Events

Takapuna Beach Cup: Waka Ama 2026

February 13th, 2026 - February 15th, 2026

The Takapuna Beach Cup is a three-day Aotearoa Waka Ama event that attracts paddlers from across the nation as well as around the world. The event is hosted in Auckland at Takapuna Beach and racing takes places on the Hauraki Gulf which offers stunning views, including one of NZ's iconic extinct volcanoes, Rangitoto. The event is inclusive of rangatahi (youth) and pakeke (adults) with a wide range of different ethnicities and cultures coming together to participate in the biggest change race in Aotearoa. Thursday: International Paddler's Evening Friday: # OC6 5km. # OC6 16km - Mixed only race Saturday: # OC6 / OC4 42km OC6 marathon (changes). # OC6 / OC4 21km Iron - Men & Women only Sunday: # OC6 10km (J16 / J19). # OC1 / V1 24km Relay (2 paddlers), OC2 24km Relay (4 paddlers)​

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Bruce Mason Centre: Deacon Blue

February 15th, 2026

Scottish pop-rock icons Deacon Blue are thrilled to announce their return to Aotearoa in February 2026, marking their first shows down under since 2023. The tour will celebrate the band’s 40th anniversary and the release of their latest studio album, The Great Western Road. Known for their emotionally charged performances and enduring hits like “Dignity,” “Real Gone Kid,” “I’ll Never Fall In Love Again” and “Fergus Sings the Blues,” Deacon Blue will deliver a dynamic live experience that spans their full career — from the soulful grit of their acclaimed groundbreaking debut album Raintown to the energy of The Great Western Road. Their new album reflects the band’s journey with honesty, warmth, and a renewed sense of adventure. New Zealand fans can expect a specially curated setlist, including all the hits you know and love, blending arena-sized classic anthems, tracks off their latest album, mixed with intimate surprises. With a reputation for crafting unforgettable live moments, Deacon Blue’s 2026 tour promises to be a celebration of fan connection, nostalgia, and musical brilliance. Deacon Blue: 40 years strong, and more poignant and potent than ever.

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Bruce Mason Centre: An Audience with Sir Tony Robinson

February 17th, 2026

Sir Tony Robinson is one of Britain’s best-loved faces on screen, a master storyteller and an award-winning writer, known for creating the iconic Baldrick in Blackadder and presenting 20 seasons of Channel 4’s Time Team. Now, Tony celebrates a life on stage and screen—sharing stories from his remarkable career, his passion for history, and his thrilling fiction debut The House of Wolf, an epic tale of Alfred the Great and the bloody birth of England. Hear behind-the-scenes stories from Time Team, Blackadder, The Worst Jobs in History and beyond – and have the chance to ask Tony anything, from writing his first novel at 78 to why Baldrick still gets the biggest laughs. Drawing on decades of archaeological expertise and his gift for making the past come alive, Tony will reveal the gritty reality behind the legend of Alfred the Great in his latest work. What was life really like for ordinary people caught between Saxon kings and Viking raiders? How did political scheming in medieval courts compare to today's power struggles? This isn't just historical fiction – it’s Tony’s unique take on the real events that forged our nation. This will be a night of brilliant storytelling, big laughs, and history with a twist—all delivered by a man who always had… a cunning plan.

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Bruce Mason Centre: Haricharan & Saindhavi Live

February 20th, 2026

Experience a spectacular night of music as Haricharan and Saindhavi perform their beloved hits live in New Zealand, joined by the Drums Kumar Collective, host Manimegalai, and dazzling dance performance by Dharsha Gupta and group. A first-of-its-kind South Indian musical event in NZ on this scale — perfect for all ages!

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The PumpHouse: The Last Five Years

February 20th, 2026 - February 27th, 2026

For anyone who’s ever fallen in love, fallen apart, or found themselves somewhere in between. Two people. One love story. Jamie’s a writer catching his big break. Cathy’s an actor struggling to catch hers. They fall in love, build a life – and slowly start to fall apart. The twist? Jamie’s story moves forward in time, while Cathy’s runs backward. Their worlds meet only once, right in the middle. On their wedding day. Set to Jason Robert Brown’s breathtakingly honest score, The Last Five Years is a rollercoaster of romance, ambition, and what happens when two people fall in and out of sync.

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Bruce Mason Centre: Wankernomics

February 21st, 2026

After entirely sold-out runs in Australia and the UK, Australia’s favourite workplace wankers are finally heading to New Zealand. Wankernomics’ blend of observational comedy and dark satire has become something of a phenomenon, notching up millions of views online, and delighting audiences across the world. Their shows are a hilarious, oh-my-god-that’s-exactly-what-happens-at-my-workplace demonstration of the buzzwords, bureaucracy, banality and bullsh*t of modern working life. So find some extra bandwidth, synergise your stakeholders and pop some time in the diary for an outcomes-focused, value-added, best-practice, deep-dive into the realities of the working world.

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Bruce Mason Centre: Morning Melodies - NZ Opera

February 23rd, 2026

Auckland Live is delighted to bring New Zealand Opera into our Morning Melodies line-up with an enchanting hour of song. The outstanding vocal talents of soprano Maia Amosa, New Zealand-born Samoan tenor Ipu Laga’aia and Samoan bass-baritone Joel Amosa will be joined onstage by pianist David Kelly to delight you with a selection of beloved opera arias and duets, woven together with songs close to their hearts and heritage. Prepare to be swept away by this celebration of storytelling, and the powerful beauty of the human singing voice. This performance is part of the Auckland Live Morning Melodies 2026 season. In its 25th year, this much-loved monthly concert series features a fantastic line-up of brass bands, jazz ensembles, and more. Arrive early and connect with friends new and old over complimentary tea and biscuits before the show.

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Bruce Mason Centre: Laura Ramoso

March 1st, 2026

Laura Ramoso is a German-Italian comedian best known for her live sketch specials and viral impressions on social media. She has amassed over 3.5 million followers with hit characters like “German Mom,” “Italian Dad,” and “Chiara”. In 2023, she performed entirely sold-out runs at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and London’s Soho Theatre with her critically-acclaimed second hour, FRANCES. Laura was named a 2023 Just for Laughs New Face of Comedy. In 2024, she embarked on her first international tour with her third special, Sit Up Straight, running 60+ sold-out shows through Australia, New Zealand, Europe, the UK, and North America. Most recently, she opened for Tina Fey and Amy Poehler on their Restless Leg Tour at the Wang Theatre in Boston.

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Takapuna Dog Day Out Market 2026

March 7th, 2026

10:00 am - 2:00 pm

Auckland's fun & friendly Dog Day Out returns to the ever-so-beautiful Takapuna, North Shore, Auckland. I Love Takapuna & Sunshine Events presents Takapuna Dog Day Out - featuring all sorts of workshops to dip your paws into, lots of very exciting & top quality boutique market stalls bursting with the coolest pup-related products you could wag your tail at! Takapuna beach has been long recognised as a dog walkers paradise, it's so beautiful, you'll want to go for a wander at some point, check out Auckland councils rules for on and off lead timing. Mark this super fun & friendly day out in your dairy now for a pooch & beastie date. Takapuna has many dog friendly cafes so bring your four legged friend for a fun filled family feasting day out. Free entry, workshops & dog runway Family friendly & good chill vibes 10am - Gates are open, best paws forward please! 10:30am - Workshops begin, keep an eye on our socials for start times and relevant info 12:30pm - entries close for Dog Runway 1pm - Dog Runway pageant show begins, any pooch can apply - All entries welcome. 1:45pm - winner’s announced Lots of super cool spot prizes to be won all day long. Proudly supported by ILoveTakapuna. For interest / stalls / workshops - please email us at: sunshineeventsnz@gmail.com Free entry for all workshops / shows / Runway. This is a free family friendly event & everyone is welcome. Please note all dogs must be on a lead. No exceptions. We absolutely cannot wait to see you & your furry besties, & your cool outfits!

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