My Secret Auckland: Contemporary dancer Caleb Heke shares their favourite spots in the city
Favourite restaurant for dinner with friends?
Punjabi Kitchen on Lincoln Rd is my comfort food heaven. It's only five minutes from where I live and it always hits the spot when I'm after a warm, hearty meal. The spices, the flavours, the portions, it's the kind of place you leave with a full belly and a full heart.
Favourite place to take a visitor to?
Basement Theatre is always my top recommendation when I've got someone visiting Auckland. It's such a creative and exciting space, showcasing everything from theatre and dance to comedy. No matter who you're with, there's bound to be something on that'll spark a laugh or a deep thought, or both!
Favourite spot to finish a night out?
The Churchill on Queen St is my go-to wind-down spot after a show at Basement Theatre or Q Theatre. It's a stylish gin bar with a moody, relaxed atmosphere and panoramic views of the city. Something about sipping a cocktail while looking out over Auckland just wraps up the night perfectly.
Favourite place to get coffee?
Coffee Studio in Corban's Estate, Henderson, is a bit of a hidden gem. It's where Atamira Dance Company is based, so on my lunch breaks I love sneaking over for a regular oat flat white and a caramel slice. The vibe is cute, homely and welcoming and the staff are always down for a chat.
Favourite fish-and-chip shop?
Smith and Wong's Takeaways has been our family's go-to for years, and for good reason. Sunday night fish and chips just wouldn't be the same without it. Crispy, golden and nostalgic.
Favourite trail for a hike?
I'm not the most avid hiker but I do love the Waitākere Dam Walk. It's got everything, from lush native bush to rivers and waterfalls (great for a cold dip if you're brave), and the dam itself is stunning to walk across. It's not too long or difficult, which makes it ideal for a cruisy weekend mission.
Favourite venue for a gig?
The Tuning Fork is one of my favourite venues for live music. It has this chill, intimate vibe where you can either be tearing it up on the dance floor or tucked into a corner with a glass of red. Whether it's an emerging artist or someone you already love, the experience always feels personal and electric.
Favourite place to find a bargain?
As a dancer, I'm constantly needing vitamins, protein, strapping tape and haircare and Chemist Warehouse is a lifesaver. They've got everything I need at prices that don't make my wallet cry. It's my go-to spot for restocking all the essentials.
Caleb Heke (Ngāpuhi) is a contemporary dance artist, born and raised in Tāmaki Makaurau. Caleb has been a dancer with Atamira Dance Company since the end 2020.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
NZ Herald
5 days ago
- NZ Herald
Bay of Islands hapū achieve Ngāpuhi-first Treaty of Waitangi milestone
The hapū grouping's area of claim encompasses most of Pēwhairangi/the Bay of Islands. It includes the eastern Bay of Islands' Ipipiri Islands, where wealthy American writer Zane Grey set up his gamefishing base at Urupukapuka Island's Otehei Bay in 1926, going on to dub New Zealand the 'Angler's El Dorado'. It also includes Motukōkako (Piercy Island), which features the internationally famous Hole in the Rock boat trip tourist destination, and Cape Brett. Rihari said Te Whakaaetanga Trust's Crown Deed of Mandate had been recognised after 18 years' mahi. Te Whakaaetanga Trust chairman Herb Rihari. Te Whakaaetanga Trust's achievement comes 14 years after the Government's controversial 2011 Tuhoronuku Deed of Mandate, which was towards a single settlement for all of Ngāpuhi. That deed was rescinded in 2015, after major rejection from within the iwi's 100-plus hapū. The July Deed of Mandate meant the Crown formally recognised the trust's mandate to negotiate a Treaty of Waitangi settlement on behalf of its affiliated hapū. Rihari said it also opened the door to 'negotiate redress that acknowledges the maemae [hurt] of the past and creates meaningful opportunities for our hapū and mokopuna'. 'It provides a foundation for enduring redress, cultural and economic revitalisation and the restoration of hapū mana across our rohe,' Rihari said. Te Whakaaetanga Trust represents coastal hapū Ngāti Kuta, Ngāti Manu me ngā hapū rīriki – Te Uri o Raewera and Te Uri Karaka, Ngāti Torehina ki Matakā and Patukeha. The trust is made up of two people from each of the hapū it represents. Rihari said the hapū grouping's area of claim approximately encompassed an area bounded in the north by the Bay of Islands' Purerua Peninsula. Its boundary ran from the peninsula's tip, southeast across the waters of the Bay of Islands to Cape Brett and Rāwhiti. Rihari said the boundary then travelled southwest to Karetu. Treaty Negotiations Minister Paul Goldsmith (front, second from left) at a Te Kotahitanga meeting in the Bay of Islands. Photo / Susan Botting From there, the claim's western boundary headed roughly north to Tapeka Point and included the settlements of Ōpua and Russell. It continued northwards across Bay of Islands waters, including Moturoa Island, to Te Puna Inlet. From there it stretched to the northern side of Purerua Peninsula, the claim encompassing all of the landform to the east and including the maunga (mountain) Matakā at the peninsula's tip. Treaty Negotiations Minister Paul Goldsmith told Local Democracy Reporting Northland the Crown Deed of Mandate for Te Whakaaetanga was a positive achievement. 'We're pleased to be making progress,' Goldsmith said. Northland Māori leader and Te Kotahitanga co-chairman Pita Tipene said it was a major milestone for Ngāpuhu hapū working towards Treaty of Waitangi redress. It offered a model for Ngāpuhi tribes, such as those around Waimate, Taiamai, Kaikohe and Whangaroa, who were collectivising towards the same goal. Tipene said it was important the Government approached any Ngāpuhi Treaty of Waitangi hapū redress on a hapū-based commercial and cultural basis. However, Goldsmith poured cold water on that. 'The Government has indicated its preference for a single financial redress for Ngāpuhi, with a small group of cultural-based settlements sitting underneath,' Goldsmith said. 'Te Whakaaetanga is now mandated as one of the groups with which we will be discussing a cultural settlement.' Rihari said the next stage would be preparation for formal negotiations with the Crown and the trust was committed to ongoing kōrero with all who 'held an interest in our shared future'. Rihari said many hands, hearts and minds – past and present – had contributed to the kaupapa of achieving the deed of mandate milestone over many years. 'Ehara tēnei i te mahi māmā, engari he mahi nui mō ngā uri whakatupu. Mā tātou katoa tēnei e kawe, mā te rangimārie, mā te kotahintanga, mā te aroha hoki. 'This is not easy work, but it is important work for the generations to come. Together, through unity, peace and aroha, we carry it forward.' ■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air. ■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
NZ Herald
19-07-2025
- NZ Herald
My Secret Auckland: Contemporary dancer Caleb Heke shares their favourite spots in the city
The Breakfast Club in Point Chev is the ultimate brunch destination in my opinion. They've got a great range of pancakes, your classic cafe fare, and a solid line-up of thick shakes. My go-to order? Either the Big Brekkie Club or the Classic Stack Pancakes, and yes, I'm always adding bacon. You can't go wrong. Favourite restaurant for dinner with friends? Punjabi Kitchen on Lincoln Rd is my comfort food heaven. It's only five minutes from where I live and it always hits the spot when I'm after a warm, hearty meal. The spices, the flavours, the portions, it's the kind of place you leave with a full belly and a full heart. Favourite place to take a visitor to? Basement Theatre is always my top recommendation when I've got someone visiting Auckland. It's such a creative and exciting space, showcasing everything from theatre and dance to comedy. No matter who you're with, there's bound to be something on that'll spark a laugh or a deep thought, or both! Favourite spot to finish a night out? The Churchill on Queen St is my go-to wind-down spot after a show at Basement Theatre or Q Theatre. It's a stylish gin bar with a moody, relaxed atmosphere and panoramic views of the city. Something about sipping a cocktail while looking out over Auckland just wraps up the night perfectly. Favourite place to get coffee? Coffee Studio in Corban's Estate, Henderson, is a bit of a hidden gem. It's where Atamira Dance Company is based, so on my lunch breaks I love sneaking over for a regular oat flat white and a caramel slice. The vibe is cute, homely and welcoming and the staff are always down for a chat. Favourite fish-and-chip shop? Smith and Wong's Takeaways has been our family's go-to for years, and for good reason. Sunday night fish and chips just wouldn't be the same without it. Crispy, golden and nostalgic. Favourite trail for a hike? I'm not the most avid hiker but I do love the Waitākere Dam Walk. It's got everything, from lush native bush to rivers and waterfalls (great for a cold dip if you're brave), and the dam itself is stunning to walk across. It's not too long or difficult, which makes it ideal for a cruisy weekend mission. Favourite venue for a gig? The Tuning Fork is one of my favourite venues for live music. It has this chill, intimate vibe where you can either be tearing it up on the dance floor or tucked into a corner with a glass of red. Whether it's an emerging artist or someone you already love, the experience always feels personal and electric. Favourite place to find a bargain? As a dancer, I'm constantly needing vitamins, protein, strapping tape and haircare and Chemist Warehouse is a lifesaver. They've got everything I need at prices that don't make my wallet cry. It's my go-to spot for restocking all the essentials. Caleb Heke (Ngāpuhi) is a contemporary dance artist, born and raised in Tāmaki Makaurau. Caleb has been a dancer with Atamira Dance Company since the end 2020.
NZ Herald
22-05-2025
- NZ Herald
Bay of Plenty's Jazmin Paget-Knebel wins 2025 Kīngi Tūheitia Portraiture Awards
'This image captures the intimate connection rangatahi Māori share with the wild horses of Ōpōtiki and how they are being used to uplift the mana of our community.' Paget-Knebel, who affiliates with Te Whānau-ā-Apanui, Whakatōhea, Ngāpuhi, and Ngāti Hine, was born and raised in Ōmaio – a small coastal township about 30 minutes from Ōpōtiki. Home-schooled throughout her upbringing, she began taking photographs at the age of 12. Her interest in photography deepened after attending a five-day National Geographic photo camp in Murupara, where she learned alongside world-renowned photographers. The 22-year-old moved to Wellington four years ago to study photography at Massey University, and this year will complete her honours degree in photography. She said her work was 'centred around celebrating Māori/indigenous culture through decolonising and re-indigenising western ideologies and perspectives surrounding the lens to better her community and people.' 'I descend from the Paget bloodline that came from my great-grandmother, Tangimamao (Nee Patara), on my mother's side of my whānau. 'She had whakapapa to the iwi of Te Whānau-ā-Apanui and Whakatōhea. 'Her sons, John Paget and Richard Paget, went on to reside in Opōtiki, which later became the birthplace of my mother, Heather Paget (daughter of John Paget). 'My whānau are the original inspiration for the creation of Taniwha Chasers as they were some of the first generations to ride horses in Ōpōtiki." Paget-Knebe served as the photographer for the 2023 Kīngi Tūheitia Portraiture Awards and was later invited by the New Zealand Portrait Gallery to photograph the 2025 awards. 'I never seriously considered entering the awards myself until this year. 'My friends kept encouraging me after seeing the photos I'd taken back home for a university assignment. 'I'm beyond excited to be the recipient of such an important award. It's an incredible honour, and I'm especially excited for rangatahi to see the work and learn about the history behind it.' The biennial awards were established in 2020 as a partnership between the New Zealand Portrait Gallery Te Pūkenga Whakaata and the late Kīngi Tūheitia Pōtatau Te Wherowhero VII to inspire a new generation of emerging Māori artists to create portraits of their tūpuna (ancestors). The 2025 awards are hosted and administered by the gallery in his honour, with the blessing of Kuini Nga wai hono i te po. The awards attracted portraits using a wide range of mediums, including video, stop-motion puppetry, ceramics with paua inlay, oil paintings and textiles made from linen, cotton, and glass beads. The shortlisted artworks were chosen by a panel of judges, including contemporary Māori artist Dr. Areta Wilkinson (Ngāi Tahu), head carver for Waikato-Tainui Renta Te Wiata (Waikato-Ngāti Māhuta, Te Arawa – Ngāti Kea Ngāti Tuara), and leading painter John Walsh (Aitanga a Hauiti). Reflecting on the winning artwork, the judges said: ' Taniwha Chasers is an uplifting, joyful image that captures the heart of our time. 'It is full of hope and youthful energy, with a fresh perspective on connecting with our tūpuna and te taiao. We are all carried along with this young rider into a future that is increasingly uncertain. 'The young rider, his galloping horse, the raised flag and the brooding land all merge wonderfully to convey this powerful message. The horse, once a symbol of colonisation, has been reclaimed as part of our whakapapa and on-going struggle. The message is bright and clear, the composition is strong, the scale and presentation are all striking. The work is in black and white, but you sense the richness of the scene. For us judges, it was a unanimous choice; we all read the work the same way.' The runner-up and winner of the $2500 second prize was awarded to Maata-Maria Cartisciano from Waitārere Beach for Ekore koe e ngaro i tōku Koro, an acrylic and pencil portrait of the artist's koro (grandfather). The judges also gave honourable mentions to five artists – Shannon Te Rangihaeata Clamp, Divine Herekiuha, Jessica Hulme, Caitlin Jolley and Zoe Marler. The exhibition will open at the New Zealand Portrait Gallery Te Pūkenga Whakaata in Shed 11 on Wellington's waterfront from May 22 to August 17, and entry is free. The public can also vote for their choice to win the Forsyth Barr People's Choice Award – a cash prize of $2500, announced at the close of the exhibition. The finalists' artworks will then tour Aotearoa over the next two years.
