Entertainment

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 ...

Pearls are having a moment – again. But this time, it’s not about twin sets and tiaras. In 2025, pearl jewellery is all about effortless elegance, modern shapes, and everyday wear. At Joanna Salmond Jewellery, pearls are a signature – always timeless, but never predictable. Whether you're dressing up for a wedding or just adding a soft glow to your daily look, there's a pearl piece for you.  Pearls You Can Actually Wear Every Day Gone are the days of saving pearls for special occasions. Today’s pearl pieces are light, versatile, and designed to move with you. Try the delicate charm of our Mini Pearl Hoops – Silver for a subtle shimmer, or layer a Serenity Pearl Bracelet with your watch or bangles for an effortless stack. These are pieces that work just as well with a white tee and jeans...

Auckland, NZ – May 2, 2025 – Superior Renovations, Auckland’s leading home renovation expert, proudly launches its latest guide, “Top 28 Design Ideas for Small Kitchen Design NZ Guideline,” now available at https://superiorrenovations.co.nz/28-design-ideas-for-small-kitchens/. This dynamic article equips homeowners with innovative solutions to transform small kitchens into functional, stylish spaces tailored for New Zealand homes. Read the article here for kitchen design ideas :https://superiorrenovations.co.nz/28-design-ideas-for-small-kitchens/ The guide tackles small kitchen challenges head-on, offering practical strategies for smart planning, clever storage, and stunning aesthetics. Key features include: Maximized Storage Solutions: Discover “magic corners” for tricky cabinet spaces...

For 116 years, the Christchurch Vocal Competition has been attracting talent from across the country and internationally. This year, the Christchurch Competitions Vocal Section convener, Sally Binnie, says she expects an excellent turn out in late June. “We have emailed 150 invitations to singers and their teachers, and with travel unhindered for a couple of years now, together with the growing popularity of vocal performance, we are hoping for a record attendance,” she says. Senior and junior applicants have until Saturday 24 May to apply. The competition started in 1909, and Ms Binnie says the quality of applicant and winners continues to impress. “We are very grateful to our sponsors and are always on the lookout for likeminded music lovers to support us with sponsorship and schola...

Adventure filmmakers and writers are once again invited to take part in the annual NZ Mountain Film & Book Festival. The 23rd edition of this popular seven-day event will be held in Wānaka from 20 to 24 June and in Queenstown on 26 and 27 June this year. The Online Film Festival will then be broadcast to New Zealand and Australian audiences throughout July. Festival Director Whitney Oliver says she is delighted to get the ball rolling for the 2025 festival with entries now open for the Mountain Film and Book competitions. $9000 of prize money will be awarded across a range of categories with the grand-prize-winning film and the Best NZ-made film each eligible for $2500 and the Mountain Book of the Year $2000. The festival programme – to be released in May – will be made up of competit...

The Plant Depot: Hamilton’s Premier Garden Centre with New Ownership and Expanded Offerings Hamilton, New Zealand — September 2024 — The Plant Depot, a beloved Hamilton garden centre, has announced exciting changes, including new ownership and expanded services. Located in Hamilton, The Plant Depot has been a trusted provider of quality plants at affordable prices since 2010. The new owners, Andrew and Vicki, along with their children Marco and Gea, are dedicated to continuing the centre’s legacy of exceptional service and a wide range of plants for the Waikato region. Known for its extensive collection of native plants, landscape shrubs, and the latest indoor plant trends, The Plant Depot offers a variety of plant selections suited for residential and commercial projects. In addition to...

Home Renovations in NZ: What You Need to Know in 2024 If you're considering a home renovation this year, there are some essential trends and market changes that can make a real difference to your planning. With rising costs, sustainability on the rise, and a strong interest in wellness-focused spaces, let’s dive into what’s trending—and what might help your budget stretch further! 1. Factor in Rising Costs & Focus on Impactful Changes In 2024, the price tag on renovations remains high, with global supply chain issues and local inflation keeping prices up. According to NZ experts, many Kiwis are rethinking their plans by opting for smaller, high-impact upgrades. This could mean remodeling a kitchen or bathroom instead of a full extension, which One Roof suggests is a way to balance c...

Air New Zealand’s Grabaseat™ is joining the “shellabrations” at one of New Zealand’s most famous foodie events, offering a special package to take fans to the Bluff Oyster & Food Festival on 24 May 2025. On sale from 9am tomorrow at grabaseat.co.nz, this special festival package includes return seats on our Grabaseat charter from Auckland, along with a general admission ticket to the Bluff Oyster & Food Festival, and return transfers between Invercargill and Bluff— all for $499pp. The Grabaseat charter flight, operated by a 171-seat A320 aircraft, will depart Auckland at 7:30am, arriving in Invercargill at 9:35am, with the return flight departing Invercargill at 5:30pm the same day to arrive back in Auckland at 7:30pm. Air New Zealand General Manager Domestic Scott Carr says Air...

With its diverse range of activities, customisable packages, friendly staff, and convenient location, Game Over Christchurch stands out as an excellent choice for businesses looking to celebrate this holiday season. Choosing Game Over Christchurch as your Christmas party venue guarantees an engaging atmosphere filled with fun and opportunities for team bonding.  Gear up for a Game Over Christmas! Enjoy go-karting, mini golf and arcade games! Book now! Celebrate your office Christmas party at Game Over Christchurch Source link

A book that empowers the "brave voices" of children by encouraging them to speak out and find help if they experience abuse will be distributed to all primary schools in Aotearoa New Zealand, thanks to funding from the Wright Family Foundation. Supported by Life Education Trust and Save the Children, ‘The Wolf and the Hocus Pocus’ is the latest story from Avril McDonald, the award-winning author of the Feel Brave series of books (little stories about big feelings for 4-7-year-olds) and founder of ‘Feel Brave’, which aims to give all children access to tools that help them manage tough emotions and reach their creative potential. Each book tells a story about a real-life situation that children may face, while offering a simple strategy to cope. The picture book will be sent to all primar...