Best of Kiwi music and kapa haka at Queens Wharf

Queens Wharf Auckland Fanzone showcases music and Maori culture; second test also screens at South Rugby Fanzone in Manukau. 

Queens Wharf Auckland Fanzone is going to rock to the sound of local musicians and kapa haka from Friday 30 June to Sunday, 2 July, as well as screening the second test of the DHL New Zealand Lions Series live on Saturday night.

Queens Wharf Auckland Fanzone is the Auckland hub for the DHL New Zealand Lions Series and the nationwide Rugby 2017 Festival.

This week it opens on Tuesday, 27 June for a live screening of the Hurricanes v The British & Irish Lions, as well as roving entertainment, giant rugby inflatables in the family zone and the Peter Bush ‘Hard on the Heels’ rugby photography exhibition.

On Friday, 30 June, Annie Crummer and friends Che Fu, Betty-Anne Monga and Opshop’s Jason Kerrison will take to the stage in Shed 10 from 8-10pm.

Local music legend Annie Crummer says the ‘dream team’ of musicians, who have always wanted to work together, will pay tribute to musical icons who have passed on.

“The first half of the show is made up of each of our own songs, and it’s hit after hit with this lot. Then we honour those we have recently lost, such as George Michael and Prince. These legends, their songs live through us, have made such an impact on our styles, and on the world. The Lions Series is a brilliant chance to share and celebrate this music.”

On Saturday, 1 July, Queens Wharf Auckland Fanzone will showcase the best of traditional and contemporary Māori performance, with award-winning kapa hapa and rising Māori artists.

At midday, Te Taumata Kapa Haka celebrates excellence and innovation in the traditional Māori performing art of kapa haka and features five of the top nine teams from New Zealand’s national kapa haka championship, Te Matatini, the first time outside the biennial competition that the top teams in the country will perform together under one roof.

This rare opportunity to see the top Te Matatini groups in the heart of Auckland features 2017 Te Matatini champions Whāngārā Mai Tawhiti together with runners-up Te Waka Huia and leading groups Ngā Tūmanako, Te Mātārae i Orehu, Te Whānau a Apanui, and Te Wharekura o Hoani Waititi, which will represent Tāmaki Makaurau at the Secondary Schools National Competition in 2018.

At 6pm, rising singer-songwriter Teeks performs, as well as the 12-strong Maimoa Music collective. Teeks (Te Karehana Gardiner-Toi) released his debut EP Grapefruit Skies this month, recorded in New Zealand and New York, while Maimoa Music have attracted a following with their song Maimoatia and Wairua in their mission to promote Te Reo Māori, kaupapa Māori, and tikanga Māori through their music.

From 7pm on Saturday, 1 July, fans can catch the second test live on big screens at the Queens Wharf Auckland Fanzone, or the South Rugby Fanzone at Vodafone Events Centre in Manukau (open from 6pm). Both fanzones will have free entertainment and fun activities, and food and drink for sale.

On Sunday, the homegrown music continues at Queens Wharf, with performances from local acts including Strangely Arousing (12-12.40pm), Anna Coddington (1.15-2pm), and Rhapsody (2.15 – 4pm).

When Queens Wharf Rugby Fanzone is open there will be roving entertainment, giant rugby inflatables in the family zone and the Peter Bush ‘Hard on the Heels’ rugby photography exhibition.

Top tips for catching the action at the fanzones:

• Entry and entertainment is free at the Queen Wharf Auckland Fanzone.
• If you enjoy hustle and bustle, and like the buzz of a crowd to watch action on the big screen, Queens Wharf Auckland Fanzone is for you. It has different areas to watch the match, including a family area upstairs in Shed 10.
•  If you want to avoid coming into the city centre and prefer smaller crowds, head to the South Rugby Fanzone at the Vodafone Events Centre in Manukau. Both fanzones also have free activities like face-painting and giant inflatables, and food and drink for sale.
• Both Queens Wharf Auckland Fanzone and South Rugby Fanzone, at Vodafone Events Centre in Manukau, have alcohol-free areas and licensed areas. Please don’t bring alcohol with you, and note that intoxicated people will be asked to leave.
• Forget the hassle of parking and come by bus, train, on foot or bicycle. Queens Wharf Auckland Fanzone is close to the Britomart Train Station and downtown bus stops, while the Vodafone Events Centre is close to the Manukau Station.
• Kids can have a go at Matariki arts and crafts at South Rugby Fanzone, get their faces painted or play on giant inflatables.
• For more information about Auckland’s Fanzones, go to www.aucklandnz.com/fanzone. For more information about everything in the Rugby 2017 Festival, go to rugby2017festival.com.

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