The Planner
KUMEU SHOW
The Kumeu Show has only once been cancelled in its 99 years, in 1942 due to Pearl Harbour, so Covid-19 be damned, this show will go on. There’s heaps to see including horse riding, woodchopping, sheep and cattle, giant pumpkins, photography, side shows, amusement rides, a strongman competition, live music and, of course, food and beverage stalls. While you’re there, take a moment to ponder the history of the show — you could be standing where returned service men and women stood at the victory show in 1946 — and keep an eye on the office holders. In 1932 one absconded with the gate takings, leaving no money for prizes. Today and tomorrow, 8.30am-5pm. Kumeu Showgrounds, Access Rd, Kumeu. Tickets $15 adult, $10 seniors, $5 children aged 5-13, under-5s free.
MEET THE VILLAGERS
Howick Historical Village celebrates its 40th anniversary with their Meet the Villagers Celebration and Fete Day. There are traditional fete games (bring coins to play), farm animals, pony rides, a sausage sizzle, and you can participate in a 19th century school lesson (presumably sans corporal punishment). Look, the early settlers have a lot to answer for but Howick Historical Village could be the perfect place to start conversations with your kids about colonisation — just a thought. Tomorrow, 10am-5pm. Howick Historical Village, Lloyd Elsmore Park, Bells Rd, Pakuranga. Entry $16 adults, $12 students and seniors, $8 children, under5s free.
ONCE WERE WARRIORS
Arguably the most important film in Aotearoa’s cinema canon, Once Were Warriors is 26 years old and anyone old enough to have seen it in 1994 no doubt still has some of the images seared into their memory. The Hollywood Cinema in Avondale together with the New Zealand Film Commission is hosting a special 35mm showing of the classic, presented by film-maker Lee Tamahori, who will also stay for an audience Q&A session afterwards. The 35mm print is from Tamahori’s personal collection and has never been screened. March 18, 7pm, (doors open 6pm). Hollywood Avondale, 20 St Georges St, Avondale. Tickets $15 from hollywoodavondale.nz
CARDBOARD NEIGHBOURHOODS
Nothing is more fun for kids than building forts, or in this case neighbourhoods, out of cardboard boxes. At Northcote Town Centre, Panuku Development Auckland and Northcote Library are providing all the recycled and recyclable cardboard and equipment you’ll need to help build the largest cardboard neighbourhood the North Shore has ever seen. The best part? Your kids will have tons of fun without you having to worry about the unwanted structure taking over your living room or your recycling bin overflowing with boxes after its inevitable destruction. Tomorrow, 9am-1pm. Lake Rd, Northcote Town Centre, Northcote.