Latest news with #BrewofIslands
NZ Herald
4 days ago
- Business
- NZ Herald
Far North festivals get boost from Government tourism funding
The Brew of Islands is among several local festivals set to receive a funding boost, along with the Upsurge Bay of Islands Arts Festival and the Fired-Up Barbecue Festival. The Far North is set to benefit from an injection of regional tourism funding, with the Government supporting local festivals through the Regional Events Promotion Fund. Northland MP Grant McCallum said the Government is encouraging more New Zealanders to visit Northland. 'I'm thrilled to see Northland included in this round
NZ Herald
25-04-2025
- Entertainment
- NZ Herald
Turner Centre aims to revitalise the arts with community-led programmes
The community generated numerous innovative ideas for programming, which the Turner Centre has been bringing to life. A kuia from Ngāti Rēhia reminisced about 'Kanikani Katoa' (Dance Everyone) events in her youth, where she would sprinkle talcum powder to help kaumātua and kuia glide across the dance floor. We resurrected the Kanikani Katoa tradition with whānau-friendly events that sold out. Australia's 10-piece Hot Potato band and Carnaval Latino, organised in collaboration with the Far North's Latino community, brought together people of all ages and cultures, uniting them over their shared love of music, dance, and art. Younger community members asked us to run a beer festival, so we launched 'Brew of Islands'. The first two festivals attracted over 1800 people a year. Brew of Islands returns on June 28, with support from Northland Inc. The community expressed a desire to see more local stories on stage. We're proud to be hosting the world premiere of Flock!, a Kiwi musical comedy crafted entirely in Northland. Featuring hormonal sheep, hippy goats, and hair-raising aliens, this quirky story promises to get your heart racing and your mind spinning. A significant theme was the desire for more participatory arts programmes. Some adults expressed regret for never participating in Kapa Haka. Whaea Rawi Pere, the organiser of Te Hui Ahurei o Ngāti Rēhia — a kapa haka festival for young students — spoke about developing a similar programme at the Turner Centre. Pere believes in the transformative power of kapa haka, seeing its potential to enrich adults as it does for children and youth. The 2024 programme attracted 40 participants to the eight-week course, culminating in a final concert. Participants from diverse backgrounds, including Aotearoa, Ireland, Sri Lanka, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom, explored Poi, Haka, Choral, Action Songs, and Entry Waiata. The final performance, attended by nearly 400 friends and whānau, was an emotional and uplifting experience. Participants expressed how being part of this kaupapa demonstrated the 'unifying power of song, dance, and culture' and allowed them to 'fulfil lifelong aspirations'. Advertise with NZME. The popular programme is returning to the Turner Centre on April 29, led again by Pere and her whānau. The programme is offered as 'pay-what-you-can', thanks to support from the Bay of Islands-Whangaroa Community Board. Engaging in kapa haka extends benefits beyond the stage, deepening appreciation for Māori culture, developing community connections, and enhancing personal growth. Participants develop confidence, skills, and a sense of belonging, while the physical aspects of kapa haka improve stamina, fitness, and coordination. The eight-week kapa haka programme will culminate in a Matariki performance on June 22. The concert will feature a dance performance straight from the Pacific Dance Festival in Auckland, showcasing Dallas Tilo-Faiaoga of Samoan and Ngāpuhi descent. A string band made up of RSE workers from Vanuatu will also perform, including their version of Tutira Mai Ngā Iwi. In a world that can feel disconnected at times, community-led arts projects such as the Ngāti Rēhia Community Kapa Haka Programme can be a powerful reminder of our shared heritage and the way music and dance can unite, uplift, connect, and inspire our communities. In the words of one kapa haka participant, 'sharing the stage with so many others from many walks of life has shown how song, dance, and culture unifies us all as one'.
Scoop
22-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Brew Of Islands 2025: Brews, Beats, Feast, Repeat!
Date: Saturday, June 28, 2025 Location: Brews, Beats, Feast, Repeat – Experience it all at Brew of Islands 2025! One day. Two immersive sessions celebrating craft beer, live music, matched with gourmet street food cuisine, showcasing some of Northland's best! Northland's premier craft beer festival, Brew of Islands 2025, is set to return on June 28, 2025, offering a unique Northland themed celebration of some of Aotearoa's top craft beer breweries, dynamic live performances, artisanal cocktails, and gourmet street food. This year's festival promises to be another winter highlight for all attendees. Brew of Islands 2025 proudly features eight standout craft breweries from around the North Island, each bringing their own spin on flavour and innovation. Wellington's Garage Project leads with its boundary-pushing, experimental brews, while Northland Locals, PhatHouse Brewing Co., brewed right on-site in the Bay of Islands, keeps it hyper-local. From Waipu, McLeod's Brewery serves up coastal character and quality through traditional methods. Auckland's Urbanaut delivers bold, creative styles for every palate, and Parrotdog, also from Wellington, brings a crowd-pleasing lineup of flavourful, easy-drinking beers. Another Northland champion, Kainui Brew Co. of Kerikeri blends farmhouse roots with experimental flair, and 8 Wired out of Matakana pushes limits with barrel-aged and sour gems. Making their Brew of Islands debut in 2025, Double Vision Brewing Co., also from Wellington, rounds out the list with a fresh take that bridges tradition and innovation. Together, this diverse lineup answers every beer lover's dreams – from hop heads and sour seekers to fans of clean, classic styles. Every brew at Brew of Islands will be matched by an epic lineup of Northland's very best gourmet street food, keeping you fuelled throughout the day. Making his Brew of Islands festival debut is American pitmaster Mat Fulton of Wingless Angel, serving up his authentic low'n'slow BBQ straight from the smoker, using his own rubs, seasoned oak wood, and time-honoured technique. Also joining the lineup is the fresh to the Northland scene, Taco Bandit – a culinary outlaw known for hand-rolled tortillas, rich birria, and slow-cooked flavour that hits all the right notes. Returning favourites Northland Fine Foods are back with their crowd-pleasing Northland-style bratwurst, while seafood lovers can enjoy fat, creamy oysters, from Northland's Tasty Tucker alongside their fresh, sustainably farmed paua cooked in cream. Finally, who can resist a tasty Mussel fritter from the legendary local Mrs Miller - the perfect pairing to a nice crisp lager. From smoky BBQ to kai moana and bold street eats, there'll be something to satisfy every craving while you sip, snack, and soak up the festival vibes. The atmosphere at Brew of Islands 2025 will be electric, with a packed lineup of live music, DJs, and surprise performances throughout the day. The Live Hall will host three incredible bands: Superhero Second Line will bring the heart and soul of New Orleans with their high-energy, brass-heavy second-line sound (and yes, they perform dressed as superheroes!); Albi & The Wolves will light up the stage with their award-winning indie-folk; and local legends Kōhia will deliver a soulful blend of roots, rock, and reggae with an unmistakably Aotearoa sound. Merv Pinny, Kerikeri's own global sensation, will also take the stage for a powerful hometown set. Meanwhile, the ever-popular Nightclub Zone returns with house, D&B, and electro sets from top DJs including Rhys, French Kiss, Sye, and PAWS, whose electrifying performances are backed by stunning visual displays. And you'll never be bored when just around the corner you might run into Street Entertainer Conrad Comb, back with another wild array of surprise characters and interactive roaming performances – last year it was the gnome army… wait 'til you see what he has in store this time! For those after something beyond the beer, Kindred Spirits will be mixing hand-crafted, artisanal cocktails and mocktails, adding a splash of sophistication to the lineup. Meanwhile, the Gin Bar by Bay of Islands, Black Collar Distillery offers a curated selection for gin lovers chasing bold botanicals and a top-shelf experience. Join us for a day of exceptional brews, electrifying beats, and mouth-watering feasts. Brew of Islands 2025 invites you to immerse yourself in a celebration of craft culture in one of New Zealand's most picturesque settings. It's the perfect chance for a last hurrah before Dry July!
