A month in Auckland

Selection of photos from a pretty typical month in Auckland, filled with theatre, art, exploring and festivals plus deconstructed buildings and a New Zealand citizenship ceremony.

To start with the most photogenic, from a cycle through the CBD (via the funky new pink cycleway) and along the waterfront by the beautiful Hauraki Gulf.

Wasn’t overwhelmed by Space to Dream: Recent Art from South America, Auckland Art Gallery’s new exhibition, but there were a few standout pieces…

Hard to beat nature really though when you have trees like this next in Albert Park, next to Auckland Art Gallery…

Spent most of one weekend at the Auckland Writer’s Festival, at 14 events, include a panel discussion on immigration, held in the Auckland Town Hall (to which I will return soon), and a couple of events with Bill Oddie of all people…

Most disappointing event of the month goes to Cat Power at the Powerstation. Worst case of stage nerves I’ve ever seen, clearly uncomfortable for her, and uncomfortable for us, bit of a lose-lose situation, other than making money from the tickets.

A far better experience was the quite brilliant Dido and Aeneas, a proper opera in the Basement, my favourite theatre. Despite being sung in English still had no idea what was going on but loved the performances and staging.

Next to the Basement is / was the Globe, or at least a replica of the Globe. After a hugely successful three month run it’s now being taken down.

As was part of the St. James Theatre (or the building next to it, hard to tell), to be replaced with a shiny apartment block.

Opposite which was a local cultural group having their photos taken…

Finally a return to the Auckland Town Hall for my New Zealand citizenship ceremony. After six years I’m now an official kiwi, along with people from 51 other countries at the ceremony.