Music, circus and dance combine
Synergy is the high-octane show coming to the Bruce Mason Centre this month. Nine of Auckland’s most talented performance groups will entertain the crowd with everything from acrobatics and aerial artistry to high-energy dance and stunning cultural performances, all powered by the non-stop energy of the North Shore Winds (a 40-piece live wind band) Featuring: The Dust Palace, TapNZ, Event Flair, Northern School of Performing Arts, Aotearoa Art Academy, Doyle Academy of Irish Dance, Keys For Cure Dance Team, Lindy Hop Auckland, and E-Pacs Lion and Dragon Dance Group.
Friday 9 October, 7.30pm; Saturday 10 October, 7.30pm, plus a shorter matinee show 2pm. Bruce Mason Centre, Takapuna. Get your tickets at aucklandlive.co.nz/show/synergy#about-the-event
A fresh place to play
The new recreation area at Takarunga / Mt Victoria is looking fresh! It’s now a vibrant space with a shared tennis and basketball court, new seating, accessible wharepaku (bathroom), native planting and rain gardens, as well as a visitor bus drop-off area for easier access to the tihi (summit). Delivered by the Tūpuna Maunga Authority, the space also features Hononga a Takarunga, a cultural narrative by artist Arapeta Hākura, woven throughout the area. 24 Kerr Street, Devonport
Soft as clouds
Sweet breads, croissants, cream buns, and a menu of delicious toasties, plus great coffee – welcome to Zapan, Devonport’s new Japanese bakery. Japanese bread is well known for its incredibly soft, fluffy texture, and Zapan bakes its breads fresh every day with careful craftsmanship. Open seven days, 7.30am-2pm, 59 Victoria Road, Devonport, bakerycafezapan.co.nz.
Line up everybody
Get your cowboy boots on; it’s time you learnt to line dance! Every Wednesday, Goldie’s Bar in Takapuna has a beginner-friendly line dancing session available for those who organise their friends and book ahead. It’s followed up by live music and an open dance floor from 8pm. Book your turn at stargroup.nz/events/goldies-line-dancing
Wednesdays at 6pm, Goldies Bar & Yard, 138 Hurstmere Road, Takapuna
Everybody’s talking sandwiches
With options like Chimichuri Sizzle, Rustic Reuben, Lamb Smash, and Butter Chicken Sandwich, it’s no wonder The Sandwichery has got people talking. Fresh, tasty, and focused on quality ingredients, you’re going to want to try everything. Available for eat-in, or see the website for pick-up or delivery.
Pick-up hours: Monday – Sunday, 10am – 7pm, 11 Mokoia Road, Birkenhead, thesandwichery.co.nz.
Mairangi Bay glows up
Everyone’s been waiting to see what’s behind the papered-over windows at 396 Beach Road. Turns out it’s the beautifully fitted-out Glo Clinic, which has moved to a street-front spot from its previous home in Rothesay Bay. Glo Clinic is a doctor-led cosmetic clinic offering a tailored and medically guided approach for appearance medicine, skin cancer, HRT, weight loss support and more. They’ve got a reputation for professionalism and a patient-focused approach concentrating on subtle results that leave you looking fresh and healthy. Book in at gloclinic.co.nz, 396 Beach Road, Mairangi Bay.
Athletes assemble!
Takapuna Athletics Club kicks off its 2026/27 season with a Have a Go Night at Onewa Domain. It’s a fun, free opportunity for kids to try athletics, take part in the always‑popular police speed camera sprint testing and get dinner from the brand‑new food truck. The full season launches the following week on Wednesday 21 October, including the start of a Tiny Tots programme (for 3+ years – Tiny Tots will not be at Have a Go Night). The friendly and supportive club welcomes athletes of all ages and abilities, from first‑timers to experienced competitors, with a mix of running, jumping, and throwing events designed to help kids build confidence, fitness, and skills.
Wednesday 14 October, 5.15pm, Onewa Domain, 44 Northcote Road, takapunaathletics.co.nz.
