July #03

Well, importantly it’s Matariki, and obviously, and it’s the FIFA world cup. At the cinema, expect hot blondes and atomic bombs. We have two gigs out in Raglan that will leave you wondering why you don’t go out there more often for music. Where to get the best black pudding in the country. And there’s a hooking workshop at the library… whaaaaaat? Not really, but read on.

Have any tips for us? Flick us an email on hello@thewaikatodraft.com.

Scuttlebutt

The 20-minute city concept (now, that’s a precinct) has captured the wild imaginations of conspiracy theorists who’ve projected dystopian fever dreams onto an urban planning concept, and equate walkable neighbourhoods with living in an open air prison. This, from Feburary, is a good explainer from Jonah Franke (at Stuff) or read University of Waikato professor of environmental planning Iain White’s own op ed here.

Meanwhile last month at a meeting about 20 minute cities held by Hamilton Citizen and Ratepayers Association, and attended by Counterspin Media and an assortment of folks you could variously describe as the worst dinner party guests you’ve ever encountered. The meeting descended into anarchy; deputy mayor Angela O’Leary and councilor Mark Donovan fled the insanity after the mob presented them with a writ of execution and attempted to conduct a citizens arrest, which was after about 10 minutes. It is notable that councilor and National Party Hamilton East candidate Ryan Hamilton stuck around to talk about his record of voting against vaccine mandates.

What’s on

This origami workshop is at the museum, courtesy of the Waikato Japanese Community Trust.

Ice skating is on at Chartwell square for the holidays from now until July 14.

The FIFA Women’s World Cup kicks off in Hamilton on July 22nd with Zambia v Japan. For a full listing of matches and other events click here. If you aren’t attending the local matches in person, or want a matchday atmosphere for out of town games, go and watch the matches with food, drink and entertainment at the Claudelands Events Centre from July 20 to July 23rd. Our pick would be July 21 for the Philippines versus Switzerland match at 5pm, followed by glitter and make up session with local Queens.

Rototuna gets a new library built from scratch. But wtf is shirt latch hooking, and should you really be doing that in a library? Find out at this rug workshop at the Central branch.

Florists! The Waikato Horticultural Society presents Life in Floristy and Horticultre with Kate Jacobson—past patron of the NZ Society of Professional Florists - that’s at the Wintec classroom at the Hamilton Gardens.

Finally, for the thrill of a good bargain find, check out the Lions bookfare at Peachgrove stuff (July 6-8), and the Kidz Korner Toy library toy sale July 22.

Matariki

Deserving of its own section - and we’ve of the belief that the Waikato will become one of the places to spend it.

Te Parapara - New Zealand's only traditional Maaori productive garden at the Hamilton Gardens – is running free guided tours July 8-9, where you can learn about traditional, heirloom gardening techniques. You should book.

Ngaa Paki o Matariki 2023 is going to be the epic amalgamation of kapa haka, oratory, and art by Tainui rangatahi. There will also be stalls! They are expecting over 10,000 visitors, and may just be the biggest Matariki event in the country.

Meantime at the Zoo, until July 17, they are essentially running a Matariki savenger hunt - kids can find posts representing the seven stars, learn about their significance, and go into the draw to win a annual pass for two adults and up to four (four!) children.

Dr Oliver Macloud is discussing the geological mapping of Pirongia, the largest basaltic volcano in the North Island July 2. Make a paper koowhai 4-5 July when you take the kids to Exsite.

Music and gigs

compiled by Adam Fulton

Guardian Singles LP release tour. Last Place, 14th July. The perfect post-punk/power-pop band.

Calla: Last Place, 15th July. Intriguing operatic, electronic pop from Ōtepōti, sitting somewhere in the realm of Bjork, Joanna Newsome and Portishead.

Boom Boom Kid, The Yot Club Raglan. 15th July. Fuzzy, poppy punk from Argentina.

Jazmine Mary release tour. The Yard, Raglan, 28th July Most wondrous alternative folk from Tāmaki Makaurau. Jazmine Mary recently sold out two shows at the Wine Cellar.

Hans Pucket. Last Place, 29th July. Catchy guitar pop from Pōneke.

Film

Are you team Barbie or team Oppenheimer? Both films, with somewhat different vibes, open July 20th.

Great Scot! Te Awamutu’s iconic Regent Theatre are hosting a screening of Back to the Future on Friday July 7th at 7:00 pm.

Horror fan? Ever wanted to conjure wishes with an embalmed hand and then reap the terrifying consequences? Haven’t we all? Talk to Me has been generating a lot of buzz on the festival circuit, with the Australian horror romp garnering a 97% rating on Rotty Ts. Hoyts Metro have an advanced screening on Friday July 14th at 7:00 pm ahead of its wider release on the 27th.

See you at the movies!

Theatre

compiled by Louise Drummond

Fantastic Mr Fox; Riverlea Theatre, July 1-15, at 7pm, with 2pm matinees on Saturdays. Roald Dahl's much-loved story about a sly fox who triumphs over his human, curmudgeonly neighbours.

Te Awa: The Untold Pakiwaitara of Kirikiriroa The Meteor July 11-13, 10.30am
Carved from gifted stories from iwi and hapu with a connection to the Wintec marae Te Kopu Mania o Kirikiriroa; this is a 40-minute kids show also boasts the kind of polish afforded by a season touring around the rohē.

The Shit Kid; The Meteor July 13-14, 7.30pm. Shortlisted for the 2022 Adam NZ Play award, this is a tale of dressage and sibling rivalry, written and performed by Sarah Harpur (Kāi Tahu).

Wonderland Glow Show; Clarence St Theatre July 18, 10am & 11.30am. A ‘kiwified’ bilinguinal version of Alice in Wonderland, told with ultraviolet puppetry.

Closer, presented by One Question Theatre; The Meteor July 19-22, 7pm. Patrick Marber's classic '90s drama about a complex web of lust, relationships and deception spun by its four characters - realised in this production by an amazing cast.

Food and drink

Celebrate Bastille Day at Hayes Common where they’re basing their monthly neighbour eats event around it; with a three course meals and wine matches available.

While we’re excited about imports like Lord of the Fries to Hamilton East, so far the Made line looks Waikato originals and that’s exciting. We hear the development has been pushed back again to possibly September, and may only partially open. But there’s more to be excited about including a spirits store from the people behind Wonder Horse and Last Place that will also include takeaway cocktails. Great for by-the-river picnics, or when Gourmet at the Gardens starts back up.

Many of you will know of Te Awamutu butcher Shawn of Expleo. But have you tasted his black pudding? Get it delivered, or see them in person where they encourage you use your own container.

Contributors: Sylvia Giles, Jason Marshall, Adam Fulton (music), Louise Drummond (theatre), Jacob Sparrow (art director)