VAN GOGH ALIVE TO TOUR NEW ZEALAND WITH LIMITED SEASONS IN WELLINGTON, CHRISTCHURCH AND AUCKLAND IN 2021

BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND, Van Gogh Alive returns to New Zealand with its large-scale, indoor experience in Wellington, Christchurch and Auckland in 2021 following its incredibly successful, outdoor ‘Digital Nights’ experience that wowed sold-out audiences on Wellington’s waterfront in 2020.

Grande Experiences, AKA Australia and Live Nation, alongside official media partner Sky NZ, present Van Gogh Alive, a multi-sensory experience to entertain the whole family. Van Gogh’s works have been displayed and enjoyed around the world for over a century – but never like this. For a limited time only, audiences will have the unique opportunity to fully experience Van Gogh’s artistry, and truly immerse themselves in his world.  Van Gogh Alive opens in Wellington at TSB Arena on January 11th  for a strictly limited season before opening in Christchurch at the Air Force Museum of New Zealand on February 18th, then Auckland at Spark Arena on Wednesday 14thApril.

Make no mistake – this is no ordinary art exhibition. Created by Grande Experiences, Van Gogh Alive sets aside traditions of tiptoeing through silent galleries and viewing paintings from afar in quiet contemplation as visitors find themselves interacting with art in ways they never imagined. From start to finish, visitors are surrounded by a vibrant symphony of light, colour, sound and fragrance that has been called an ‘unforgettable’ multi-sensory experience. Van Gogh's masterpieces come to life, giving the sensation of walking right into his paintings, a feeling that is simultaneously enchanting, entertaining and educational. Adults and children delight in the super-scale show, viewing artworks from new angles and discovering unique perspectives, all contact-free and naturally socially distanced. But for many, the greatest pleasure lies in simply standing still, indulging the senses as waves of sights and sounds, intense and beautiful, wash over them. Don’t worry about the kids getting bored – they’ll love it as much as you do!
 
Live Nation New Zealand Managing Director, Mark Kneebone says: “Over 6 million people around the world have experienced this incredible immersive experience, including sold out seasons across Australia. We can’t wait to share the magic of Van Gogh with Kiwis in 2021”

Vodafone customers can be among the first to secure tickets to the opening 10 days of Van Gogh Alive in each location, during the Vodafone presale starting 12pm Thursday 19 November. Go to vodafone.co.nz/events. Live Nation and Ticketmaster Presale Tickets will go on sale at 11am on Monday 23rd November with general tickets going on sale on Wednesday 25th November at 11am from Ticketmaster. 

VAN GOGH ALIVE

WELLINGTON TSB ARENA FROM JAN 11TH 2020
CHRISTCHURCH AIR FORCE MUSEUM OF NEW ZEALAND FROM FEB 19TH 2020
AUCKLAND SPARK ARENA FROM APRIL 14TH 2020

TICKETS ON SALE WEDNESDAY 25TH NOVEMBER AT 11AM

Vodafone customers can secure tickets first during the exclusive pre-sale beginning 12pm Thursday 19th November with Live Nation and Ticketmaster Presale tickets on sale 11am on Monday 23rd November.

For complete tour and ticket information, visit: www.livenation.co.nz

VILLAGE SOUNDS NZ LAUNCHES WITH PREMIUM ROSTER OF LOCAL ARTISTS

The Village Sounds NZ booking agency today announces its opening, with a strong roster of local artists already attached. Village Sounds NZ is a joint venture between Village Sounds Australia, a leading Australian agency founded in 1999, and New Zealand’s CRS Music Management. The agency will represent the live touring of Australasian artists, nurturing artist careers across all genres. The New Zealand roster will include a host of well-known musicians, including Benee, Leisure, Teeks, Connan Mockasin, Church & AP, Vayne and many more.
 

Operating out of the CRS office in Morningside, Auckland, Village Sounds NZ will be managed by CRS’ Campbell Smith, with Julian Carswell (Laneway NZ Festival Director) as lead agent. 
 

Campbell Smith says: “CRS is delighted to join forces with Village Sounds Australia to launch Village Sounds New Zealand. For more than 20 years VS Australia has delivered the kind of skilled and creative representation for its roster that I have long admired and wanted to replicate in NZ. We will strive to deliver that same service for our clients here. I have known and worked with Paul Piticco and the VSA folks for many years and I have long regarded Julian Carswell to be the best booking agent in the country. We have a great team, an amazing artist roster to kick off with, and we are ready to go!”
 

Secret Sounds Co-CEO Paul Piticco adds: “Extremely proud to have found partners in New Zealand like Julian and Campbell. Campbell and I go way way back to when we shared an office in NYC and I think Julian’s ear for Kiwi talent is second to none. Having a contemporary and progressive agency in New Zealand, run by New Zealanders for the betterment of the local community is the same as how Village Sounds and Secret Sounds started in Australia. This bridge we have now built will create awesome opportunities for our rosters on both sides of the ditch to connect with more fans…. which is what it’s all about.”
 

The full roster for Village Sounds NZ can be viewed on their website www.villagesounds.nz. Village Sounds Australia’s roster includes Courtney Barnett, Vance Joy, Violent Soho, G Flip, Bernard Fanning, Cub Sport & DMA’S to name a select few. 

TIM ROTH TO STAR IN NEW LOCAL FEATURE FILM PUNCH

Production has commenced in Auckland for PUNCH, a new local feature film starring British actor and Oscar-nominee Tim Roth (The Hateful Eight, Rob Roy, Pulp Fiction, Tin Star), alongside local actors Jordan Oosterhof (Cul de Sac) and Toi Whakaari graduate Conan Hayes. The film will be shot in the Auckland region, with a general release planned for late 2021.

Welby Ings, whose award-winning short films have screened at more than 80 international film festivals, is writer and director for the project. In development for fourteen years, PUNCH is a contemporary love story about loyalty and redemption.

The story follows gay adolescent boxer and small-town golden boy Jim (Jordan Oosterhof) on his journey to self-discovery and manhood. Tim Roth plays the role of Stan, Jim’s demanding coach and alcoholic father, and Conan Hayes takes on the part of Whetu, a young takatāpui Māori musician.

Writer and director Welby Ings commented: “This story is very close to my heart, and I’m thrilled to be bringing it to life. It’s great to be heading into production, and I’m excited to be collaborating with the extraordinarily talented Tim Roth. It’s wonderful to welcome him to a film set in Aotearoa.”

PUNCH is produced by Robin Murphy (Lowdown Dirty Criminals) for Robin Murphy Productions and Catherine Fitzgerald (The Orator, Bellbird) of Blueskin Films.

The film will be made with investment by The New Zealand Film Commission, NZ Screen Production Grant, Prospect Films and Images and Sound. PUNCH will be distributed by Vendetta Films in New Zealand and Australia.

FIRST DAD CLARKE GAYFORD PUTS BABY DONE STARS THROUGH THEIR PACES IN HILARIOUS NEW CLIP

TO VIEW CLICK HERE

A hilarious new clip featuring the nation’s First Father Clarke Gayford testing Baby Done stars Rose Matafeo and Matthew ‘Longbottom’ Lewis’ parenting knowledge has been unveiled today. From the production house behind Kiwi box office hits Hunt for the Wilderpeople and The Breaker Upperers, Baby Done lands in nationwide cinemas today.

Written by Sophie Henderson and directed by her husband Curtis Vowell, Baby Done follows wannabe-adventurer Zoe (Rose Matafeo) who freaks out when she falls pregnant to her long-term boyfriend Tim (Matthew Lewis). As Tim embraces the prospect of fatherhood, Zoe attempts to rush through her dreams.

The clip shows Gayford throwing a number of curly questions to the unprepared duo, testing their knowledge of Witches Milk and fontanelle, and posing various parenting scenarios.

“There are more manuals on parenting than grains of sand on earth and still nothing captures what it's actually like. I tried my best to make it easy, but it was clear when I met them that these two had no chance to getting any of the answers right,” comments Gayford.

Baby Done was made with investment by The New Zealand Film Commission, Wallace Productions Limited and Department of Post. The film is distributed in New Zealand by Madman and Piki and in Australia by Madman in 2020.

THE BRITISH FILM FESTIVAL RETURNS TO NEW ZEALAND SCREENING THE BEST OF BRITISH CINEMA

The British Film Festival returns to New Zealand this November, serving a stellar selection of prestige film and English box office hits. The premium festival will run from 19th - 29th November in Auckland and Wellington, 2nd - 13th December in Tauranga and from 26th November – 6th December around the rest of the country.
 
Following its successful debut in New Zealand last year, the British Film Festival will once again celebrate the finest filmmakers and acting talent the British Isles has to offer. From coming of age comedies and Palm d’Or nominated dramas, to cutting-edge music documentaries and heart-warming romances, there’s something for everyone.
 
Screening 20 specially curated films, the British Film Festival will feature a host of British cinema royalty including Academy Award-nominated actress Kiera Knightley (MISBEHAVIOUR), Quantum of Solace star Gemma Arterton (SUMMERLAND), and BAFTA and Golden Globe-nominated actor Rupert Everett (WARRIOR QUEEN). The all-star line-up also includes Love Actually’s Rhys Ifans (MISBEHAVIOUR), multi-award-winning actress Lesley Manville (MISBEHAVIOUR), and Emmy-winning actor Derek Jacobi (WARRIOR QUEEN). They’ll be joined on-screen by some of Britain’s finest up-and-coming young talent.  
 
The festival programme features a wide range of premieres such as A Street Cat Named Bob’s hotly-anticipated follow-up – A GIFT FROM BOB; the star-studded comedy MISBEHAVIOUR; the sweeping WWII drama SUMMERLAND; the Belle & Sebastian-scored indie-darling DAYS OF THE BAGNOLD SUMMER; rock 'n' roll doc ROCKFIELD: THE STUDIO ON THE FARM featuring performances by Queen, Robert Plant, Iggy Pop and Oasis; the inspiring true story of Churchill's all-female spy agency in A CALL TO SPY; as well as the timeless and anarchic comedy brilliance of Monty Python's THE HOLY GRAIL and LIFE OF BRIAN.
 
Kelly Rogers, CEO of the British Film Festival commented: “Last year’s inaugural British Film Festival was such a hit with Kiwi audiences, we’re over the moon to announce its return. New Zealanders love the romance and escapism of going to the cinema, and our carefully curated line-up is rather special indeed, featuring a wide range of comedies, dramas, romances and audience favourites.”
 
A selection of films screening/premiering at the 2020 British Film Festival:

• A GIFT FROM BOB

• A CALL TO SPY

• SUMMERLAND

• MISBEHAVIOUR

• ROCKFIELD: THE STUDIO ON THE FARM

• DAYS OF THE BAGNOLD SUMMER

• FANNY LYE DELIVER’D

• THE HOLY GRAIL (MONTY PYTHON)

• LIFE OF BRIAN (MONTY PYTHON)

NETSKY DEBUTS A LOVE LETTER TO NZ WITH HIS OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO FOR MIXED EMOTIONS WITH MONTELL2099

Belgian DJ and honorary Kiwi, Netsky, has just released the official music video for his track Mixed Emotions with kiwi producer Montell2099 ahead of the release of his album Second Nature due out on 30th October.

After playing shows in NZ for the last 10 years and becoming a household name across the summer festival circuit, it is only fitting the debut single from this album be a love letter to New Zealand. Directed by Connor Pritchard and featuring incredible scenery and landscapes across locations including Katikati, Queenstown, The Coromandel and Auckland and featuring Nga Te Rangi and Te Rereatukahia Marae, this video is a true celebration of Aoteroa and Netsky’s love for the land and people.

Netsky says:

A love letter to Aotearoa...

I’ve considered New Zealand as a second home for a long time now. I’m eternally grateful for the memories this country and its people have given me. It felt natural to express my love for the country showcasing its natural beauty and the people who inspired Montell and I to write this song.

Huge thanks to Nana Mabel and all at Te Rereatukahia marae for your help and creative input, and all of the wonderful kiwi’s who featured in the video.

Ngā mihi nunui ki a koutou 💚

Mixed Emotions is the first track from the album Second Nature which also features collaborations from Sub Focus, Becky Hill, Rudimental, Hybrid Minds, and Urbandawn to name a few. ‘Second Nature’ is teed up to be a remarkable and seminal release for drum & bass lovers around the world.

TRAILER UNVEILED FOR POWERFUL KIWI DRAMA ‘SAVAGE’ AHEAD OF 27 AUGUST RELEASE

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE TRAILER

The trailer for new local feature film Savage has been released today ahead of its nationwide general release on 27th August. The film stars Australian actor Jake Ryan (Home and Away, Wolf Creek, Underbelly) alongside local faces John Tui (The Legend of Baron To’a, Solo: A Star Wars Story) and Chelsie Preston Crayford (The Luminaries, The Bad Seed, The Inland Road).

Inspired by stories from New Zealand’s boys’ homes and the early history of our gangs, Savage follows Danny across three decades of his life, taking a deeper look at a boy who grows into the brutal enforcer of a gang, to understand how he got there.

In development for eight years, Savage was written and directed by award-winning filmmaker Sam Kelly (Lambs). Kelly comments on the film: “Savage shines a light on the reality that gangs form not in isolation from society, but as a direct result of it. There were many dominos that created our gang culture in the 60s, and Savage lets us walk in the shoes of one individual to help us understand the forces that continue to push and pull young men into this world.”

Producer Vicky Pope adds: “More than ever, New Zealand’s artists and storytellers have a role to play in our culture; helping create empathy, community and connection with each other. This film is very timely with its connection to the current Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care. Savage reflects a part of our social history that many people may not be aware of, and a group of men whose experiences they may not understand.”

Lead actor Jake Ryan comments: "Filming Savage was a confronting and amazing experience that will stay with me forever. We all went very deep for the film, pouring our hearts and souls into it, and respecting the people and story we were telling. I feel honoured to be a part of this incredible film. I hope it triggers conversations and brings the importance of love, acceptance, belonging and connection to people in these unsettling times.”

Shot in the Wellington region, Savage features an ensemble cast of both professional and first-time actors from around Aotearoa, including first-time actor James Matamua (teenager Danny) who was discovered at a local boxing ring in Heretaunga, Wellington. The casting process spanned eight months, with more than 7,000 online submissions following a casting call on Facebook.

Selected to premiere at the prestigious BFI London Film Festival and Busan International Film Festival, Hollywood Reporter noted Savage’s “fresh perspective” and credited the film as “Shifting back and forth among three watershed moments in the protagonist’s life…Kelly draws an emotional roadmap detailing one man’s life and how he got from A to B.”

NEW DATES CONFIRMED FOR BLUE PLANET II LIVE IN CONCERT

BBC Studios, Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra and Auckland Live are pleased to confirm new dates for Blue Planet II Live in Concert, with two special evenings set for Auckland on Friday 9 and Saturday 10 April 2021, at Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre, Aotea Centre.

Blue Planet II Live In Concert was previously scheduled for July 2020, but the event was postponed due to Covid-19.

Following the incredible success of the BAFTA-award winning BBC Studios natural history series Blue Planet II, Blue Planet II Live in Concert will bring the wonders and mysteries of the planet’s oceans and its colourful inhabitants to the stage, in a screening incorporating live music and narration by a special guest who is yet to be announced.

Blue Planet II Live In Concert will present a selection of stunning visuals from the television series, highlighting the incredible natural wonders of our blue planet in detail, projected on a big screen. Accompanied by the original immersive music score by renowned musicians Hans Zimmer, Jacob Shea and David Fleming which will be performed live by the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra (APO).

BBC Studios Australia and New Zealand acting head of live entertainment, Louise Hill, says “We’re thrilled to reconfirm dates for Kiwi audiences to enjoy the magic of Blue Planet II Live in Concert. Following the tremendous success of Planet Earth II Live in Concert, we’re certain New Zealand audiences will be blown away by the show’s awe-inspiring footage and spectacular music score performed by the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra.”

Blue Planet II Live in Concert is a live adaptation of a television story following the incredible success of the award-winning television series Blue Planet II. During the four years filming for Blue Planet II, the teams embarked on 125 expeditions, travelled to 39 countries, including New Zealand, and filmed across every continent and ocean. They spent 6,000 hours deep-sea diving, 1,000 hours in submersibles, filming everywhere from our familiar shores to the deepest seas. Logistically, some of these expeditions could be compared to a trip into space – such was the effort. In the process, the camera teams encountered creatures that appeared so strange that they really did seem to come from a different planet.

A fantastical journey from icy polar seas to pulsating coral reefs, from the luminous deep sea to enormous kelp forests: immerse yourself in Blue Planet II Live in Concert, an epic experience that you will never forget.

Blue Planet II Live in Concert
7.30 pm, Friday 9 April and Saturday 10 April 2021
Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre, Aotea Centre
aucklandlive.co.nz/show/blue-planet-ii

Blue Planet II is a BBC Studios Natural History Unit Production.

MULTI AWARD-WINNING SINGER SONGWRITER DELTA GOODREM UNVEILS BRIDGE OVER TROUBLED DREAMS TOUR FOR APRIL 2021

TEG Live proudly presents superstar singer songwriter Delta Goodrem on her BRIDGE OVER TROUBLED DREAMS TOUR in April 2021, marking Delta’s first ever headline tour of New Zealand.

Pre-sale tickets will be available via The Breeze ( Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch ) from 10am (local) Wednesday 15 July 2020, before the general public on sale at 10am (local) Monday 20 July 2020 from Ticketek and Ticketmaster.

The BRIDGE OVER TROUBLED DREAMS TOUR of New Zealand will commence on 22 April 2021 at Wellington’s Michael Fowler Centre, moving to Auckland’s Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre on 23 April, followed by Christchurch Town Hall on 24 April.

Delta said today, “There’s nothing like being on tour and being with people face to face and to share in the magic of live music. Nothing gets me more excited than creating a world for everyone to come to. Visually, I love to make sure a tour represents the energy of what this new album embodies. There are going to be incredible musical moments in bringing to life the surprise elements of this new album and all of the favorites from my previous records. Anyone who has been to my shows knows that I like to have a lot of fun and this record and tour is no different. I know many people are going through challenging times right now; come next year I want to invigorate and empower everybody in the room to have the best night of their lives and we’ll sing and dance through it all.”

For the past 17 years Delta Goodrem has provided a soundtrack to the lives of a generation of music fans in Australia, the UK and around the world. She has achieved 17 top 10 hits, four #1 albums, and sold over 9 million records worldwide.

She has 4 x ARIA #1 albums, 16 x ARIA Awards, 3 x World Music Awards, a Silver Logie Award and an MTV Music Video Award, and is a return Coach on The Voice Australia, having coached the winner twice (2016 & 2017).

Delta has been busier than ever, recently undertaking highly acclaimed performances for global event ‘One World: Together At Home’ and ‘Music From The Home Front,' where she shone as one of four hosts and delivered a show-stopping duet performance of the Men At Work classic “Down Under” with Colin Hay.

Keen to connect with her fans from all over the world, Delta also launched The Bunkerdown Sessions via her social media platforms, performing live deep cuts from her extensive catalogue and some new pieces she had been working on, including recent single, Keep Climbing.

She also launched Delta Goodrem Foundation, in partnership with St Vincent’s Hospital in Sydney, to help fund medical research into blood cancers and auto-immune disease and $1+ GST from every ticket purchased to the BRIDGE OVER TROUBLED DREAMS TOUR will be donated to the Foundation – visit https://deltagoodremfoundation.org/

DELTA GOODREM
BRIDGE OVER TROUBLED DREAMS
NEW ZEALAND TOUR DATES 2021
 

Thursday 22 April 2021         Michael Fowler Centre, Wellington
Friday 23 April 2021              Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre, Auckland
Saturday 24 April 2021         Town Hall, Christchurch      
 

DELTA GOODREM FAN CLUB PRE-SALE
10.45pm Sunday 12 July – 9.59am Wednesday 15 July 2020 (local)

THE BREEZE PRE-SALE
10.00am Wednesday 15 July – 9.59am Friday 17 July 2020 (local)
 
GENERAL PUBLIC ONSALE
10.00AM MONDAY 20 JULY (local time)
 
www.ticketek.co.nz (Christchurch tour date)
www.ticketmaster.co.nz (Auckland tour date)
www.ticketmaster.co.nz (Wellington tour date)
 
All tickets are available from Ticketek and Ticketmaster

RNZ’S NEW WEB SERIES ‘NZ HIP HOP STAND UP’ CELEBRATES ICONIC AOTEAROA MUSIC

View the trailer here

RNZ have today announced a brand new web series titled NZ Hip Hop Stand Up. The seven-part series is an exploration of some of the greatest songs released over the 30-year history of hip hop music in Aotearoa. Launching on Thursday 23rd July, all episodes will be available to view on RNZ’s website.

Featuring 30 artists from the 30-year history of Aotearoa hip hop, each episode of NZ Hip Hop Stand Up will showcase a significant song, with artists of all generations discussing its importance and relevance to New Zealand and NZ hip hop.

Starting in 1988 with ‘E Tū’ by Upper Hutt Posse and ending in 2019 with ‘Ready or Not’ by teen sensations Church & AP, the series talks to all of the major players involved in some of the most influential and loved tracks this country has ever produced.

Director Chris Graham, who made some of NZ’s most well-known and award-winning music videos for artists including Scribe, King Kapisi, Dei Hamo, Smashproof and Savage, commented on the series: “We set out to do justice to the creative breadth of New Zealand’s hip hop culture, but one of the most surprising and humbling parts of the experience was capturing the authentic stories that each artist shared about how these songs were conceived and made, these musical taonga that have touched our hearts, and shaped the unique sound that is specifically hip hop from Aotearoa.”

RNZ Music Content Director, Willy Macalister added: “We’re excited to bring this dynamic series to New Zealand audiences. I’m sure local audiences are going to really enjoy reflecting on the iconic songs featured that have shaped Aotearoa’s hip hop music history.”

NZ Hip Hop Stand Up is produced by The Down Low Concept, whose credits include 7 Days and Rū Ana Te Whenua: Alien Weaponry Shake Europe. Featured artists include King Kapisi, Sheelahroc, Sisters Underground, Scribe, Smashproof and Church & AP. Three of the biggest names in Aotearoa hip hop; Ladi 6, Scribe and King Kapisi, acted as consultants on the series.

KIWI KIDS SHOW KIRI AND LOU A UK SMASH HIT!

The delightful and award winning Kiwi kids show Kiri and Lou has just clocked over a whopping 2 million streams on BBC’s streaming platform BBC iPlayer and reached the coveted number one spot for their kids content. 

Written and directed by Harry Sinclair with music by Don McGlashan (formerly The Front Lawn) and voiced by comedy greats, Jemaine Clement, Olivia Tennet, Rima Te Wiata, Jaquie Brown, Josh Thomson and Mark Wright, the good news continues with a second series of Kiri and Lou screening on TVNZ 2 from tomorrow, 24 June, at 6.55am, with new episodes also available on TVNZ On Demand.

Made for pre-school children but enjoyed by all the family, the series centres around music, the environment, nature, feelings and friendship, and explores values such as kindness, thoughtfulness and empathy. Each episode follows the charming, prehistoric friends, Kiri and Lou, in a fun adventure story with an emotional theme.

Success in New Zealand and overseas has brought funding for a third series of episodes, and a Kiri and Lou movie is in development.

In addition, the debut album, Kiri and Lou Singalongsongs, will launch for digital download and streaming Monday 29 June. Composed and produced by beloved New Zealand musical duo The Front Lawn, aka Sinclair and McGlashan, the album features songs from Series 1, delighting fans with perennial favourites such as ‘Yum Yum Baronies’ and ‘Look Before You Poo’. 

“I feel really excited about this album as it’s the Front Lawn working together again, but on something so completely different,” says Sinclair. “Don and I are having more fun than ever."

The show has attracted international interest for consumer products. Merchantwise (Australia/NZ) and Rocket Licensing (UK) will manage licensing rights in a wide range of categories, including toys and games, stationery, publishing, homewares and apparel, with a focus on sustainable and environmentally conscious product and partnerships, in keeping with the brand’s core values and messaging. 

“The heart of the show remains very much in New Zealand but the international accolades have been welcome,” says producer Fiona Copland. “It’s a celebration of ‘New Zealandness’ in many ways, so it’s a thrill that people in other countries seem to get it. We are proud to be taking Kiwi values around the world.”
 
Most recently Kiri and Lou was a finalist for the prestigious Prix Jeunesse in Europe and won a Cynopsis Best of the Best Award in New York.

The show is currently broadcast in the UK, Australia, Finland, Sweden, the Czech Republic, the Middle East, Africa, as well as with commissioning broadcasters TVNZ in New Zealand and CBC in Canada. Episodes have screened in cinemas in France, Germany, USA, Russia, China, Poland and South America.

Watch episodes of Kiri and Lou here

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THE SEARCH BEGINS FOR THIS YEAR’S ATTITUDE AWARD FINALISTS

CELEBRATING THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF NEW ZEALAND’S DISABILITY COMMUNITY

Pictured: The 2019 Attitude ACC Supreme Award winner Cory Newman

The Attitude Awards are once again looking for Aotearoa’s unsung heroes leading the way in the disability community. 
 
Celebrating the excellence and achievements of New Zealanders living with disabilities, recognising athletes, employers, employees, young people and others who are game changers in their communities, Attitude Award nominations are open from now until Sunday 26th July.
 
Last year’s Attitude ACC Supreme Award and Youth Spirit winner was teenager Cory Newman who was recognised for his standout achievements in the music industry. 17-year-old Cory and his punk rock band Sit Down in Front erupted onto the local and international music scene in 2019 when music legend Jimmy Barnes invited them to be the opening act for the New Zealand leg of his recent international tour. The band performed at Rhythm and Vines earlier this year and are set to release their debut album Confessions of a Pie Thief on June 26th. Cory was born premature and has cerebral palsy, epilepsy and ADHD, and accepted the Attitude ACC Supreme Award in front of a sold-out crowd of friends, family and members of the disability sector.
 
Now in its 13th year, the Attitude Awards will present nine categories including Attitude ACC Employer, Spirit of Attitude, Sporting Endeavour and Youth Courage Award. The awards will take place on Wednesday, 2nd December with a black-tie gala dinner at Auckland’s Cordis Hotel.
 
Attitude’s CEO Dan Buckingham, a Paralympic gold medallist who uses a wheelchair after sustaining a spinal cord injury aged 18, said the annual awards are not only a unique celebration of success, but also an opportunity to shine a light on the benefits of integrating people with disabilities into every aspect of political, social, economic and cultural life in New Zealand.
 
“The Attitude Awards truly are one of a kind, celebrating the incredible successes and stories of Kiwis living with disabilities. We’d love for New Zealanders to put forward individuals and organisations in their communities who they think are deserving of recognition,” comments Dan Buckingham.
 
2019 winners also included Tim Fairhall, winner of the Leadership Award for his work changing the legislation around Kiwisaver, travel junkie Jezza Williams who won the Entrepreneur Award and social enterprise The Cookie Project, who took home the Attitude ACC Employer Award.
 
For the 13th year running, ACC returns as principal sponsor. About the awards, ACC Chief Executive Scott Pickering says: “The Attitude Awards are a great opportunity to recognise and reflect on the huge contribution Kiwis with disabilities make to our society. Many of those nominated each year are, or have been, ACC clients. We are proud to have played a role in their recovery, and through our sponsorship of the awards we are proud to celebrate them and the other remarkable people nominated. The event is a fantastic way to promote a more inclusive and accessible Aotearoa. I encourage you to support the Awards and to nominate a friend, family member, colleague, or employer who deserves to be recognised for their achievements.”
 
Other sponsors and supporters for the awards include APM Workcare, Barfoot & Thompson, Drake International and New Zealand Lotteries Commission.  
 
The Attitude Awards will be aired as an hour-long television special on TVNZ1 on Sunday, 13th December, with thanks to NZ on Air. The special will feature entertainment, winners and highlights from the evening.
 
For nomination information and entry forms, visit http://attitudeawards.org. Nominations close on Sunday 26th July and finalists will be announced in early September. Winners will be revealed at a black-tie gala for over 500 people including figures from the disability sector on Wednesday 2nd December, at Auckland’s Cordis Hotel.
 
The nine categories for this year’s awards are: Attitude ACC Employer Award, Spirit of Attitude Award, Sporting Endeavour Award, Special Olympics Award, Youth Courage Award, Impact Award, Employee and Entrepreneur Award, Support Superstar Award and Community Champion Award.

JEMAINE CLEMENT, TAIKA WAITITI, CORI GONZALEZ-MACUER AND LOUIS MENDIOLA BEHIND NEW COMEDY SERIES ASS

A brand-new comedy series, reuniting three of the stars from What We Do In The Shadows, has been optioned by local production house Augusto. From co-creators Cori Gonzalez-Macuer and Louis Mendiola, the series will be directed by comedy genius Jemaine Clement and executive produced by Oscar-winning Taika Waititi.
 
Ass centres on a depressed (and broke) puppeteer who reluctantly accepts to work with his ex-fiancée and former puppeteer-partner on a top-secret gig in which they must fill-in for a famous donkey actor on the wildly popular American TV political comedy, Hey Donkey!, after the superstar animal goes mysteriously missing.
 
Cori Gonzalez-Macuer commented: “I've worked on a few things over the years, but this project feels like it's actually going somewhere. It's an awesome combination of working with Louis, a production company that is actually investing in us and now with Taika and Jemaine involved, it’d be pretty weird if we f****ed it up.”
 
The pilot script for Ass was recently highlighted by Hollywood website The Black List following extraordinary ratings from film industry executives. The project has received much international attention, with Auckland and New York-based production company Augusto winning the option rights to develop and produce the project. The series will be produced by Daniel Story and Cass Avery.
 
Daniel Story, Executive Producer at Augusto commented: "We're excited to be working with such an amazingly talented team to bring Ass to life. The pilot script is inventive and hilarious - we look forward to progressing it into production and distribution as soon as possible."
 
Louis Mendiola, co-creator for Ass added: "This has been such an incredible ride for Cori and me. From being shortlisted for the Sundance Episodic Lab, to being endorsed by The Black List, and then getting to develop the series with this dream team, it's just been bonkers, in all the best ways."
 
Discussions are underway with US showrunners and VODS regarding Ass’  distribution, with production plans for next year.
 
Cori Gonzalez-Macure and Louis Mendiola are managed by Silver Lining Entertainment. Jemaine Clement is represented by UTA. Taika Waititi is represented by CAA.

LOCAL TV HOST CREATES GLOBAL FOOD THAT DOESN’T COST THE WORLD IN NEW YOUTUBE COOKING SERIES ‘THE HUMBLE YUM YUM’

Over the recent lockdown period, Ganesh Raj knew that people were struggling to not only come up with home-cooked meals every day, but that these dishes had to satisfy the wallet. “Right now we all need to shop within our means and serve what keeps the family happy. Comfort food is key during these stressful times, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make a few tweaks to have some variety.”
 
Having lived and travelled all over the world, and especially in Asia, Ganesh knew that people from the most humble parts of the world can put together incredibly delicious and flavoursome food for very little cost. “I approached the recipes for The Humble Yum Yum in much the same way, by using cheaper ingredients that packed a flavour punch, and being conscious of not hurting the family budget.”
 
Connecting with food lovers and cuisines from all over the world means that The Humble Yum Yum can combine flavours, styles and one other key factor. “It’s about breaking the rules that can happen around food,” says Ganesh. “I want people to cook food that tastes good without worrying about what they ‘should’ or ‘shouldn’t’ do. I use breakfast cereals for crumbing chicken, and encourage using frozen veggies, canned food, and cheaper cuts of meat to keep your budget intact. Plus, everything I create can be made with one pot or pan, using basic pantry staples.”
 
The Humble Yum Yum series will be hosted on its own YouTube and Facebook channels, with the official social media hashtag #TheHumbleYumYum. Two new videos will be released each week.
 
With a focus on curiosity and fun around ingredients and recipes that can feed four people for up to $20, The Humble Yum Yum is all about global food that doesn’t cost the world.

JOIN THE HUMBLE YUM YUM ON SOCIAL

YouTube // Facebook // Instagram // Ganesh Raj on Instagram // Ganesh Raj on Facebook

THE HUMBLE YUM YUM - ABOUT THE HOST

Ganesh Raj is currently known on local Kiwi TV screens as co-host of TV One’s Eat Well For Less. He is also the owner of Top 50 restaurant, The Tasting Shed, in west Auckland’s wine country area of Kumeu, and was named Metro’s Restaurant Personality of the Year for several years running. Ganesh is an experienced television presenter back in his home country of Singapore, hosting his own shows on ESPN Asia and MTV Asia, and he is a passionate foodie and advocate for promoting delicious and budget-conscious dishes for families.

NZ MUSIC T-SHIRT DAY SET TO ROUND OUT NZ MUSIC MONTH

NZ Music T-Shirt Day is a nationwide celebration of the music of Aotearoa and the power music has to make a positive difference in our lives. Raising funds for MusicHelpsLive, an appeal launched by the MusicHelps charity to directly help those working in the New Zealand music industry, Kiwis are encouraged to don their favourite Kiwi band or artist T-Shirt and make a donation on Friday 29th May. 

Launched in 2019 around the Vodafone NZ Music Awards, the first event went on to raise $30,000. This year’s NZ Music T-shirt Day has moved to NZ Music Month to raise much needed funds to provide emergency financial and wellbeing support to those working in the live event and music space. An industry whose ability to earn a living has been severely impacted by the ongoing Covid-19 situation.

“The impact that Covid-19 has had and is having on the local music industry and those who rely on it for their livelihood is massive,” says MusicHelps Board Chair Campbell Smith. “NZ Music T-Shirt Day is a great way for kiwis to show support for the industry, the artists and the workers, as well as raise some much-needed funds to support our colleagues in this difficult time.”

Kiwis are encouraged to dig out their favourite piece of merchandise or band T-Shirt and encourage friends, whanau and workmates to do the same. Take a fabulous photo (or 3!) and upload to your favourite social media using the #nzmusictshirtday hashtag. It's then really easy to donate via your mobile phone by texting "MUSIC" to 2448 to contribute $3 to the MusicHelpsLive appeal. Alternatively, you can click the donation links at nzmusictshirtday.org.nz to donate to the appeal (at any amount) via Give A Little and PayPal.

For a full list of Kiwi bands and artists who are currently selling merchandise online, please click HERE: 

ABOUT MUSICHELPS:
MusicHelps uses the power of music to help & heal New Zealanders in need. The charity develops & supports a wide range of programmes that use music to help people who are at risk, vulnerable and experiencing health issues. The charity has made projects impacting over 60,000 people possible at youth organisations, hospices, schools, medical charities, rehabilitation centres and more all-over New Zealand. MusicHelps also provides caring, confidential & practical support to kiwi music people experiencing illness, distress & hardship. It provides vital support including medical treatment, counselling and hardship assistance to kiwi music people and their families in times of crisis.

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