South & East Auckland events 2018

The Land Rover New Zealand Polo Open, Clevedon, 18 February 2018. Get ready to stomp the divots at the 41st New Zealand Polo Open. Considered a highlight of the social calendar, this is a day for beautiful dresses, champagne and hard-working horse and riders. aucklandpolo.co.nz Matariki, This marks the beginning of a New Year in Maori culture, and according to legend, it determines how successful the year’s crops will be. In 2018, Matariki (the Maori name for the cluster of stars known as the Pleiades) will begin on the 15th of June, and run for three days. Celebrations and events take place throughout the region. matarikifestival.org.nz Chinese New Year, 16 February 2018. Leap in to the year of the dog. With a strong Chinese population and culture in Auckland, the New Year is celebrated with events filled with riotous colour, tradition, great food and new experiences. There’s a large function held at the ASB Showgrounds in Ellerslie, and another at the Vodafone Events Centre in Manukau. Pasifika, Western Springs Park, 24-25 March 2018. For a true taste of what makes South Auckland special, a little road trip outside the region is needed. The Pasifika Festival honours all things great about the Pacific Islands, with 11 different regions ready to explore, taste-test and learn about. Entry is free but plan well – more than 60,000 people are expected. aucklandnz.com/pasifika Splore, Tapapakanga Regional Park, 23-25 February 2018. Splore is a music and arts festival that prides itself on being family friendly and sustainable. Expect bright costumes, lots of glitter and hugs from strangers. splore.net