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From live music to unmissable exhibitions, our March Culture Guide has everything that should be on your radar this month

Words Sjaan Askwith | 28 Feb 2025

With March (and the arrival of autumn) comes a slew of fascinating, fulfilling and immersive cultural experiences. From epic exhibitions to design festivals to theatre, comedy, live music and more, our comprehensive March Culture Guide is here to detail everything you need to attend over the month ahead.

A Mixtape for Maladies

When & Where: Tuesday 4th — Sunday 23rd March, ASB Waterfront Theatre

Ahi Karunaharan’s A Mixtape for Maladies is a poignant exploration of love, loss, and the enduring power of music. Set against the backdrop of 1950s Sri Lanka, Sangeetha’s world revolves around family, romance, and a love of songs — until civil war shatters their lives. Now, decades later living in Aotearoa, her son Deepan discovers a mixtape, uncovering the layered memories of his mother’s past. This intimate and powerful work offers both a new understanding of identity, and a testament to resilience through time and melody.

Olafur Eliasson Late Night

When & Where: Thursday 20th March, Auckland Art Gallery

Step into a world of colour, light, and elemental forces at Olafur Eliasson Late Night, presented with Auckland Arts Festival. Explore Your Curious Journey — the first solo exhibition of the acclaimed artist in Aotearoa, showcasing over 30 years of work from immersive installations to thought-provoking sculptures. Enjoy live performances, insightful conversations, and a drop-in workshop, before unwinding with a drink beneath Eliasson’s mesmerising Under the Weather in the gallery’s atrium.

Auckland Design Week

When & Where: Monday 3rd — Sunday 9th March, various locations city-wide

Auckland Design Week returns this March, bringing a dynamic celebration of design to Tāmaki Makaurau. This year’s theme, Chance + Change, explores the transformative role of emerging technologies in design. With internationally renowned designer Karim Rashid headlining as keynote speaker, and countless workshops, exhibitions, and satellite events citywide, ADW25 promises to inspire, connect, and showcase the best in local and global design.

Barfoot & Thompson Champions Day

When & Where: Saturday, 8th March, Ellerslie Racecourse

Featuring over $9 million in total stakes and prizes on offer across the day, New Zealand’s richest-ever sporting event — Barfoot & Thompson Champions Day, is set to be a standout in the racing calendar. This brand-new spectacle introduces the sport’s first-ever slot race with a record $3.5 million prize pool, and plays host to The Ned Prix de Fashion — New Zealand’s answer to the Melbourne Cup’s most stylish fashion moments. With premium hospitality, free children’s entertainment, and an epic afterparty featuring UK sensation DJ Jax Jones, Barfoot & Thompson Champions Day is a racing experience like no other.

A Streetcar Named Desire

When & Where: Thursday 20th — Sunday 23rd March, Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre, Aotea Centre

For the first time in Australasia, iconic Scottish ballet A Streetcar Named Desire is being showcased — the original score performed live by the Auckland Philharmonia. This adaptation of Tennessee Williams’ play is a contemporary narrative ballet, injecting dance into the beating heart of the famed tale, in a vital, achingly intense tribute.

Synthony in the Domain returns to Auckland, above Masha

Mānuka Phuel Synthony Festival

When & Where: Saturday 29th March, Auckland Domain

Mānuka Phuel SYNTHONY Festival returns to Auckland in 2025, with the global premiere of Synthony No.6 with the Auckland Philharmonia conducted by Sarah-Grace Williams, and performances by Cyril, Example (UK), and more. This electrifying fusion of live orchestra, electronic beats, and immersive visuals promises a festival experience like no other.

Freida Market

When & Where: Saturday 1st March, Freida Margolis, Auckland

Kickstart your weekend at the lively Freida Market, held on the first Saturday of every month at Freida Margolis in Grey Lynn. Discover a curated selection of pre-loved and vintage clothes, unique finds, freshly baked goods, seasonal flowers, ceramics, handmade crafts, and more. Enjoy tasty bites as vinyl spins in true Freida’s style, adding to the warm, community feel.

Auckland Arts Festival

When & Where: Thursday 6th — Sunday 23rd March, various locations Auckland-wide

This March sees the always anticipated return of the Auckland Arts Festival to the beating cultural heart of the city. Featuring what might be the event’s biggest programme yet, full of some of our greatest national talents, and visiting guests from further afield, Aucklanders are treated to 17 days of immersion in the arts. Think exhibitions, live performances and workshops, of which the complete programme can be discovered here.

Kelmarna Farm Festival

When & Where: Sunday 16th March, Kelmarna Farm

Celebrate the arrival of autumn with a day of live music, delicious local food, and hands-on farm experiences at Kelmarna Community Farm’s much-loved annual festival. On Sunday, March 16th between 12 — 5pm, explore lush gardens, enjoy workshops, and sip on drinks from the licensed bar — all while supporting a regenerative food system. ‘Pay-What-You-Can’ tickets are available via Humanitix, here, or grab one at the gate.

SIX The Musical

When & Where: Thursday 27th February — Sunday 23rd March, The Civic

A global phenomenon, SIX the Musical reimagines history with a high-energy, 80-minute spectacle where the six fierce Tudor wives of the infamous monarch, Henry Vlll, reclaim their stories. Winner of 35 international awards, including Tonys, this electrifying show — which has captivated millions worldwide — is a spectacle not to be missed. Secure tickets here.

Black Grace — This Is Not A Retrospective

When & Where: Saturday 22nd March, Auckland Town Hall

Celebrating 30 years, Black Grace — This Is Not A Retrospective closes the Auckland Arts Festival with an electrifying, interactive dance party at the Great Hall. Expect high-energy performances, dynamic connections between artists and audience, and a night of movement, music, and celebration — continuing late into the night.

Deep Roots, Tall Poppies by Katherine Throne at Sanderson

When & Where: Wednesday 5th — Sunday 30th March, Sanderson

Katherine Throne’s Deep Roots, Tall Poppies at Sanderson Gallery reimagines floral painting with bold compositions and expressive brushwork. Inspired by her Wānaka garden, Throne’s still lifes subvert tradition, celebrating individuality and resilience. Her vibrant, untamed blooms reject conformity, embodying nature’s exuberance and the freedom to flourish.

Ready & Reset Countryside Reset

When & Where: Saturday 29th March, Clevedon

Set in a serene countryside location, Ready & Reset’s inaugural one day retreat on the 29th of March offers a transformative day of movement, mindfulness, and community. Led by founder Esther Cronin, the experience includes Pilates, sound baths, breathwork, and expert talks — designed to restore balance, clarity, and well-being.

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A digital detox worth paying for — this is what we’re booking tickets to this week

Words Sjaan Askwith | 28 Feb 2025

To the uninitiated, the theatre might seem a little daunting. But, in an age of relentless screens and endless scrolling, live performance offers an experience I’m certain we’re all craving — one of connection, cultural immersion, and a reprieve from the digital overwhelm of modern life.

And, if you’ve been waiting for the perfect moment to dip your toes into the world of theatre (and earn some serious cultural clout in doing so), consider a mixtape for maladies the perfect foil.

Approachable, captivating, and perfect for a night out with friends, family, or your better half, this perspective-shifting saga is set to a soundtrack of nostalgia. Written by one of Aotearoa’s most gifted storytellers, the play follows Sangeetha and her family as they navigate the shifting tides of history. In a small Sri Lankan village, songs are the thread that holds Sangeetha’s world together — until civil war shatters everything she knows. Decades later, in Aotearoa, her son Deepan pieces together their past through an old mixtape, each track unlocking a memory long buried.

Poetic and deeply moving, a mixtape for maladies is a story of resilience and a testament to how songs shape our memories, marking the moments we never forget.

Sangeetha (bottom left) and her family. Photography by Abhi Chinniah

Unlike film or television, with its fleeting dopamine hits and ability to temporarily switch our brains off, live performance is a real-world experience — its immediacy and intimacy sweeping you up in a narrative, holding you there until the final curtain falls. And in a city that thrives on creativity and culture, engaging with the kind of art that showcases not only Auckland’s incredible pool of creative talent, but presents an opportunity to immerse yourself in an experience that enriches your mind and invites you to view the world from a different prescriptive, is essential.

So, if you do one thing this weekend, secure your spot to a mixtape for maladies and allow yourself a moment to disconnect from everything else and just be — present, engaged, swept up in something extraordinary, in real life, in real time.

Secure your spot at this unmissable showcase, here.

Auckland Theatre Company presents a mixtape for maladies
When: 4 – 23 March
Where: ASB Waterfront Theatre

atc.co.nz

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Liquid waves is the new hair trend worth knowing

Words Sjaan Askwith | 28 Feb 2025

Forget beachy ‘water waves’ or undone hair, liquid waves are taking over — a new trend inspiring us to lean into a more precise, polished look. Here, ultra sleek, uber high shine hair is waved into undulating, glossy ripples to create a glamorous, old Hollywood vibe fit for contemporary settings.

Here, we share how to achieve the luxe look at home.

Get the Look

This look is all about prep, prep, and prep. Wash and condition hair with moisture-rich products for a smooth, sleek base, following with a wash-out mask to ensure extra moisture and shine.

When your hair is close to dry, blow dry to finish, using a large round brush — spraying first with a heat protectant.

Then, when you’re ready to style into waves, use a larger barrel tong to shape hair into ‘S’ ribbons, using the barrel as a shape tool instead of wrapping hair in the tong itself.

Once cooled, lightly run through with a wide comb (or use your fingers), and set with a gentle hairspray, finishing with a shine spray for ultimate gloss and glamour.

Shampoo & Conditioners

OUAI Fine Hair Shampoo & Conditioner from Sephora

Oribe Supershine Hydrating Shampoo & Conditioner from Moda Operandi

Moroccan Oil Hydrating Shampoo & Conditioner from Revolve

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La Bonne Brosse N.05 Round Hair Brush from Moda Operandi

Evo Bruce 22 Radial Brush from Adore Beauty

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AMIKA Rising Star Volumising Spray from Sephora

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Oribe Free Style Hair Spray from Cult Beauty

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Meet Ground Wine Bar — the new subterranean spot in the city with over 50 pours by the glass

Words Sjaan Askwith | 26 Feb 2025

Friends Aleks and Martin found common ground in their passion for great wine, and quickly discovered they both had a strong desire to share that passion with others. Enter: Ground Wine Bar — the duo’s cosy below-ground wine bar in the heart of city.

Tucked away beneath O’Connell Street, Ground is a haven for wine enthusiasts. With decades of experience and thousands of hours dedicated to tasting and studying wine, Aleks and Martin envisioned a tasteful space where great wine meets relaxed, approachable enjoyment. “Our main game is wine,” they share. “We offer a small range of beer and spirits, but wine is our passion. We have over 50 wines by the glass, with selections from all over the world — from the cradle of wine in Georgia to classic regions like Italy, Spain, and Greece, and even more obscure gems from Lebanon, Syria, and Peru.”

The atmosphere at Ground is warm and intimate. Soft blues and soul music play in the background, inviting guests to unwind in a comfortable setting. It’s a place to cosy up and read a book over a glass, settle in for a catch up with friends, and the perfectly intimate setting for a date.

On the food front, the menu is homey and simple, “Nothing fancy, just delicious nibbles,” as Aleks puts it. “What we serve is sourced from local small businesses and trusted friends, like Wild Wheat, Artisan Hub and Cazador.” As such, you’ll find charcuterie, cheeses, baked camembert, pâté, tapenade served with fresh bread and crackers — perfectly selected to complement the wines on offer.

Nestled below Cahn’s Wines & Spirits at 10 O’Connell Street, Ground is a hidden gem open six days a week, offering a laid-back yet world-class wine experience.

Opening hours:
Wednesday — Monday, 3pm until midnight

groundwine.co.nz

Ground Wine Bar

10 O'Connell Street
Auckland Central

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Start a new midday ritual with Esther’s Steak Frites Lunch

Words Sjaan Askwith | 26 Feb 2025

Lunchtime just got a whole lot better at Esther. From Monday to Friday between 12pm — 3pm, enjoy a 300g Speckle Park sirloin, seared to perfection and topped with café de Paris butter, served alongside endless crispy duck fat frites — all for $35 with the eatery’s Steak Frites Lunch.

Whether it’s a team lunch, a midday date, or a solo escape from the office, Esther’s relaxed setting makes it easy to settle in and relax. And, if you fancy lingering a little longer and making a meal of it, add a freshly baked puff bread or a Curious Croppers heirloom tomato salad, pairing a glass of whatever you like to elevate the experience further.

Simple, classic, and always satisfying, Steak Frites at Esther is the perfect excuse to step away from your desk and make lunch something to look forward to. No reservations required — just turn up and enjoy.

estherrestaurant.com

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The most captivating characters from the third season of The White Lotus, thus far

Words Sjaan Askwith | 25 Feb 2025

Mike White’s spellbinding social satire, The White Lotus, returned for its third season last week and already, the world is frenzied over the new ensemble cast, luxurious resort, and, of course, the face-down body in the show’s opening scene.

Since its first season, the show has hooked viewers with its complex, morally corrupt, horrible (yet, often bizarrely likeable) cast of characters, and this season is already proving no different. Tackling themes of class, sex, race, wealth, morality, and this season, spirituality, with astute finesse, White’s brilliance lies in his unique capacity to portray people in all of their messy glory, blurring the lines between love and hate, good and bad, innocent and guilty.

Here, we round up our favourite characters from the third season of the show thus far, as we wait with baited breath to discover who the villain (and victim) is before the end credits roll.

Pam

Homegrown hero Morgana O’Reilly steps into the role of resort staffer and ‘health butler’ Pam with pitch-perfect precision, infusing the series with her signature, quintessentially Kiwi brand of sardonic humour. As she caters to the whims of the monied Ratliff family, O’Reilly — renowned for her sharp comedic prowess — delivers a captivating performance as a knowing staffer who sees straight through their farcical dilemmas.

Victoria Ratliff

Parker Posey stars as Victoria Ratliff, a self-medicated Southern American socialite on holiday with her high flying businessman husband, Timothy (Jason Isaacs), and their three children. With her languid, Xanax-laced charm and exaggerated drawl, Hollywood’s beloved ‘Indie Queen’ crafts a character that’s both compelling and unpredictable — one to watch as the cracks in this picture-perfect family begin to show.

Chelsea

Sex Education’s Aimee Lou Wood shines as Chelsea, a free-spirited Mancunian on holiday with her much older, perpetually glum boyfriend, Rick. Quickly emerging as the season’s most endearing character (her response to a meagre wine tasting pour — “I don’t mean to complain, but that’s not very much” — certainly helped), Chelsea feels like the perfect embodiment of a cheerful Brit abroad, and with her charm and effortless authenticity, we can’t wait to see where the season takes her.

Saxon Ratliff

Patrick Schwarzenegger (yes, Arnie’s son) delivers a compelling turn as Saxon Ratliff, the acerbic, entitled heir determined to earn his father’s approval — whether or not it’s warranted. The eldest Ratliff sibling, Saxon has little interest in Thailand’s Buddhist philosophies, embracing instead the ruthless tenets of capitalism — money, power, and a not-so-charming streak of misogyny, all wrapped up in a desperate need to prove himself.

Belinda Lindsey

This season welcomes back Natasha Rothwell as Belinda, the warm-hearted spa manager from season one — endearingly kind, yet perpetually out of her depth among the privileged and morally corrupt guests. This time, she’s joined by her son, Zion, the only character we can confidently say is safe from the inevitable chaos. As Belinda embarks on what feels like a doomed journey of self-reconnection, her return is sure to bring both heart and heartbreak.

Laurie

Renowned for her nuanced portrayals of complicated women, Carrie Coon joins this season’s ensemble as Laurie — a businesswoman and mother whose holiday with childhood friends Jaclyn and Kate quickly reveals itself as anything but relaxing. Trapped in endless, vacuous conversations, Laurie swiftly realises her companions aren’t who they once were, and as tensions rise, we’re left wondering just how far one burnt-out woman can be pushed before reaching breaking point.

Chloe

French-Canadian actress Charlotte Le Bon steps into the role of Chloe, a regular at The White Lotus who lives nearby with her older boyfriend, Gary. But keen-eyed fans will recognise ‘Gary’ as none other than Greg — Tanya’s (Jennifer Coolidge) scheming ex-husband, who likely walked away with her entire fortune after her untimely, watery demise last season. Whatever Chloe sees in him, we can only hope her fate is kinder than Tanya’s.

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Bowler’s Wynyard Quarter outpost is the perfect spot to grab a delicious, nutritious lunch

Words Sjaan Askwith | PHOTOS Jake Pears-Scown | 21 Feb 2025

Since setting up shop within the foyer of Les Mills Victoria Park late last year, Bowler has quickly solidified itself as one of the city’s top spots for a quick and easy, yet entirely delicious and satisfying bite come lunchtime. In fact, demand has been so high for the eatery’s namesake salad bowls, that they’ve already opened the doors to a second outpost, transforming Williams in Wynyard Quarter into a second Bowler location.

Conceived by brothers Patrick and Charles Williams, the initial idea for Bowler came about super organically, with Patrick whipping up bowls similar to what’s on the menu for dinner most nights. Inspired by salad/bowl-leaning, fast-casual brands around the world (such as Australia’s infamous Fishbowl), the pair saw an opportunity to bring their own version to New Zealand.

“We agreed that fast food sucks,” Charles tells me, “There is far too much of it in New Zealand, and we want Bowler to be another choice — a more nutritious choice — for a wider audience.” The duo quickly realised that, to meet their mark, they needed to make the offering fast and affordable. As such, for under $17, you can get a jam-packed salad bowl with quality, local ingredients and proteins, made fresh and from scratch, everyday.

The most popular iteration is the #2 Beef Brisket, which comes brimming with juicy, slow-cooked, grass-fed brisket and harissa, pickles, dukkah, hummus, beets, kale, and a flavourful herb dressing, with the #3 Mt Cook Salmon bowl with edamame, crunchy furikake, avo, ginger, and a ponzu dressing coming in a close second. But, speaking from experience, they’re all delectable, and the perfect wholesome lunch, not to mention great for feeding a crowd (catering is up and running, and a great option for meetings or events).

Williams regulars will be pleased to discover their beloved cheese and egg baps in the cabinet in the mornings, alongside a concise breakfast menu of acai and protein oat bowls. And those seeking a sweet fix post-lunch, the tahini choc chip cookies that flew out the door at Williams (the best cookie in town), and the already-infamous protein cookies are on offer, providing a perfect pick-me-up when the afternoon slump hits.

On the drinks front, coffee comes first, but the drinks menu has been created to cater to everyone and anyone, offering a bit of everything. From mushroom lattes to iced matcha, acai smoothies, and even a bone broth hot chocolate, as well as damn good Supreme coffee, at Bowler, there’s something for any time of day, and taste or proclivity. There’s also a grab-and-go fridge stacked full of functional beverages from local suppliers.

The new Bowler location builds on what Charles and Patrick have created at the first — a new take on takeaways, where nutritious, nourishing, satisfying food is served fast and made with care. “Slow food, served fast.”

Opening hours:
Monday — 10am — 4pm
Tuesday — Friday, 10am — 8pm
Saturday — 10am — 4pm

bowlerbowler.com

Bowler Wynyard

G03 85 Daldy Street
Wynyard Quarter
Auckland

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Indulge in a Japanese feast like no other at Ebisu’s Oki No Sushi Saturdays

Words Sjaan Askwith | 21 Feb 2025

Available exclusively on Saturdays from 11am to 4pm, Ebisu’s Oki No sushi feast is a weekly event not to be missed, bringing together the best of Ebisu’s delectable offering.

Here, diners are invited to indulge in a Japanese-style buffet with unlimited fresh sushi, sashimi, and Japanese-inspired dishes, for $85 per person (if the kids are in tow, they’ll eat half price). A mix of classic and contemporary sushi rolls are on offer, from salmon avocado to more inventive iterations. A sashimi selection joins the fresh and flavoursome smorgasbord, and a selection of Japanese-style salads, a poached prawn cocktail with toban djan and schichmi sauce, and noodle station serving up soba noodles add to the all-encompassing offering.

A rotating selection of hot dishes including Big Glory Bay salmon, market fish with yuzu miso, teriyaki roasted beef, and more will also be on offer, plus an array of decadent desserts like Yuzu Cheesecake Brulee and Green Tea Chocolate Brownie.

Secure your spot, here, to make the most of this delicious, limited-time deal.

savor.co.nz/whats-on

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Esteemed chef Sid Sahrawat is set to elevate in-flight dining with Singapore Airlines

Words Sjaan Askwith | 21 Feb 2025

Few New Zealand chefs are as synonymous with innovation and refined dining as Sid Sahrawat. The acclaimed chef, who counts Cassia, Kol, Anise and The French Cafe as eateries in his oeuvre, is now taking his culinary prowess to new heights, embarking on an exclusive partnership with Singapore Airlines.

As part of the airline’s esteemed Guest Chef programme, Sid will craft four seasonal menus for First Class and Business Class passengers departing from Auckland and Christchurch, starting on the first of March. The collaboration promises an elevated take on in-flight dining, celebrating premium New Zealand produce with Sid’s signature creative touch.

Flyers can expect a sophisticated experience deeply rooted in quintessentially Kiwi cuisine,
focusing on provenance and local produce, with dishes that highlight local ingredients while weaving in Sid’s Indian heritage.

His first menu — which we had the pleasure of previewing and can confidently say is exceptional — features indulgent selections such as poached crayfish with corn and spring onion hash, a rich Canterbury lamb rack with roasted kūmara and korma sauce, and a delicate classic pavlova with salt baked pineapple. These dishes, alongside Singapore Airlines’ renowned wine selection, are set to redefine the in-flight dining experience, further elevating the airline’s already world-class hospitality.

Canterbury Lamb Rack with Roasted Kūmara and Korma Sauce

“I’m thrilled to partner with Singapore Airlines on this exciting culinary collaboration,” says Sid. “I’m looking forward to passengers experiencing a taste of our restaurants in the air, and want it to be the best in-flight meal they’ve ever had — taking that last bite of Aotearoa as a memory with them on their journey.”

With Singapore Airlines’ unwavering commitment to culinary excellence and Sid’s visionary approach, this collaboration will see New Zealand’s finest flavours take flight — delivering a world-class dining experience at 30,000 feet.

singaporeair.com

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Meet Jacuzzi — the lively new bar & bistro in an iconic spot on Ponsonby Road

Words Sjaan Askwith | 19 Feb 2025

When SPQR closed its doors after close to 30 years in business, Aucklanders — clutching onto their fond memories of convivial, champagne-soaked long lunches at the ivy-adorned institution — were left reeling. For nearly three decades, the eatery had represented the glory days of wining and dining, and only a future institution could find a home within its hallowed halls.

Enter: Jacuzzi — a lively new bar and bistro by hospitality duo Bronwyn and Jessica Payne. Known for Elmo’s and Hoppers, the sisters are perfectly primed to usher in a new chapter for 150 Ponsonby Road, as they reimagine the space through a European lens with emphasis on indulgence.

Approaching the ivy-clad terrace, there’s a definite sense of familiarity, while inside, it’s a different story. The reimagined lounge sets the tone with rich, seductive hues, while the iconic copper bar remains a nod to the past. The drinks list is an experience in itself, comprising a playful edit of cocktails, a signature martini menu, and an enviable champagne offering.

On the food front, diners will find a playful approach to culinary techniques from around the world, with a focus on fresh, local produce and vibrant flavours that compliment the drinks on offer.

Adding to the ambience is Derek the Diver, a striking art piece by Timothy Oulton from Dawson & Co. — one of only five in the world — encased in a column of ocean-like textures. The bathrooms, always a talking point, now feature bespoke mosaic murals depicting a mermaid’s underwater embrace and a jungle teeming with wildlife.

Left: Timothy Oulton’s Derek the Diver from Dawson & Co.

Every detail at Jacuzzi has been carefully considered, from the custom-made furniture to the pink and green Patagonia stone tables, European-style outdoor seating, and ‘love seats’ upholstered in a historic flame stitch pattern — each element was chosen with intent, respect for the space’s history, and a touch of irreverence.

“Keeping the copper bar, frontage, and many more elements of this place, while pulling new elements in from our own travels has been a rewarding focus for us to achieve what we believe is a true blend of what our customers will appreciate. We have added a number of recognisable (or even some hidden) fun items in this venue that locals and regulars will be discovering for years to come.”

Jacuzzi officially opens its doors on February 20th, marking a new era for 150 Ponsonby Road.

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