More news for this week

A great summer of events for our city

From City Scene, published on 13 April, 2008

Auckland City Council organised, sponsored, supported or hosted many great events across our city this summer.

"From large-scale events such as the New World Netball World Championships and SkyCity Starlight Symphony, to community events like Carols by Candlelight and the Parnell Festival of Roses, the council is involved in nearly everything that goes on in our city," says Arts, Culture and Recreation Committee chairperson Councillor Greg Moyle.

Pasifika Festival 2008

March saw more than 200,000 people attend the 16th Pasifika Festival provided by the council. The festival included the ACC Opening Night Concert, followed by a day of festivities featuring Pacific foods, crafts, cultural performances and music in 10 villages set up around Western Springs Park. Pasifika Festival was the highlight of Celebrate Pasifika, a month-long regional programme of arts and events reflecting the diverse talents of Pacific cultures in Auckland.

Lanterns galore

One of Auckland's most popular free summer events, the Auckland Lantern Festival, was held from Friday, 22 to Sunday, 24 February. This year's event featured more lanterns than ever before, as well as stilt walking, drumming and lion dancing by local and international performers. Auckland City Council proudly provided the 2008 Auckland Lantern Festival in partnership with the Asia New Zealand Foundation.

Music - and movies - in parks

Don McGlashan was among the headline acts in this summer's Music in Parks programme, with more than 40 free concerts featuring various musical genres. This is the 15th year the council has proudly provided Music in Parks, bringing Aucklanders together and showcasing local music. Movies in Parks, featuring Kiwi movies at Mt Eden's Tahaki Reserve, proved a popular addition to this year's programme, as did pre-show entertainment by local musicians.

Bringing Aucklanders together

About 40,000 people enjoyed music, dance, crafts and food from more than 40 nations on Sunday, 17 February, at the annual Auckland International Cultural Festival. Auckland City Council provided the free festival in association with RMS Refugee Resettlement. It also featured the popular Ethnic Soccer Cup tournament, which due to its huge introductory success in 2007, ran over two days with more than 40 teams competing.

ASB Classic and Heineken Open

The New Year kicked off with world-class tennis action, the ASB Classic from 31 December to 5 January, followed by the Heineken Open from 7 to 12 January. The tournaments featured several current and former top 10 players, two Grand Slam winners and rising star David Ferrer. Auckland City Council sponsored both events as part of promoting Auckland in the international media as a unique sporting and tourist destination.