Entertainment

With its rich, velvety black surface, onyx is one of the most striking gemstones in the world of jewellery. Beyond its beauty, onyx carries deep symbolism, making it a favourite for designers and wearers who seek meaning in their accessories. What is Onyx? Onyx is a variety of chalcedony, a form of quartz, known for its uniform black colour. Occasionally, natural onyx can feature white bands, but most jewellery pieces use solid black or dyed onyx to achieve a sleek, dramatic look. The History and Symbolism of Onyx Onyx has been used in jewellery and carvings for thousands of years. In ancient civilizations: Greeks and Romans believed onyx could protect against negativity. Victorian jewellery often featured onyx as a symbol of mourning and remembrance. In spiritual traditions...

Due to overwhelming demand, CatVideoFest will extend its season in cinemas across Aotearoa following a highly successful opening weekend. The 75-minute compilation of the internet’s best, funniest, and furriest cat content has been delighting audiences and raising vital funds for cats in need, and now even more Kiwi cat lovers will have the chance to experience it on the big screen. CatVideoFest is a family-friendly, feel-good annual cinema event made up of carefully curated cat videos — featuring everything from viral sensations and original animations to musical tributes and heartwarming rescues. But more than that, the event is committed to making a real difference for animal welfare. A portion of proceeds from every screening goes directly to local shelters and animal charities. “We’...

The gaming sector is growing, but that’s not the only change it’s seeing. The technologies are developing, publishers are changing their approach, and new players are entering the industry. All of these factors are changing the way people game, as well as being led by changing player habits.  The good news is that it’s more accessible than ever before. That’s mostly down to cloud services. When you add in user-generated content (UGC) and the use of AI, it’s clear that the gaming sector has hit a new wave of creativity, too. Personalised experiences are a key part of that, but the discussion that will shape the sector in the future also comes down to ownership and what’s fair. The key takeaway from the growth and those changes is that gaming has reached new audiences. Several traditional ...

Annual music festival, Selwyn Sounds, will be headlined next year by one of the most successful and well-known international stars to have appeared at the event. Ronan Keating will take the stage in Lincoln just outside Christchurch, on 7 March 2026, for a one-night-only New Zealand performance. The Irish superstar has sold more than 25 million records worldwide, including 10 top 10 singles and three number ones, and festival promoter David Parlane says with Keating and an exceptionally strong lineup, he expects this year’s Selwyn Sounds to be a sell-out. “We are thrilled to have Ronan on board for 2026”, says Mr Parlane. “Together with Tony Hadley ex Spandau Ballet, Kiwi legends When the Cats Away, Mi-Sex, Op Shop and crowd favourites Automatic 80’s, this is lining up to be one of our ...

Annual music festival, Selwyn Sounds, is locked to rock the Lincoln domain again in 2026, headlined by one of the most successful and well-known international stars ever to have appeared at the event. The full line up, which also includes another of pop’s greatest vocalists of all time and several Kiwi legends of rock and pop, will be announced in the coming days as final details are confirmed. Watch this space ……. Additional More than 70,000 tickets have been sold for Selwyn Sounds since it began in 2017 Selwyn Sounds brings in more than $320,000 to the local and wider Canterbury economy each year – that includes around $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 https://...

In the bustling city of Auckland, where modern living meets unique architectural charm, homeowners are constantly seeking ways to enhance their spaces with both style and functionality. Wardrobe doors play a pivotal role in transforming bedrooms into organized, aesthetically pleasing havens. Inspired by the innovative designs and expert insights from Little Giant Interiors, this blog explores how custom wardrobe doors can elevate your Auckland home, with a focus on premium hardware from brands like Hafele, Blum, Hettich, and Stefano. Why Wardrobe Doors Matter in Auckland Homes Auckland’s diverse housing landscape, from sleek apartments in the CBD to spacious villas in Ponsonby, demands wardrobe solutions that maximize space while complementing the home’s aesthetic. Wardrobe doors are mor...

As summer approaches, New Zealand gardeners eagerly anticipate the vibrant blooms and fresh produce that come with the warmer months. However, the rising temperatures and unpredictable weather unique to Aotearoa can pose challenges for even the most experienced gardeners. To ensure your garden thrives this summer, incorporating tools like greenhouses, composters, and water tanks can make all the difference. These tools not only address the seasonal challenges we face but also promote sustainable gardening practices, ensuring your outdoor space remains productive and resilient throughout the season. Greenhouses: Extending the Growing Season A greenhouse offers a controlled environment where plants can thrive, no matter the outdoor conditions. During New Zealand’s hot summer months, greenh...

In the evolving industry of landscaping, innovation is transforming how outdoor spaces are conceptualised, designed, and built. A leading landscaping company in Auckland is setting the standard by integrating advanced technology into their landscape design process. By combining cutting-edge tools like 3D visualisations and CAD models with a highly personalised approach, they’re redefining what’s possible for residential and commercial outdoor spaces. The Technology Behind Modern Landscape Design Gone are the days of relying solely on 2D sketches and verbal descriptions to imagine your dream garden. This Auckland-based landscaping company uses state-of-the-art tools, including 3D CAD modelling and video fly-throughs, to provide clients with a vivid preview of their finished designs. These...

Sterling silver has been a beloved material in jewellery for centuries. Its soft shine, timeless appeal, and versatility make it a staple for designers like Joanna Salmond, who pairs it with semi-precious stones and pearls to create everyday treasures. Let’s explore why sterling silver remains a classic, and how it adds beauty and durability to your jewellery collection. What is Sterling Silver? Pure silver is too soft for functional jewellery, so it’s combined with other metals (usually copper) to enhance its strength. Sterling silver is made of: 92.5% pure silver 7.5% other metals (usually copper) You’ll often see sterling silver stamped with “925”, indicating its silver content. Why People Love Sterling Silver Timeless Aesthetic Sterling silver has...

The NZ Mountain Film and Book Festival has launched its 2025 programme and tickets go on sale today. The annual international film competition saw a record-breaking 294 entries—50 more than any previous year since the festival started in 2002. The final lineup features 64 award-winning and finalist films, including 18 by New Zealand filmmakers. Most will be making their New Zealand premiere while 15 are world premieres. The festival is on in Wānaka from 20 – 24 June and Queenstown from 26 – 27 June and the festival films will also be available to watch online in New Zealand and Australia from 1 - 31 July. Check out the full programmes here View the 2025 NZ Mountain Film & Book Festival teaser video here: https://mountainfilm.nz/festival-video/ Festival founder and head judge Mark ...