbled a page of things to give more consideration – the usual suspects are included – exercise, health and savings. I need to sort out some specifics and add in a few goals of the adventure kind, but in the meantime I refuse to do anything other than relax. Happy new year, I hope it's a great one for you.

Low quality photo courtesy me – I was too busy gawping to take any good ones, but you get the idea.

Blog: Red carpet rant

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Dear New Zealand. I just wanted to let you know that you probably need to re-look at your definition of formal attire. Somewhere along the line, some of you seem to have confused jeans with suits and sneakers with dress shoes. Girls, as cute as your shorts may be – they don’t exactly present an aura of sophistication and frankly, it’s too early in the summer for you to have that much of your legs out anyway.

The above rant is not a new one – every time I seem someone attend a wedding in jeans I’m disappointed in my generation and how little it seems to show respect for formality and the people throwing the event. This was reinforced heavily by some of the eye-gougingly dreadful ensembles I saw on the red carpet at The Lovely Bones last night. It wasn’t everyone – there were some stunning confections worn by the ladies, gentlemen and drag queens – but I also saw sneakers with dress pants, very casual dresses more suited to an afternoon at the beach and even (oh the horror) denim!

Lots of the men chose not to wear ties, which I thought was a shame, but that’s a whole different level of ‘kiwifying’ than just throwing on a summer frock from Supre that doesn’t fit properly. The people who were really casual didn’t even wear their rebellious outfits with panache, they looked dowdy and awkward.

I know I enjoy dressing up a lot more than some, but even if you’re not one to don the glad rags at any opportunity, I have a word you should add to your what should I wear vocabulary. That word is ‘appropriate’.

Sincerely, Josie

There were many many pluses however, so now I’ve had my rant, I present things I thought were noteworthy in the style stakes (also serves as captions):

·         Susan Sarandon – sassy in bare feet and glam in a backless black dress that showed off her tattoo

·         Taika Waititi – one of the best dressed and striking of all the guests

·         Guy Warner (I mean Craig Parker) – also well dressed and handsome

·         Rose McIver – super cute frock and stunning girl (with Myrddin Gwynned)

·         Shane Cortese – great shoes (he loves shoes)

·         Suzi Marsh – best armcandy and best legs on the red carpet

·         Cheese in cones – best snack masquerading as a dessert

·         Cages – best decor

I’m still thinking through the movie itself. It was chilling, moving and stunning. 

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