February/March 2023

When Irish Eyes are Smiling February 9, from 11am, Hawkins Theatre, Local eyes will be smiling following Operatunity’s Hawkins Theatre. The luck (and talent) of show during this concert which will help to get stuck into the spirit (and the ‘spirits’, of time for Saint Patrick’s Day (March 17). available at www.operatunity.co.nz.

Revival Cabaret

February 24-25, times vary, O Broadway Theatre, 41 Elliot St, Papakura

Songs made famous in the West End and on Broadway are set to dominate the O Broadway stage as well. During this show, talented locals will share some of the most wellknown tunes from a host of marvellous musicals. For more information visit www.ptc.org.nz.

Splore

North Island Endurance Series & Motofest

March 3-5, Pukekohe Park, Manukau Rd, Pukekohe, & March 4-5, Hampton Downs Motorsport Park, Hampton Downs

Motorsport fans will be spoiled for choice with racing at both Pukekohe Park and Hampton Downs. Pukekohe hosts the North Island Endurance Series (also at Hampton Downs in April) while Motofest o ers two-wheeled action. See www.nierdc.com and www.hamptondowns.com for more.

February 24-26, Tāpapakanga Regional Park, Orere Point Set to the picturesque backdrop of Orere Point, this music festival is synonymous with summer. Featuring a wide range of acts, not just musicians, this family friendly event will see sandy toes tapping day and night. Further information (including details about this year’s performers) is available at www.splore.net.

Festival of Freeride

NZ Polo Open

February 19, from 11am, Auckland Polo Kawakawa Bay Rd, Clevedon

Although it is played by princes and kings, ‘uncommonly’ entertaining for people from The marquee event on the Auckland polo Polo Open sees top players from throughout beyond compete. Visit www.nzpoloopen.com

March 10-11, Karioitahi Beach, Karioitahi

Making even the most di cult stunts seem free and easy, this event is devoted to wild watercraft and their even wilder riders. Celebrating its 10th year, the popular Festival of Freeride is set to make waves once again at one of Franklin’s favourite beaches. See www.nzfestivalo reeride.com for more information.

Theatre, Ray Small Dr, Papakura Operatunity’s return to of the Irish will be on help audiences prepare ‘spirits’, perhaps) in plenty 17). More information is

February 18-19, Pukekohe Showgrounds Station Rd, Pukekohe

All the fun of the farm and the fair collides as the Franklin Agricultural and Pastoral Society hosts it’s A&P show. From children’s rides and food stalls to rural sports and demonstrations, this event is set to return to the annual calendar in fine style. See www.pukekoheshowgrounds.co.nz for a

Barfoot & Thompson Auckland Cup Day & more

March 11, Pukekohe Park, Manukau Rd, Pukekohe

Polo Club, Clevedon- kings, polo is an from all walks of life. polo programme, the NZ throughout New Zealand and www.nzpoloopen.com for details.

Urban Polo Open

March 11, Auckland Domain, Park Rd, Grafton

Barfoot & Thompson People’s Triathlon

They’re o and running again as Pukekohe Park’s summer in the spotlight continues! Featuring the ever-popular Auckland Cup Day, as well as other thoroughbred racedays, the coming weeks will see racing finish first every time. See www.pukekohepark.co.nz/events for a full schedule regarding these and other upcoming events.

February 19, start times vary, Maraetai Beach, Maraetai This popular triathlon series comes close to home again with its penultimate races held in rural southeast Auckland. While full length events are on the cards for those at the top of their form, shorter courses ensure the People’s Triathlon is suited to people of almost any age or level of fitness. Visit www.peoplestri.co.nz to enter or for additional information.

Hard on the heels of the NZ Polo Open (Feb 19), this event sees rural sportspeople take their love of polo to town. Combining the glitz and glamour of a top polo tournament with fashions and further entertainment, this event is sure see town and country come together in style. For details visit www.urbanpolo.co.nz.

Bombay Farm Run

March 12, from 9.30am, 554 Paparata Rd, Bombay

Featuring five and 10km events, this fun run involves participants exchanging the road more often travelled for a cross country course. However, ‘runners’ may cover the distance at a walk if they choose, taking in picturesque rural scenery along the way. For details search ‘Bombay Farm Run’ at www.runningcalendar.co.nz.

Franklin Arts Festival

March 17-26

Franklin Arts Centre & Pukekohe Town Hall, Massey Ave, Pukekohe

Following an opening night event, the Franklin Arts Festival will showcase work by creatives, ranging from children through to veteran artists. In addition, awards (including one specifically for local artists) will be up for grabs. For further information visit www.franklinartsfestival.co.nz.