High Street to the Hills Issue 21

Ann Warnock sums up the best of what's on.

IHC Telecom Art Awards

13 September to 1 February 2009, The New Dowse Gallery, Lower Hutt

Artists with intellectual disabilities showcase their originality and skill in this exhibition. Founded in 2004, it has since developed a heavyweight presence on the arts calendar. Thirty artworks selected by judges from regional exhibitions in Hamilton, Wellington and Christchurch bravely invite show-goers to gain an insight into the artists’ differing perspectives of the world.

Phone (04) 570 6500, www.dowse.org.nz

Hawke’s Bay Olive Festival

20 September, Telegraph Hill Olivery, Hastings

A brand-new event on the foodie calendar celebrates one of the world’s most historic fruits. This olive-orientated day is a chance to see and taste the burgeoning array of oils, olive products and table olives coming out of Hawke’s Bay. Guests may choose to take advantage of the cooking demos, enter the Spit the Pit competition, wander the food stalls, talk with guest chef Prue Campbell or stretch out under an olive tree with a Mediterranean platter and enjoy music and big-time ambience.

Freephone 0508 654 837, www.telegraphhill.co.nz

Tempo 08 NZ’s Festival of Dance

28 September to 31 October, Auckland

Pull on your leg warmers, slap on your baseball cap or dust off your tutu – whatever your style, you’ll fit the action as Auckland heads into a month of spectacular dance. Hip-hop, Samoan, tap, flamenco, classical, ballet or cheek-to-cheek – it’s all happening.  Contemporary Kiwi dancers Taiaroa Royal and Taane Mete will launch their new company, Okareka Dance Company, with a performance of Tama Ma as part of the festival’s programme.

Phone (09) 368 4180, www.tempo.co.nz

Wandering Lines: Towards a New Culture of Space

SCAPE 2008, Christchurch Biennial of Art in Public Space, 19 September to 2 November, Christchurch

A mind-expanding show of public art installations through the central city and key suburban locations, SCAPE 2008 aims to challenge people’s perceptions of the cultural and urban texture of Christchurch. Curated by Turkey’s Fulya Erdemci and New Zealand’s Danae Mossman, it includes work by 25 artists from 15 countries including a text-based fluorescent statement by big-name Brazilian artist Carmela Gross which will light up one of the city’s high-profile pedestrian traffic precincts. 

Phone (03) 365 7995, www.scapebiennial.org.nz

Nelson Arts Festival

16 to 27 October, Nelson

A late-night café show with iconic Kiwi poet Sam Hunt, Joe Bennett’s circus comedy The Butler, flamenco, Aussie music-comedy trio Tripod and some of Aotearoa’s rising contemporary music stars are all part of the action at this annual explosion of creativity. The festival will open with a parade of 4000 children thronging the city streets with masks, movement and music.

Phone (03) 546 0200, www.nelsonartsfestival.co.nz

E Tü Ake: Standing Strong

8 November to 11 January 2009, Te Papa Tongarewa, Wellington

This is the inaugural showing of a contemporary exhibition developed by Te Papa to tour internationally.It showcases Maori taonga (ancestral treasures) of great beauty together with a selection of contemporary objects, artworks, photographs, digital-media installations and audiovisuals, portraying a culture of artistic depth, courage, dignity and political aspiration.

Phone (04) 381 7000, www.tepapa.govt.nz

The Culverden Christmas Country Fête

30 October, Wynard, Culverden

Now in its 17th year, this old-fashioned country fête is a chance to master Christmas shopping. Around 200 stall-holders are on site with inventive, quirky and stylish wares. Dame Malvina Major’s “talented youthful artists” will be strutting their stuff along with Warratahs vocalist Barry Saunders. Good food, good local wine, Pimms, bubbles, a glorious environment and good fun.

Phone (03) 315 8025, www.thefete.co.nz

Royal New Zealand Show

12 to 14 November, Canterbury Agricultural Park, Christchurch

A great day out Canterbury style. The show is all about national agricultural excellence and a line-up of indoor and outdoor exhibits, marquees and pavilions including the popular Food & Wine NZ display. This year’s new-look feature is Garden NZ, encapsulating Christchurch’s garden-city image in spring with a selection of horticultural displays, demonstrations, products and services. More than 115,000 visitors are expected during the three-day event.

Phone (03) 343 3033, www.theshow.co.nz

Bayleys Garden and Artfest 2008

10 to 16 November, Tauranga, Katikati, Mt Maunganui, Te Puke

Tauranga’s leading garden designers have created a “walk through time” featuring early settlers’ garden plots through to contemporary and futuristic designs. Garden and art lovers will enjoy more than 112 gardens and art stops, from large estates to small courtyards, and costume and fabric artist Jenny Gillies’ Wearable Flower Show.

Phone (07) 570 2525, www.gardenandartfest.co.nz

Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge

29 November, Taupo

This 160km round-the-lake race has been admitted to the prestigious UCI Golden Bike Series, thus classed as being one of the world’s top nine rides. The race takes in some breathtaking scenery and long lake vistas. Riders can choose solo, endurance or relay challenges. Get air in those tyres, grab a drink bottle and circle the date.

Phone (07) 378 1546, www.cyclechallenge.com