Brilliant Things to Do This Waitangi Weekend

While last weekend gave us a moment (and a day off) to celebrate the diversity of Tamaki Makaurau, this long weekend commemorates the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi, New Zealand's founding document, by Māori chiefs and representatives of the British crown on February 6, 1840.

If you're stumped for plans this long weekend, come hither. There's everything from the country’s best up-and-coming stand-up comedians, your DJ’s favourite DJ, a celebration of music under the 'folk' banner, Shakespeare in a park, openair cinema, and an unruly mash-up of theatre, dance and home videos.

FRIDAY

Billy T Jams

As part of their quest to take home the highest honour in New Zealand comedy, and a canary-coloured bathroom accessory, five of the country’s best up-and-coming stand-up comedians will take the stage at Q Theatre. In line for this year’s Billy T James Award are the star of ‘How to fold a fitted sheet’ – Alice Brine; almost-famous YouTube sensation – David Correos; toddler trapped inside a teenager’s body – James Malcolm; regular cast member of TV3’s Funny Girls and Jono and Ben – Laura Daniel, and 2015 Billy T nominee Matt Stellingwerf.

8pm // Q Theatre - Rangatira // $25 - 29.50

Boy & Bear

The Aussie folk-rock band are jumping the ditch to support their new album Limit Of Love. For those who haven’t had pleasure of listening, the five-piece specialise in infectious but soothing folk anthems featuring banjos and the dulcet tones of lead singer David Hosking.

8pm // The Powerstation // $55

SATURDAY

Waitangi Day Festival

Bastion Point will set the scene for the family-friendly Waitangi event. The festival will celebrate the momentous signing of the treaty and the rich Maori culture through kapa haka, an aerial display of giant Manu Aute kites and plenty of kai. Following an opening powhiri, there will be live performances by reggae band House of Shem, Ill Semantics, Billy TK Jnr, Troy Kingi and plenty more.

11.30am // Bastion Point // Free

HART

HART outlines three generation’s accounts of the harrowing time in Australia’s history. Between the years of 1900 – 1970 a number of children were taken from their families in a controversial effort by the government to ‘keep them safe’. She Said Theatre brings us this performance of HART after an encouraging couple of wins at the Melbourne Fringe Festival.

6.30pm // The Basement // $20

LEFTO

Often described as “your DJ’s favourite DJ”, LEFTO is recognised for his eclectic and experimental sets, groundbreaking production and early adoption of the bangers of tomorrow. His unique blend of old and new has earned him worldwide acclaim and residencies at prominent venues across the globe.

9pm // Cassette Nine // $10

SUNDAY

Ben & Jerry's Openair Cinema

Auckland's newest outdoor cinema will kick off over the long weekend with three nights of screenings. While Friday will be a mini-music festival in its own right with performances from some local bands and DJs, the ‘Sundae Session’ will be the your chance to grab a complimentary scoop of Ben & Jerry's ice cream and catch rag-to-riches tale Joy. Starring Jennifer Lawrence, Bradley Cooper and Robert De Niro, the film is a fictionalised account of the rise of a real-life home shopping network star.

5pm // Western Springs Park // $12 - 32

No More Dancing in the Good Room

Having made its premiere at the New Zealand International Comedy Festival in 2015, the unruly mash-up of theatre, dance and home videos, No More Dancing in the Good Room, will return for a run at Q Theatre’s The Loft. Chris Parker’s autobiographical show tells the story of a boy growing up gay in middle-class Christchurch, realising he’s more ‘Lord of the Dance’ than ‘1st XV’. It’s a little different from the usual song and dance.

6.30pm // Q Theatre - The Loft // $25 - 39

Auckland Folk Festival

The annual celebration of music under the 'folk' banner will be held over the entire long weekend with live performances, workshops, food vendors and a presentation for the Best Folk Album of 2015. Highlights include influential guitarist Martin Carthy, celebrated UK banjo player Dan Walsh, traditional Scottish folk songwriters Gillian Boucher and Bob McNeill, and Melbourne folk-roots band Mustered Courage.

All day // Kumeu Showgrounds // $15 - 130

MONDAY

Shakespeare in the Park

For its twentieth season, openair theatre programme Shakespeare in the Park will bring together two of The Bard's famous plays: five-act tragedy King Lear and island-set romance The Tempest. Both will be performed at The PumpHouse Amphitheatre located in Takapuna.

7.30pm // PumpHouse Amphitheatre // $26.50

Ha the Unclear

Before jetting off to Australia for a fist full of shows, Auckland-by-the-way-of-Dunedin band Ha the Unclear will perform an intimate show at Grey Lynn local Freida Margolas. The band are known for their off-kilter brand of pop, supported by rich, multi-layered harmonies and absurd lyrics. The group's bass player Paul Cathro will open the show with a swoon-heavy solo set.

8pm //Freida Margolas // $15

Feature image credit: Shae Sterling