Events

Find out what's on in central city in May!

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Caregivers can bond with their children while enhancing their social, cognitive, motor and musical skills.

Storytime Puaawai takes place during term time only:

Tuesdays, 10.30-11.15am, Central Library

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Let the good times ROLL!! The Big Bike Film Night is riding into the Waikato on its mission - bringing the best cycling short films from around the world together for you. Showcasing our 2025 collection that has everything a cycling-centric audience could want- action, drama, humour, and plenty of inspiration we're going to spin your wheels, crank your dial, and ring your bell!

There’s always an air of mystique about The Big Bike Film Night; we’re not your typical mainstream film festival; we’re left field and damn proud of it.

Treasuring where a bike can take you, our annual curated collection of short bike films is devised and designed to delight the two-wheel devotee in celebrating the fun, the adventure and the inspiration that cycling enables.

We don’t reveal what films go into our collections; just like riding a bike –it’s the journey and not the destination that is important, but here are some insights...

The 2025 treasure chest of films includes:
•    an exhilarating film that redefines what’s possible on a gravel bike on technically challenging terrains
•    a heartwarming documentary that explores the importance of getting outside, no matter where one is on life’s journey
•    an uplifting film that follows a group of local bike and snow enthusiasts from Wānaka, who have the desire to bring positive social change to their local community through an annual “bikepack” to the local Ski Resort with all their gear, a bit of “type 2” fun!
•    an inspiring mountain bike ride through back country Queenstown that is both poetic and meaningful
•    a life-changing experience for a group of friends who undertake a trip to a bothie (hut) in the Highlands of Scotland to show what can be achieved by people with disabilities in relation to having adventures
•    a film that celebrates the art of “winging it” and how travelling by bicycle and the power of exploration can obliterate preconceptions and contribute to understanding others
•    and a classic Kiwi story of a young trailblazer participating in a grueling six-day mountain bike rally, exploring his boundaries with his own signature entirely unsupported style -fueled by a penchant for chocolate milk
ALL in the mix!

These short films are a great reminder of why we love to ride our bike; with stories that captivate us, stories that make us think, and most importantly of all – inspiring us to get out and ride.  All celebrate the fun, adventure, and joy that cycling enables.

So... listen to the voice inside you; it’s telling you to go. Grab your mates, GO ON… grab your bike and come along for the ride!!

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A great line up of events on each month at Last Place!

Renowned Hamilton chef Andrew Clarke has created a four course tasting menu to match four Whitehaven wines.Danny from Whitehaven will be joining us as our wine ‘tour guide’ for the evening, giving insights into the winery and the way that the chosen varietals match each course.

This event starts at 6pm and tickets are just $59 per person. To book, please email info@keystonebar.co.nz - make sure you get in early as there are limited spots available!

“We’re ephemeral beasts, you know. We come and go… We’re not supposed to live forever.”

Digital Afterlives offers an honest look at how we experience grief in today’s increasingly online world. Constructed word-for-word from interviews with everyday New Zealanders, the play explores how we connect, remember, and honour loved ones through social media and other online platforms after they’ve passed. Everyone’s journey with loss is unique, and Digital Afterlives brings those personal stories to life, shedding light on the ways digital spaces shape how we grieve and keep memories alive. It’s a thought-provoking reflection on death, memory, and the digital age.

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Monthly Open Late sessions.

Instead of closing at 5pm, Te Whare Taonga will be open until 9pm so that you can enjoy the exhibitions after-hours.

With drinks and nibbles available to purchase from our bar, you can get in the groove with a DJ or live music. Each month we'll have a new floor talk or panel discussion to get ideas sparking as you check out the galleries.Come by and make a night of it with Open Late at the Museum!

Schedule

Wednesday 28th May: Dive into Ripples with Sasha from He Koniahi Story Circle.

Wednesday 25th June: A Matariki spectacular featuring a panel discussion on Toi Maaori.

Wednesday 30th July: Winter chill special.

Wednesday 27th August: The insider's guide to the National Contemporary Art Award.

Free entry.

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The French Film Festival Aotearoa is returning to Lido Cinema screens on May 28th With a gala screening of the wonderful, Monsieur Aznavour, followed by 3 weeks of the very best films that France has to offer.

Take it to the limit, Desperado, Lyin Eyes and the world famous Hotel California.A six-piece band lead by Whalen Hughes and David Thompson as Don Henley and Glenn Frey, arguably the best sounding anywhere in the world.Secure your tickets now and be part of a night that pays homage to one of the greatest bands in history.