Entertainment

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...

ENTERTAINMENT https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GlEwkZ14n7k&list=RDGlEwkZ14n7k&start_radio=1(Source)

ART https://artbyvandeven.com/collectie/(Source)

Tātaki Auckland Unlimited is delighted to announce the appointment of Dr Zara Stanhope as Director of Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki, the city's leading public art gallery and home to the most extensive collection of national and international art in Aotearoa New Zealand.Dr Stanhope will start in the role on 2 March, 2026 and will lead the Gallery's strategic direction while overseeing its collection, exhibitions, education and public programme. The Gallery will continue to give priority to the art of Aotearoa New Zealand and toi Māori, alongside a strong programme of international art that engages audiences in Tāmaki Makaurau and beyond.Tātaki Auckland Unlimited Chief Executive Nick Hill said he is pleased to welcome Dr Stanhope back to the Gallery."We look forward to Zara shaping the ...

Pasifika Festival, one of the world's largest celebrations of Pacific Island culture, will again transform Western Springs into a vibrant hub of music, dance, and tradition next year.On 14 and 15 March, eight villages will host 11 Pacific Island nations for two days of live performances, dance, arts and crafts, and food. Since beginning in 1993, the festival has become a must‑attend event for many and a cornerstone festival of Auckland's cultural landscape.Next year's festivalgoers can expect to see a newly designed logo which amplifies Pacific cultural pride and contemporary identity.Co‑designed by Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, which delivers the festival on behalf of Auckland Council Events, and the festival's cultural advisors, the new logo centres on the tapa cloth, a traditional barkclot...

New Zealand’s visual effects (VFX) sector continues to expand, fuelled by global demand for high-quality content across film, television, streaming, gaming, and advertising. As the industry evolves, studios are looking for artists who can blend strong artistic fundamentals with modern, tech-driven capabilities. Here are the key skills VFX newcomers need in 2025 to stay competitive in New Zealand’s fast-growing digital production landscape. 1. Strong Artistic Foundations Despite rapid advances in software, traditional art skills remain essential. Understanding lighting, colour, composition, and perspective continues to underpin effective VFX work. 2. Proficiency With Industry-Standard Tools Studios may expect familiarity with tools like Nuke, Houdini, Maya/Blender, After Effects, and P...

New Zealand’s visual effects (VFX) sector continues to expand, fuelled by global demand for high-quality content across film, television, streaming, gaming, and advertising. As the industry evolves, studios are looking for artists who can blend strong artistic fundamentals with modern, tech-driven capabilities. Here are the key skills VFX newcomers need in 2025 to stay competitive in New Zealand’s fast-growing digital production landscape. 1. Strong Artistic Foundations Despite rapid advances in software, traditional art skills remain essential. Understanding lighting, colour, composition, and perspective continues to underpin effective VFX work. 2. Proficiency With Industry-Standard Tools Studios may expect familiarity with tools like Nuke, Houdini, Maya/Blender, After Effects, and P...

When New Zealand homeowners dream of their perfect summer, it usually includes laughter in the backyard, a place to cool off, and evenings gathered poolside with family and friends. Turning that dream into a tangible space takes more than imagination, it requires expertise, careful planning, and a team committed to every stage of the process. That’s exactly where Blue Ocean Pools excels. Why Concrete Pools Stand the Test of Time One of the biggest decisions in pool building is choosing the right construction method. Fibreglass often looks like the easy option, but many families later discover hidden costs or limitations. Concrete, on the other hand, offers strength, longevity, and the freedom to design a pool that truly fits your property. Blue Ocean Pools has built its reputation on cr...

The fact that this was done in acrylics makes the loose, fluid quality even more impressive. Acrylics can be challenging to keep spontaneous and fresh-looking since they dry so quickly, yet Aarts has achieved a watercolor-like luminosity and flow. That takes skill and confidence with the medium. Strengths: The layering and blending techniques show good control—the artist has managed to keep the paint workable enough to achieve those soft color transitions, particularly in the background washes and the petal gradations. The way some areas remain more opaque while others feel translucent suggests thoughtful paint consistency and water ratios. The bold, gestural brushstrokes in the petals work particularly well in acrylic, giving energy and movement without becoming muddy. The dark centers...

'Speaking as Nardus van de Ven'  Leon, Leon... sit down, we need to talk about this one. You're exploring fire again - I see this is becoming your motif, your obsession perhaps. That's good. Every artist needs their recurring themes, their personal symbols. But let's examine what you've created here. A fireplace, domestic and familiar, yet you've transformed it into something almost hellish. Those flames - wild, chaotic, full of tortured forms. I can see faces in there, figures writhing. Are you painting what you see, or what you feel? This is psychological work, my boy. There's anxiety here, perhaps turmoil. That little framed picture on the mantle - peaceful boats on water - the contrast is deliberate, yes? The tranquil memory above, the consuming fire below. The candle standing sent...