Robert Catto, Photographer

5 Seconds Of Summer performing live at the Enmore Theatre, on Monday 5 May 2014.

Australian teen indie darlings 5 Seconds Of Summer perform at Oxford Arts Factory in Sydney. Band members Luke Hemmings, Michael Clifford, Calum Hood and Ashton Irwin have just returned to Australia to work on their debut album after spending much of 2013 touring as the support act to One Direction worldwide.

Amanda Palmer and Jason Webley perform at Wellington's Civic Square in an unannounced (apart from Twitter) acoustic 'ninja gig', during her appearance at Webstock 2011.

Anna Coddington and Julia Deans perform at the Paramount Theatre, Wellington as part of their Keepsakes tour.

Superb, professional photography of performing arts in New Zealand and worldwide.

For the 8th year running, The Brewers Guild of New Zealand invited breweries from all over the world to enter their beers for New Zealand's premier beer competition, the BrewNZ Beer Awards. The beers were judged over three days by a panel of experts, led by US-based judge David Logsdon. The BrewNZ Beer Awards culminated in an awards evening on 27 August at the Duxton Hotel, at which the supreme award of New Zealand Champion Brewery was won by Emerson's Breweries.

The Brewers Guild of New Zealand invited breweries from around the world to enter their beers in New Zealand's premier beer competition, the BrewNZ Beer Awards. Judges included David Logsdon (US), with gold, silver and bronze medals and an overall trophy winner in each category. Awards were also given for Champion International Brewery, and Champion New Zealand Brewery - which was won by DB Breweries.

BrewNZ is a celebration of New Zealand's beer industry, featuring the annual awards at Wellington's Embassy Theatre, as well as public tastings at Beervana, in the Overseas Terminal on Wellington's Waterfront.

Beervana hit Wellington for a celebration of the craft of brewing, full of events that promoted the industry including the BrewNZ Awards. Tastings featured beers from Auckland to Invercargill and even Australia. This opportunity happens only once a year, to sample the freshest brews which have come from many many miles apart - all in one room, surrounded by fellow beer lovers.

New World Beervana hit Wellington for a celebration of the craft of brewing at the Wellington Town Hall, an opportunity to rub shoulders with 45 plus premium Craft Brewers in one room, with tastings of up to 175 different beers. Seminars featured international guests - world famous brewer Sam Calagione (US), Beer Diva Kirrily Waldhorn (Australia) and the Malt Master Thomas Weyermann (Germany).

Sam Calagione of Dogfish Head Brewery and wine writer John Saker introduce an evening of fine dining by Ruth Pretty Catering in which guests are invited to vote on matching beer and wine selections with each course. Who will be the winner on the night?

Brian Perry Civil construction site at Waiwhetu Stream, Petone.

The combined might of the British & Irish Lions toured New Zealand in 2005, playing test rugby against the mighty All Blacks on three occasions as well as matches against several of the local rugby teams in Auckland, Wellington and Hamilton.

New Zealand band Broods performing at GoodGod Club, Sydney, photographed on Wednesday 4 June 2014.

Against the backdrop of New Zealand's first A1 Grand Prix at Taupo came the announcement that one of the country's greatest Formula One drivers, Bruce McLaren, would have a feature film made of his life's story. Supported by a group of his driving peers (including World Champions Sir Jack Brabham, Emerson Fittipaldi and John Surtees, McLaren driver John Watson, and fellow Kiwi and Lemans winner Chris Amon), the project will also feature Barrie Osborne (producer of The Matrix and The Lord Of The Rings) and production designer Dan Hennah (Lord Of The Rings, King Kong). For more information on the film, see http://www.thebrucemclarenmovie.com.

Miramar's 1928 Capitol Cinema has been sitting empty for many years, having been converted to shops sometime in the sixties; but the recent purchase by members of the Wellington film community (including Oscar-winning editor Jamie Selkirk and other crew from the Lord Of The Rings trilogy) has led to a massive overhaul of the building. What started out looking like a renovation rapidly became a complete replacement of the structure, with only the original facade retained; plans are said to include two 1930s-styled cinemas, a cafe, and a cocktail bar, and planned to open in March 2011 as the newly renamed Roxy Cinema. An image of the original interior can be seen at http://mp.natlib.govt.nz/detail/?id=29514&l=en and more information on the new cinema is at http://roxycinema.co.nz

Central Park (named after the area of the same name in New York) separates Brooklyn from the city. Established in 1913 on Town Belt land, the park features a set of wrought-iron gates at its main entrance: the then Mayor, John Pearce Luke gifted them in 1920.

Madeleine Pierard (soprano) gave a recital of works by Berg, Messiaen, Canteloube, Bellini and Rossini, and the world premiere of a work by Ross Harris, with accompanist Terence Dennis at the Wellington Town Hall, New Zealand. The performance was part of a Chamber Music New Zealand national tour.

Chamber Music New Zealand presented a 60th Birthday Concert for, and starring, pianist Michael Houstoun at the Ilott Theatre, in Wellington's Town Hall.

Made up of principal players in the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, Zephyr has been described as rivalling world-famous chamber ensembles. The members are all experienced chamber musicians in addition to their orchestral work, performing with groups such as Flight and contemporary ensemble Stroma. Zephyr are: Bridget Douglas (flute), Ed Allen (horn), Robert Weeks (bassoon), Robert Orr (oboe), Philip Green (clarinet)

Charities Register Launch Event at the Parliament Buildings, Wellington, New Zealand.

Charles Plimmer died in 1930 and left money in his will to the Wellington City Council to plant trees and shrubs to beautify the bays, beaches, Town Belt and reserves around Wellington. Several major beautification projects have been funded by the Plimmer Trust including Oriental Bay Beach and Otari Wilton's Bush. The Town Belt, through which most of this walkway passes, was a concept developed in England in the early 19th century as a means of combating overcrowding and poor living conditions in England's industrial cities by improving the health and well-being of citizens. The Town Belt was shown on the first plan of Wellington drawn in 1840, labelled as 'land...reserved for the enjoyment of the public and not to be built upon'.

The newly opened Roxy Cinema in Miramar welcomes visitors to Coco restaurant, and to look around the opulent interior of the building.

Go Wellington Cuba St Carnival is a biennial free outdoor event held on Cuba St in Wellington, New Zealand.

The Cuba St Carnival is Wellington's largest free outdoor event, and includes a huge night parade through the central city drawing an audience in the tens of thousands.

Named after an early (1840) settler ship to New Zealand, the Cuba, it is to the south of the CBD, but still in the inner city. Cuba Street was once the route of the Wellington trams. Following the removal of the rails, the middle section of the street was closed to traffic in 1969, and is one of the busiest areas of pedestrian activity in Wellington. Since 1995, Cuba Street has been a registered Historic Area under the Historic Places Act 1993, with numerous buildings being of historic significance. It is one of the more bohemian areas of Wellington, and is the home to an eclectic collection of cafes,op-shops, boutique,small fashion stores, art galleries and music shops. It is the centre of one of the four 'quarters' of downtown Wellington, the Cuba Quarter (the others being centred on Lambton Quay, Courtenay Place and Willis Street). The northern end is more commercial, and the southern end (known as the 'top' of Cuba Street, or upper Cuba) is more sparsely occupied but has seen a revival in recent years.

The David Carson-Parker Embassy Prize in Scriptwriting is awarded to a graduate of the MA in Creative Writing programme at Victoria University in Wellington New Zealand each year. The prize was awarded to Colin Hodson by NZ Film Commission head Graeme Mason, with director of scriptwriting Ken Duncum also speaking about the programme.

The David Carson-Parker Embassy Prize in Scriptwriting is awarded to a graduate of the MA in Creative Writing programme at Victoria University in Wellington New Zealand each year. The prize was awarded to Maya Hammarsal by deputy mayor Ian McKinnon, with director of scriptwriting David Geary also speaking about the programme.

The annual Diwali Indian Festival of Lights is produced by Wellington City Council and the Asia:NZ Foundation in October each year. A centrepiece of the festival is the Bollywood Dance Competition, which sees groups of young performers from all over the country competing for the top prize.

Eli Paperboy Reed and the True Loves play at Bodega in Wellington, New Zealand, with Darren Watson and the Real Deal blues band opening.

Wellington's historic Embassy Theatre underwent a total renovation in 2003 for the world premiere of Peter Jackson's Lord Of The Rings: The Return Of The King.

Empress Stiltdance present Kahuku, a dance duet based around the migration and life cycle of the butterfly, using high level stilts, acrobatics and aerials, at Te Rauparaha Arena in Porirua New Zealand.

The Esther Melody Band perform at Te Rauparaha Arena in Porirua, at the Festival of the Elements.

Corporate and public event images from New Zealand and worldwide.

Directors Abbas and Mustan Burmawalla brought their production 'Players' to Wellington's waterfront for a shoot in January 2011. The story is a remake of the classic Italian Job, set and filmed in India, New Zealand and Russia, and will be released later in the year.

Film commissioners from around the world gathered in New Zealand for the AFCI Cineposium 2008, hosted by Film Wellington.

Acclaimed master of Balinese masked dance, I NYOMAN SUKERTA combines with local artists to reinterpret Shakespeare's famous text... This new collaboration between NZ and Indonesian artists is a hugely entertaining, sometimes startling, reinterpretation of Shakespeare's view of human life. Mixing multi-lingual declamation, exotic vocal styles, physical theatre and gamelan percussion this production transcends the many boundaries of time and place, language and culture. Shakespeare was never more universal than this! All the world's a stage?

New Zealand singer/songwriters Shona Laing, Annie Crummer, Sharon O'Neill, Margaret Urlich, Debbie Harwood, Julia Deans and Lisa Crawley feature in the show Give It A Girl at Auckland's Sky City Theatre.

As a fundraiser for their feature film project, producer Bonnie Slater and director Sam Kelly put on an evening with Guillermo del Toro, hosted by New Zealand director Jonathan King, at the Paramount Theatre in Wellington.

These images were captured in Wellington and the lower North Island of New Zealand as well as Adelaide, South Australia and Melbourne, Victoria with a Hasselblad X-Pan camera, which takes a single panoramic image over two frames of 35mm film.

Hataitai Park Cycling Velodrome is an all-purpose outdoor concrete track. Facilities include two changing rooms, kitchen, first aid room, meeting function room, deck and car parking. The Velodrome occupies the elevated plateau on the western upper level, just above the main rugby and netball areas.

The Human Resources Institute of New Zealand's annual awards for 2001 are held at the Pacific Crystal Palace on Wellington's waterfront, in February '02.

The Human Resources Institute of New Zealand's annual awards (in conjunction with Unlimited and John Robertson & Associates) for 2004 are held at the Duxton Hotel Ballroom, in February '05. The event organised by Clockwork Group.

The Human Resources Institute of New Zealand's annual awards (in conjunction with Unlimited and John Robertson & Associates) for 2005 are held at the Duxton Hotel Ballroom, in February '06. The event organised by Clockwork Group.

The Human Resources Institute of New Zealand's annual awards for 2007 are celebrated at the Duxton Hotel Ballroom in Wellington, New Zealand in February '08.

The HRINZ Awards for 2009 were held at the Wellington Town Hall, in late February.

The 2009/10 HRINZ HR Awards National Gala Presentation were held in Wellington on Thursday 25th February 2010. This event is a great opportunity to celebrate the success of the HR profession as well as learn more about this year's great Initiatives, Generalist, Specialists and Young HR Practitioners.

HRINZ / JRA / unlimited 2006 Workplace Awards at Wellington Town Hall, Wellington, New Zealand in February 2007.

Jacob Rajan, Mia Blake, Gareth Williams and Peta Rutter rehearse for the Indian Ink Theatre premiere of The Dentist's Chair at the New Zealand International Arts Festival 2008, in Soundings Theatre, Te Papa.

A poor chaiwallah's (tea seller) life is changed forever when a young girl is abandoned at a busy railway station and brings the place to a standstill with the beauty of her singing. An honest young policeman falls hopelessly in love but is rejected in favour of a disreputable poet. The contradictions of modern India with its iphones and ancient gods form the backdrop to this story about the dangers of keeping your soul locked in a cage. Award winning actor Jacob Rajan combines with musician David Ward to bring this intimate epic to life. From the creators of Krishnan's Dairy, The Candlestickmaker, The Pickle King and The Dentist's Chair.

Singer / songwriter Jess Chambers launched her album 'Desire' at the San Francisco Bath House in Wellington, New Zealand. Her band for the night included Peter Hill, Lee Prebble, Brooke Singer, Thomas Brodie Watson, Thomas Oliver and Tessa Rain.

The Jezabels performing live at Sydney Opera House, on Tuesday 29 April 2014.

Karori Cemetery is New Zealand's second largest burial ground, covering nearly 40 hectares. It was the final resting place of about 80,000 people. Today, it is a wealth of Wellington history and a peaceful place to visit.

Stars and crew arrive at the Embassy Theatre in Wellington for the premiere of Peter Jackson's King Kong, in New Zealand.

Kyary Pamyu Pamyu performs at the University of New South Wales Roundhouse, on Sunday 23 March 2014.

The 2009 Lexus Song Quest tour featured guest judge and German tenor Siegfried Jerusalem conducting workshops with young singers, and a recital with finalists Wade Kernot, Julia Booth and winner Aivale Cole at Wellington's Opera House.

a collection of works by three Wellington photographers. Alastair McAra, Deidra Sullivan and Shaun Matthews each use the back-to-basics method of the pinhole camera to respond variously to ideas of nostalgia, history and childhood. Visitors to the gallery can also experience the method first hand, by entering the huge, walk-in camera obscura!

Location images from New Zealand, Australia, Canada and worldwide.

Kiwi indie pop darling Lorde (Ella Yelich-O'Connor) made her Sydney debut at GoodGod club in May 2013, shortly after the release of her first EP.

Over three years (2001-2003), Wellington played host to a series of premieres for the Lord Of The Rings films, culminating in the World Premiere of the Return Of The King on Dec 1, 2003. Peter Jackson and the stars are seen here on the red carpet, and at associated events surrounding these premieres.

On the south coast of Wellington's eastern suburbs lies Lyall Bay, adjacent to the city's airport and popular with surfers.

Mahinarangi Tocker, musician and singer: Born Taumarunui 1955; died Takapuna, April 14, 2008, aged 52. Mahinarangi Tocker was a potent and seminal figure in contemporary New Zealand music-making. Her deft guitar-playing and her rich alto voice were gifts to audiences and musicians alike.

The New Zealand Walkway track at Makara Beach in Wellington leads to a historic WWII gun emplacement, looking out over Cook Strait towards the South Island. The high cliffs and spectacular views that are features of Makara have for centuries provided the people of the area with good vantage points for the defence of their land. Makara Walkway is a 6 km loop, climbing to vantage points with spectacular views, and returning along the beach. A Ngati Ira pa site lies on the promontory at the western end of Fisherman's Bay, and gun emplacements at the top of the cliffs mark the position of Fort Opau, which was garrisoned by 100 soldiers during World War II.

Inland from Christchurch, Methven is a beautiful town close to Mount Hutt and Mount Olympus skifields, on the South Island of New Zealand.

Images from the Canadian Grand Prix and around Montreal city.

Nature images from New Zealand, Canada and around the globe.

Scenes from St John's, Trinity, Bonavista and Cape St Mary's in Newfoundland, on Canada's east coast.

Over the past two decades the New Zealand String Quartet has premiered over forty works for string quartet as well as workshopping close to 200 student compositions. The ensemble's commitment to New Zealand composers and their music is an important part of its work, and New Zealand compositions are featured in concerts in New Zealand and in overseas tours. See http://www.nzsq.co.nz for more on them and their performances.

Images of the Northland region of New Zealand's North Island, from Kerikeri in the Bay of Islands to the Kauri Coast and Opononi districts.

Scenic images of Halifax and Cape Breton in Nova Scotia, in Canada's east coast Maritime provinces.

On September 9th 2009, the Prime Minister John Key and Rugby World Cup Minister Murray McCully hosted a function at the Beehive to launch the Government's leverage and legacy plans for RWC 2011.

New Zealand International Arts Festival 2002: Gargoyles Photo by Robert Catto, on Monday 18 March, 2002.

The New Zealand International Arts Festival is a biennial multi-arts festival held in the nation's capital, Wellington. It is New Zealand's premier and largest cultural event, and exists to celebrate the best arts entertainment from around the world and within New Zealand.

The New Zealand International Arts Festival is a biennial multi-arts festival held in the nation's capital, Wellington. It is New Zealand's premier and largest cultural event, and exists to celebrate the best arts entertainment from around the world and within New Zealand.

The New Zealand International Arts Festival 2006 included a celebration of the Maori Showbands, who started touring the world in the fifties and sixties, and continue to this day. The concert featured the Maori Volcanics, with original members including Mahora and Billy Peters.

The New Zealand International Arts Festival is a biennial multi-arts festival held in the nation's capital, Wellington. It is New Zealand's premier and largest cultural event and exists to celebrate the best arts entertainment from around the world and within New Zealand.

Wellington-born Dean Wareham and wife Britta Phillips, both former members of dream pop/indie group Luna, deliver this effortlessly sophisticated live musical performance to 13 of Andy Warhol's famous screen tests. Captured at Warhol's Silver Factory back in the 1960s, the silent, black and white screen tests include the likes of uber-cool superstars and notorious scenesters Edie Sedgwick, Dennis Hopper and vocalist Nico. A smouldering Lou Reed also makes an appearance - casually sipping a Coke in a laidback tribute to Warhol's pop art ideals.

Travelling back through the memories of a prodigal son, 360 tracks the series of events that led to his final departure. His memories paint a vivid portrait of a family who are funny, exquisitely melancholic and charmingly clown-like. Expect the unexpected as two worlds collide when the son opens the same door he closed behind him years before. Filled with larger-than-life characters and surreal situations, 360 is a moving tale of going back to the beginning to get to the end. Spin around in your seat to choose the action in this innovative production by the award-winning creators of HEAD. Creators: Carl Bland, Ben Crowder and Peta Rutter Set design: John Verryt Lighting designer: Brad Gledhill Costumes: Elizabeth Whiting

Readers enjoy high tea with celebrated novelist Jenny Pattrick, as she talks about becoming a best-selling writer in her sixties, her recent sojourn in France and her new novel Inheritance. Pattrick discusses her hugely successful early novels, including The Denniston Rose and Heart of Coal, and her increasingly international reputation. Best known for her historical fiction, Pattrick's new novel takes her readers back to Samoa in the 1960s and to the New Zealand of today. As with her earlier books, Inheritance once again marries vivid landscapes with a page-turning narrative - this time with a mystery.

Line Describing a Cone (1973) by artist Anthony McCall is famous in the history of avant-garde film for its reduction of the cinematic experience to its core ingredients: projected light in physical space. For 30 minutes a beam of light from a 16mm film projector draws a perfect circle on a distant screen. In the space between, a solid cone takes shape as light particles cling to a haze filled room. Transforming the viewer's usual passive relation to the film medium, this work invites an active engagement with the cinematic experience.

APOLLO 13: Mission Control takes audiences on a rollicking caper through space and beyond. Winner of two Chapman Tripp Theatre Awards in 2008, this interactive production is lauded by critics, and loved by audiences, for its innovation and imaginative design. As three astronauts trapped 200,000 miles from earth fight for their lives, audience members seated in 'Mission Control' must make the critical decisions necessary to bring the heroes safely home. In command of this epic adventure is Flight Director, Gene Kranz, who lives by the simple belief that "Failure is not an option". To deliver a truly inter-galactic experience, the theatre is transformed into an authentic 1970s replica of Mission Control, complete with retro computers, giant video screens, and elaborate consoles. Seats are also available in the 'Press Gallery' for those who prefer a quieter trip into lunar orbit.

The New Zealand International Arts Festival hosts a series of art talks with performers, directors and designers, at City Gallery's Adam Auditorium.

Described as "eclectic indie rockers sprinkled with desert dust", Calexico's musical sound is influenced by traditional sounds of Mexico and the south-western United States. The band's main members, Joey Burns and John Convertino, first played together in LA as part of the group Giant Sand. They have recorded many albums, and their 2005 release In the Reins, recorded with Iron and Wine, reached the Billboard 200 album charts.

The New Zealand International Arts Festival 2010 begins with a dawn ceremony of welcome (powhiri) to greet international guests to Wellington for the first time.

What happened to Little Red Riding Hood as she went through the forest? Is there another animal as vile as Crocky-Wock the crocodile? Do Bilbo and Legolas reach their destinations? And will you ever slam a door again? The answers to these questions and more will be presented in this quirky concert featuring the Zephyr Wind Quintet, pianist Diedre Irons and other leading instrumentalists, and featuring narrator Nigel Collins.

Drums of all descriptions are cleverly organised on scaffolding so that seven distinctly different dance scenes can unfold below. With incredible exuberance the movement and rhythm become flawlessly intertwined as the artists explore the questions: How does a percussionist dance? How does the body of a dancer sound? Echoa is an unexpected dance experience in which we also see the dance with our ears. Sometimes as gentle as a whisper or as noisy as a carnival, it never lacks in spirit or fantasy. A truly delightful attack on the senses - a show for music and dance lovers of all ages. From Arcosm Company of France.

Karsh Kale, an undisputed force of nature on the tablas, performs an original live music score to a screening of Bruce Lee's cult classic: Enter the Dragon. London born and New York raised, Kale balances his Indian heritage with rock 'n' roll, hip-hop and atmospheric pop to create his eclectic style of music. When setting out to create this powerful music piece, Kale enlisted the help of Midival Punditz - the first Indian electronic band to break into the international scene. Released in 1973, Enter the Dragon is the last feature film Lee appeared in before his death.

Images of the New Zealand International Arts Festival 2010 around Wellington.

Construction of the Pacific Blue Festival Club, one of the venues in the New Zealand International Arts Festival in Wellington.

Have you ever found a pop song funny? Ever been so angry you exploded into a chorus of "Beat It"? Then you are chosen. Liberate your mind. Let the re-education begin. Frisky and Mannish are musicians on a mission. It's "Eternal Flame", Jim, but not as we know it! Experience Frisky and Mannish's School of Pop and you will never think of The Bangles the same way again. The innovators of musical hilarity and the darlings of international cabaret, Frisky and Mannish make it their mission to re-educate the world on the plethora of possibilities hidden beneath pop classics such as "Come on Eileen" and "Thriller".

Functions and events at the New Zealand International Arts Festival 2010.

Visionary dance choreographers José Montalvo and Dominique Hervieu pay the ultimate tribute to American composer George Gershwin in this exhilarating performance. Compagnie Montalvo-Hervieu continues to forge new ground, this time fusing hip-hop, tap-dance, ballet, and contemporary dance against a backdrop of immense and emotive video imagery.

Written by Miria George and Jamie McCaskill, He Reo Aroha weaves the beauty of original waiata, with a compelling story of love and music. Childhood sweethearts Kaia and Pascoe were always worlds apart. Kaia had trained to sing, with Sister Mere grooming her voice for greatness. Working long, hard days on the fishing boats with his father, a song was never far from Pascoe's lips. In the heart of Ti Kapa, one warm summer's night, their voices entwine sealing a love that will last a lifetime. Choosing music over love, Kaia leaves for Europe in search of a career that offers privilege and prestige. Broken-hearted, Pascoe is left behind in Ti Kapa to follow in his father's footsteps. When life doesn't bring Kaia and Pascoe all they hoped for, they soon discover it is music that will get them through and love that will bring them back together. Directed by Hone Kouka, He Reo Aroha has travelled to Australia, Hawai'i and Canada.

Inside out is an exhilarating creation from Sweden's dynamic and contemporary circus ensemble, Cirkus Cirkör. A dazzling combination of phenomenal acrobatic feats, bewitching storytelling and video imagery, this unforgettable production is an exploration of life, death, and the fears that bind us all. Set to an intoxicating live performance from Swedish rock group Irya's Playground, this is a true celebration of the circus arts - infused with seduction, humour and a whole lot of heart.

Tenor Keith Lewis and pianist Michael Houstoun present this recital which spans over 300 years of song. Recognised early in his career as a Mozart specialist, Lewis's performances are noted for their beauty of voice and interpretative skills. Partnered by the impeccable artistry of Michael Houstoun, this recital promises an evening of beautiful insights. With the sweet Baroque of Purcell, the subtle, direct songs of Britten and the quirkiness of Barber, this programme spans a range of emotional and musical colour. At the heart of the recital is the world premiere of Jenny McLeod's Peaks of Cloud, which sets seven poems by Janet Frame and brings together four iconic New Zealand artists.

Conductor Vladimir Ashkenazy joins the NZSO and some of the world's finest soloists in a performance of Mahler's Symphony No. 8 at the New Zealand International Arts Festival 2010. Soloists included Annalena Persson, Marina Shaguch, Sara Macliver, Dagmar Peckova, Bernadette Cullen, Simon O'Neill, Markus Eiche and Martin Snell, with the combined New Zealand Youth Choir, Voices New Zealand Chamber Choir, Orpheus Choir of Wellington and the Choristers of Wellington Cathedral of St Paul. A live feed to Wellington's Civic Square allowed thousands more to enjoy the concert while the sold out audience in the Michael Fowler Centre watched it first-hand.

Weaving historical fact with magical realism, Mark Twain & Me in Maoriland fuses a Spaghetti Western with an epic love story. Inspired by true events, this bullet-ridden, comic tale is set amidst the saloons of Whanganui in 1895 - a combustible time of mercenaries, prophets, vaudeville, and self-serving mayoralty. This gun-toting production sparks from the true account of Mark Twain's Australasian lecture tour, which came to an abrupt halt when the outspoken writer incurred the wrath of the local English establishment. Twain shocked the colonials when he pronounced a Moutoa monument, honouring Maori loyal to the English, should be blown up for encouraging natives to become traitors to their own race. He also claimed the rebel Maori, slandered as barbarians and fanatics, were in fact the country's true patriots. Taki Rua Productions' Mark Twain & Me in Maoriland blends live music with audio visual technology as it navigates the complexities and contradictions of colonisation. A theatrical stick of dynamite from the award-winning producers of Strange Resting Places and Te Karakia, this entertaining creation proves that history, as always, is far from black and white. Writer: David Geary Director: John Bolton Designers: John Gibson, Kasia Pol and Jessica Sanderson

Winner of Best Choreography by an Established Artist or Company at the 2008 Tempo Awards, this intoxicating dance production is a moving exploration of the search for calm amid life's chaos. The brainchild of New Zealand-born choreographer Claire O'Neil, this adrenalin-charged work has evolved from her interest in random events, journeys of survival, and the practice of defence and attack. Relationships between characters and states of emotions morph fluidly in MTYland, highlighting how unexpected collisions can sometimes result in the most beautiful transformations.

Neil Gaiman is one of the bestselling writers of modern comics and books for readers of all ages. He is listed in the Dictionary of Literary Biography as one of the top ten living post-modern writers, and is a prolific creator of prose, poetry, film, journalism, comics, song lyrics and drama. Beloved among readers around the world, Gaiman's many books include American Gods, Anansi Boys, and the hugely successful Coraline, which has been adapted for the stage and screen. His picture books include The Day I Swapped My Dad for Two Goldfish, and The Wolves in the Walls, the latter of which he adapted for the theatre. His comics include The Sandman series and most recently Gaiman has published the novel The Graveyard Book which won the 2009 Newberry Medal and a 2009 Hugo Award (Best Novel). Neil appeared at NZ Post Writers & Readers Week in conversation with Kate de Goldi.

Young writers and readers have fun with rhyme, colour and clothes pegs while helping acclaimed illustrator Gavin Bishop create a giant and colourful Crooked Man; and later, they enjoy a reading and Q&A session with author Joy Cowley.

A 200-year view of the string quartet, with works written in 1810, 1910 and 2010. Ten includes the world premiere of Ross Harris's The Abiding Tides, which sets the poems of Vincent O'Sullivan for soprano and string quartet. These songs express the high hopes and the desperation of those who sank in the Titanic nearly 100 years ago and those illegal immigrants who continue to lose their lives at sea. Featuring guest soprano Jenny Wollerman.

The New Zealand Trio (Ashley Brown, Justine Cormack and Sarah Watkins) perform works by Beethoven, Ross Edwards, Dvorak, Chen Yi, Ravel, Phil Dadson, and the world premiere of a new work by David Downes at Wellington Town Hall.

On Monday 8 March six playwrights and one scriptwriter raced around Wellington in search of a story, armed with a laptop, wireless internet, and a minder to make sure they stick to the rules and keep to the clock. At the start of the day, each writer was given a route to follow and spent one hour at each location, including a turn in the writer's cage. When time's up, every writer metwith an editor to help them polish up their 1,200 word story, and then they were off to the Wellington Town Hall for the Read-Off, and to decide the winner. The 2010 marathon saw the return of David Geary, the 2008 champion back to defend his title. Other contenders included Pip Hall, the 2009 Bruce Mason Playwriting Award-winner; Eli Kent, the writer behind the 2009 Best Theatre win in the NZ Fringe Festival; internationally acclaimed playwright Dianna Fuemana; Spooks scriptwriter Neil Cross; and emerging playwright Lucy O'Brien.

New Zealand International Arts Festival staff welcome guest artists and crew with a traditional powhiri at the Pacific Blue Festival Club.

Guests, sponsors, artists and patrons met at the launch of the programme for the New Zealand International Arts Festival 2010, introduced by chair Fran Wilde, Minister Gerry Brownlee and Artistic Director Lissa Twomey.

Almost 30 years since sitar virtuoso Ravi Shankar last performed in New Zealand, and he returns during the Festival for his special 90th birthday performance. He is joined on stage by his daughter Anoushka, a sitar virtuoso and composer in her own right.

Changing the way we think about street theatre, Royal de Luxe brings together gorgeous imagery, engineering talent and storytelling prowess to transform the idea of the mannequin into pure comic strip brilliance. This ingenious free event will infiltrate the city over ten days, using popular shop windows for stages. Forty mannequins will be fixed in place every day and changed every night so the stories can evolve on the streets of Wellington during Festival 2010. The personal adventures of the mannequins interweave love, fear, honour, pleasure, revenge, jealousy, violence and the discovery of life. Royal de Luxe has performed around the world, creating extraordinary rapport with passers-by. Residents have become captivated with the activities of these miraculous beings and begin to follow their every move. By the end of the performance, huge crowds gather daily. Make sure you reserve a spot on the footpath to catch sight of these wondrous creations before they leave our streets.

The New Zealand Post Writers and Readers Week presented a Town Hall talk with author Richard Dawkins, at the Michael Fowler Centre.

The Schoolfest programme in the New Zealand International Arts Festival gets kids and artists together to share, learn, and exchange ideas.

The Schoolfest programme in the New Zealand International Arts Festival gets kids and artists together to share, learn, and exchange ideas. In this workshop, performers from Cirkus Cirkor's show Inside Out teach students juggling, aerial work, and tumbling.

Written and performed by acclaimed New Zealand actor Ian Hughes (Bare, Shortland Street), Ship Songs weaves together three compelling seagoing adventures that span five centuries and four continents. Inspired by the remarkable true story of how his parents fell in love, Hughes effortlessly jumps between characters and countries to build three hilarious, and unpredictable tales. Music is performed live by Don McGlashan, Chris O'Connor, and Dave Khan, whose impassioned songs add a further dimension of emotion and imagery to the stories. Alive with theatrical innovation, this romantic, funny and visually stunning production is a true celebration of love, courage, and adventure on the high seas.

One of the world's most widely read historians, Simon Schama is University Professor of Art History and History at Columbia University. Schama has been described as a "scholar-artist [who]...marries jewel-like colouring of character, place and period with the iron grip of a strong pulsed narrative". His influential books include A History of Britain, Landscape and Memory, and Rough Crossings. He was joined at NZ Post Writers & Readers Week by Sean Plunket.

Nina Simone was an inspiring woman, musician and activist who made an unforgettable mark on the world with her powerful jazz ballads and rousing protest songs. This long-awaited official tribute to the legendary jazz diva features four incredible female vocalists: Patti Austin, Dianne Reeves, Lizz Wright, and Nina Simone's own daughter - simply known as Simone. The soulful music of the "High Priestess of Soul" is handled gracefully by the four powerful performers, who each possess Nina's feisty feminism and indefinable spark. The vivacious singers are joined onstage by original members of the Nina Simone band and her long-time musical director, Al Shackman.

Included in the 2010 New Zealand International Arts Festival's programme is New Riga Theatre's production, Sound of Silence. Innovative director Alvis Hermanis captures the idealism and social utopia of the 60s in his latest theatrical offering, Sound of Silence. The award-winning director takes us on yet another exploration into new form, this time creating a play entirely without words and set instead to the soundtrack and narrative of flower power icons Simon and Garfunkel.

The Sadler's Wells production Sutra comes to Wellington's St James Theatre as part of the New Zealand International Arts Festival 2010.

T.E.O.R.E.M.A.T. is the latest creation from multi-award winning Polish director Grzegorz Jarzyna. Set to a powerful soundtrack and performed in near wordless scenes, Jarzyna's production is an exquisite filmic voyage into the heart of Pier Paolo Pasolini's modern parable.

Described as "infectious, captivating, and full of wonder", this major work of physical and visual theatre is adapted from the award-winning graphic novel by Australian artist and author Shaun Tan. The story of an immigrant who flees his homeland in search of a better future, The Arrival is an emotive and inspiring account of one man's quest to belong. On his travels, The Arrival's central character must navigate strange customs, curious creatures, and indecipherable languages to find the security he needs to reunite his family. Designed to enchant even the most stoic of hearts, The Arrival combines music, movement, comedy, expert puppetry, and shadow-play to perfectly capture the essence of Shaun Tan's unique artistry. Creator and director: Julie Nolan Creator, imagery, and cast: Kate Parker Lighting designer: Jeremy Fern Set: John Verryt Props: Simon Coleman Music: Andrew McMillan Costume: Elizabeth Whiting

The Festival's Tix for $20 booth offers discounted tickets on the day of the show, even for sold-out performances - so crowds have gathered daily to snap up a deal.

A dance duet between man and machine is the simplest way to describe the breathtaking outdoor performance of Transports Exceptionnels. Transcending spectacle and danger, dancer Philippe Priasso is paired with a mechanical digger in this astoundingly witty exploration of the traditional "dance for two". Performed to the dramatic voice of Maria Callas, Transports Exceptionnels follows an intimate seduction initiated by Priasso. Flesh meets iron in a tender give and take, and the digger's innermost sensitivity is revealed - rendering her almost human. Nothing will prepare you for the surprise of this emotional romance, which is both industrial and poetic.

The New Zealand Post Writers and Readers Week gala opening event featured host Kate de Goldi in conversation with Audrey Niffenegger, Kamila Shamsie, Gil Adamson and Neil Cross.

French trapeze artists Maxim Bourdon and Sebastien Bruas perform their show Arcane at Waitangi Park in Wellington, as part of the New Zealand International Arts Festival.

With flinchingly realistic training and fight sequences, Beautiful Burnout channels the breathless physical action that audiences loved in Black Watch. But this is much more than just flying fists. Writer Bryony Laverys heart-wrenching and deeply human story follows five young fighters as they desperately try to escape Glasgows mean, grey streets. Friendship, family, beliefs  what are they willing to sacrifice? All is revealed as the sweat, punches, blood and banter start to fly. Co-produced by award-winning companies Frantic Assembly (Stockholm, Othello) and the National Theatre of Scotland (Black Watch, The Bacchae)  this compelling drama was born out of a unplanned trip to a New York boxing gym. Through spectacular staging, Beautiful Burnout literally takes audiences into the heart of the action. With a boxing ring on a revolving stage and a backdrop of glittering video screens, the audience sits ringside for a night of drama that packs a punch in more ways than one. Writer Bryony Lavery. Directors/Choreographers Scott Graham and Steven Hoggett With Stuart Martin, Blythe Duff, Kevin Guthrie, Eddie Kay, Vicki Manderson, Taqi Nazeer, Ewan Stewart

Indie band Bon Iver perform the first of two shows in Wellington Town Hall, at the New Zealand International Arts Festival.

Celebrated actor Michael Hurst joins forces with two of New Zealands freshest young writers in this innovative new solo work, set in the Shakespearean afterlife. In Frequently Asked Questions an insomniac called Hamlet discovers a script documenting the end of his life, and begins some serious late-night soul-searching. What a piece of work is a man? To be, or not to be? These are his FAQs. And Hamlet cant sleep until he knows. Writers Natalie Medlock and Dan Musgrove have been working in collaboration with Hurst since early 2010 to develop this semi-autobiographical work. With cameos from some of the Bards greatest characters and a climax where Hurst unleashes 30 years of stage combat experience on himself, Frequently Asked Questions is Shakespeare as youve never seen it.

Crew of the New Zealand International Arts Festival prepare venues around Wellington for the impending arrival of artists from around the world for a 24-day festival of theatre, dance, opera, music and more.

The Friends Of The Festival lead tours during the New Zealand International Arts Festival.

Events, functions, art talks and shows at the TelstraClear Festival Club during the New Zealand International Arts Festival 2012.

Galileo Galilei's development of the astronomical telescope was an innovation that was to forever change the way we view the universe and our place within it. To commemorate the 400th anniversary of this achievement, Canada's Tafelmusik, one of the worlds most prolific and celebrated baroque orchestras, has created the astounding Music of the Spheres. More of a performance than a concert, works by Galileos contemporaries are performed from memory, playing in perfect harmony with stunning astrological images and words from the writings of Galileo, Isaac Newton and other great astronomers.

From one of the most turbulent times in our countrys history comes this tragic true story of Maori chief Hohepa Te Umuroao. In a production of sweeping scale, we travel from the fertile earth of the Hutt Valley and the barren brutality of Tasmanias Maria Island penal colony to the Whanganui River in the 1980s. This is the sacred journey to reunite Hohepa Te Umuroa with the soil of his homeland. This groundbreaking new work features an outstanding 17-strong cast of New Zealands most renowned opera singers, including Phillip Rhodes, Jonathan Lemalu, Martin Snell and Jenny Wollerman. Hohepa will be accompanied by players from the Vector Wellington Orchestra. The production represents more than a decade of extensive research by composer Jenny McLeod and is based on recorded, personal and oral histories. The result is a warm and at times humorous opera; epic yet deeply human at heart. Composer Jenny McLeod Conductor Marc Taddei Director Sara Brodie With Phillip Rhodes, Jenny Wollerman, Nicky Spence, Jonathan Lemalu, Deborah Wai Kapohe, Rawiri Paratene, Martin Snell, Eddie Muliaumasealii.

Canadian ukulele master James Hill and cellist Anne Davidson perform at the TelstraClear Festival Club, at the New Zealand International Arts Festival in Wellington.

Mike Shepherd, founder of Kneehigh Theatre, leads a professional development workshop with theatre makers from around the country, as part of the New Zealand International Arts Festival in Wellington.

The Conch Theatre's much anticipated follow up to the international hit Vula, Masi grows from a unique collaboration between artistic director Nina Nawalowalo, legendary British illusionist Paul Kieve (the only magic advisor to the Harry Potter films), and an explosive ensemble of six male Fijian dancers. Masi interweaves the meaning of Fijian Tapa cloth with the remarkable story of the meeting of Nawalowalos parents in 1950s New Zealand. This meeting between a Fijian high chief from the island of Kadavu and the daughter of Cambridge-educated public schoolmasters, happened over a game of chess in Wellington. Their romance was captured in a beautiful set of photographs by then budding photographer Ans Westra. This love story in black and white is reflected in the patterns of the Masi, as themes combine into a rich journey exploring loss, memory and the tracing of the lines that make us who we are.

20 years after it burst onto the stages of the world, writer John Broughton's iconic piece of Kiwi theatre returns for its Festival encore...Michael James Manaia is a poignant story about a New Zealand man who, after returning from the Vietnam War, finds himself at odds with his culture, his history and his memories. Packed full of dynamic theatrical action and colourful characters, we follow his journey through childhood, family, love, grief, violence, conflict and passion...After premiering at Wellington's Downstage Theatre in 1991, this heart-wrenching One-man show went on to the Edinburgh Festival and celebrated performances across the globe. Directed by Nathaniel Lees and starring Te Kohe Tuhaka in the title role, this new vision of the story crosses the generations. Produced by Taki Rua Theatre.

New Zealands foremost chamber ensemble combines with the glorious baritone voice of Jonathan Lemalu for this programme of four stunning works. Barber's famous Adagio and the music of Shostakovich are combined with Variation 25 by Ross Harris (based on Bachs Goldberg Variations) and the world premiere of a new work by Chinese-born New Zealand composer Gao Ping. Anguish, intensity, love and desire will weave together as the gorgeous music of the strings marries with the warm and rich tones of Lemalu  one of the most sought-after talents on the world opera stage. Ross Harris Variation 25 for string quartet Samuel Barber String Quartet in B, Opus 11 Gao Ping Three Poems by Mu Xin for baritone and string quartet (World Premiere) Samuel Barber Dover Beach, Opus 3 for baritone and string quartet Dmitri Shostakovich String Quartet No. 9 in E, Opus 117

New Zealands leading piano trio, NZTrio (Ashley Brown, Sarah Watkins and Justine Cormack), joins forces with outstanding percussionists Lenny Sakofsky and Jeremy Fitzsimons for this programme of vast sonic scope and visual energy. Enjoy the funky toe-tapping music of Kenji Bunch, a world premiere piece by Jack Body, and four other meditative works  in a programme marked by freedom and fluidity.

Members of Hofesh Shechter's company rehearse for their performances of Political Mother at the St James Theatre in Wellington, as part of the New Zealand International Arts Festival.

Legendary percussionist Poncho Sanchez leads a workshop for students at the New Zealand School Of Music, and performs at Wellington Town Hall, as part of the New Zealand International Arts Festival.

Staff and crew of the New Zealand International Arts Festival welcome local and international artists to Wellington at a traditional powhiri.

Friends, sponsors, staff, crew, and supporters of the New Zealand International Arts Festival gathered at Wellington's Opera House to celebrate the launch of the 2012 Festival programme guide, and to learn more about what shows will be coming to town in February and March. The programme was introduced by Wharehoka Wano, former Mayor Kerry Prendergast, Minister for Arts Culture and Heritage Chris Finlayson, and Festival Artistic Director Lissa Twomey.

After wildly popular Festival performances in 2004 (The Junebug Symphony) and 2006 (Bright Abyss), James Thiérrée returns in his new full-length piece as Raoul, a lone figure adrift in an incredible, ever changing world of billowing sails, steel pipes and driftwood. Alone, that is, until the arrival of a destructive doppelgänger that attacks Raouls home and has him questioning his very identity and existence. Unexpected at every turn, Thiérrée draws from a seemingly endless repertoire of theatrical talents as he pushes his mind and body to incredible new places. In his hands every part of the intricate set comes alive as Raouls world begins to spectacularly crash down around him.

Schools workshops during the New Zealand International Arts Festival 2012.

Conductor Joana Carneiro leads the NZSO and the Chapman Tripp Opera Chorus of The NBR New Zealand Opera, with soloists Stuart Skelton (tenor), Margaret Medlyn (soprano), Martin Snell (bass) and Daniel Sumegi (bass-baritone), Virgilio Marino (tenor) and narrator Rawiri Paratene, in a programme of Stravinsky's Oedipus Rex and Symphony of Psalms.

The Animals And Children Took To The Streets, performed at the Opera House in Wellington as part of the New Zealand International Arts Festival. Looking like a giant graphic novel brought to life, 1927 invites you into a dystopian metropolis of inner city paranoia. Seamlessly synchronising live music, performance and storytelling with stunning films and animation, this is a twisted new tale from the multiple award-winning company behind the Festivals 2010 Club hit Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea. Technically brilliant, razor sharp and completely entrancing, you wont find dark humour more gleeful than this.

Cast of Pan Pan Theatre's show The Rehearsal, Playing The Dane rehearse on stage at the TSB Arena, Wellington for the New Zealand International Festival of the Arts 2012.

The Sixteen choir and orchestra perform in the Wellington Town Hall, at the New Zealand International Arts Festival.

Cast of Kneehigh Theatre's show The Wild Bride rehearse on stage at the Opera House, Wellington for the New Zealand International Festival of the Arts 2012.

Propeller Theatre (UK) presented Shakespeare's The Winter's Tale in Wellington as part of the New Zealand International Arts Festival. Directed by Edward Hall (son of theatre royalty Sir Peter Hall), Propeller combines unwavering devotion to the original beauty of Shakespeares text with inventive staging that adds clarity and appeal for todays audience.

Three-time Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, columnist and author Thomas Friedman concludes Writers and Readers Week at the New Zealand International Arts Festival with a keynote address examining the current state of America. One of the worlds most influential public intellectuals, Friedman is a long-time columnist for The New York Times. He has written extensively on global trade, the Middle East and the environment. Among his bestselling books are From Beirut to Jerusalem and The World is Flat: A Brief History of the Twenty-First Century, which has sold more than four million copies in 37 languages. His latest book, That Used To Be Us, explores the major challenges facing America today.

Writers and Readers Week opened with a keynote address from acclaimed Australian scientist, explorer and environmentalist, Tim Flannery at the Wellington Town Hall, as part of the New Zealand International Arts Festival. This was followed by a reception in the Council Chambers hosted by Mayor Celia Wade-Brown.

Born out of Libyas refugee camps and refined during Malis Tuareg revolutions, Tinariwen's music began as a way to highlight the persecution of their nomadic people. Their hypnotic brand of desert blues, based on traditional West African rhythms, features incredible electric guitar riffs and the vibrant beats of hand drums. Their lyrics rage against the indifference to their plight and express nostalgia for a lifestyle that has existed for thousands of years, but is fast disappearing. In a career that has now spanned 30 years, Tinariwen has produced five albums (their last recorded on acoustic instruments in the desert) and played over 700 major festival concerts throughout the world, inspiring everyone from Carlos Santana to Coldplays Chris Martin along the way.

Set during the Trojan wars, Troilus and Cressida follows the love between a Trojan prince and maiden and features struggles of power, hierarchy and honour between some of historys greatest characters. A host of our most respected Mori actors make up the cast, which is led by Rawiri Paratene (Whale Rider) as Pandarus. Directed by Rachel House and Wetini Mitai-Ngatai.

Patricia Grace's award-winning novel is the inspiration for this powerful return to the stage by celebrated playwright and director Hone Kouka. Weaving together text and image, Tu is an epic tale set against 1940s Wellington, the battlefields of Monte Cassino and post-war Te Tairawhiti on the North Island's East Coast. After years of self-imposed exile, old Tu is found and visited by his brother's children. In search of answers, their presence triggers an unstoppable wave of memories that envelops Tu and forces him to confront and embrace the ghosts of his past. Hone Kouka's previous theatrical works include I, George Nepia, the internationally acclaimed Waiora and the 2004 New Zealand International Arts Festival premiere of The Prophet. With Kirk Torrance starring as Tu, this is a majestic story of love, redemption, whanau and brotherhood.

Whirimako Black (Maori), Emma Donovan (Aboriginal Australian), Merenia (Maori Romany Gypsy), Ngaiire (Papua New Guinean) and Maisey Rika (Maori) are the Barefoot Divas  a group of funny, cheeky and uplifting women who take their commentary on fame, contemporary music and cultural struggle right to the edge. The commanding voices of the Divas are accompanied by a band of musicians originating from Chile, Peru, Greece and Australasia. Developed by writer Alana Valentine and producer/director Vicki Gordon Walk A Mile In My Shoes transcends borders and beliefs.

Writers & Readers Week events at the New Zealand International Arts Festival 2012.

The programme launch for the Writers & Readers Week, part of the New Zealand International Arts Festival 2012.

James Judd conducts the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra at the NZSO 60th Anniversary Concert in Wellington's Town Hall, New Zealand.

Pietari Inkinen conducts the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra in a programme of Beethoven at Auckland Town Hall, Auckland, New Zealand.

Pietari Inkinen conducts the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra at the Michael Fowler Centre, Wellington, New Zealand.

The New Zealand National Youth Orchestra rehearses with conductor Yannick Nezet-Seguin at the Michael Fowler Centre, Wellington.

The NZSO National Youth Orchestra perform with conductor Jacques Lacombe, and soloist Madeleine Pierard, at Wellington's Michael Fowler Centre in New Zealand.

The New Zealand Symphony Orchestra National Youth Orchestra (NYO) perform a concert of Mahler, Ravel featuring piano soloist John Chen, and a new composition by Natalie Hunt, with conductor Paul Daniels.

The NZSO National Youth Orchestra is the jewel in the crown of NZSO artist development activities for New Zealand's young orchestral musicians. A unique and incredible opportunity, it offers its members the chance to work with artists of international stature, as well as coaching from the Principals of the NZSO. The 2010 NZSO NYO season featured Bulgarian conductor Rossen Milanov. Deeply committed to musical training and a musical force in his own right, Rossen Milanov is Music Director of no less than three orchestras and holds the role of Associate Conductor with the famed Philadelphia Orchestra. Programme Vaughan Williams - Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis Stravinsky - Concerto for Piano and Wind Adams - The Chairman Dances Rachmaninov - Symphonic Dances

NZSO Music Director Pietari Inkinen is seen at the Wellington Town Hall.

The New Zealand Symphony Orchestra (NZSO) perform a family concert in the Wellington Foyer of Te Papa Tongarewa, the national museum, with actors Gareth Williams, Miranda Harcourt, and Dame Kate Harcourt.

The NZSO perform with conductor Hamish McKeich at the Todd Foundation Young Composers readings in the Wellington Town Hall, New Zealand.

The New Zealand Symphony Orchestra (NZSO) perform works by young composers at the Michael Fowler Centre, Wellington.

On Sunday July 12 2009, scores of singers descended on Wellington for a concert celebrating the thirtieth anniversary of one of New Zealand's great cultural institutions, the New Zealand Youth Choir. The choir, which counts some of New Zealand's greatest singers among its alumni, invited past and present members to sing together in a reunion concert in the Wellington Town Hall.

The New Zealand premiere of Robert Sarkies' film Out Of The Blue, at the Embassy Theatre, Wellington.

Phil Dadson installs a new kinetic sculpture work, Akau Tangi, in Evans Bay, Wellington. The total walkway has five major artworks, each of which responds to Wellington's notorious wind in a unique manner. The five are Pacific Grass, Konstantine Dimopoulos (2001); Zephyrometer, Phil Price (2003); Tower of Light, Andrew Drummond (2005); Wellington Urban Forest, Leon van den Eijkle and Allan Brown; and now Akau Tangi, The Sighing Sound of the Wind by Phil Dadson (2010).

Psychedelic Australian band Pond play at the Metro Theatre in Sydney, on Friday 20 December 2013.

Images of the Premier Hospitality events surrounding the Bledisloe Cup test at Eden Park, New Zealand (All Blacks) vs. Australia (Wallabies), 21 July 2007.

Singer / songwriter Raashi Malik launches her self-titled EP at San Francisco Bathhouse in Wellington, with a band including Steve Bremner, Thomas Voyce, Rhian Sheehan, Andy Hummel, Jess Chambers, Karnan Saba & Chetan Ramlu.

Wellingtonians, filmmakers and artists assembled in Wellington's Civic Square as part of a nationwide series of rallies to show their support for keeping the production of The Hobbit, directed by Peter Jackson, in New Zealand. Speakers included Sir Richard Taylor of Weta Workshop, Wellington Mayor Celia Wade-Brown, artist Gino Acevedo, casting director Liz Mullane, and others from the industry in Wellington. Production of the films had been threatened by a worldwide boycott started by New Zealand Actors' Equity and an Australian union, the MEAA.

Crew and fans gathered at Reading Cinema, Courtenay Central in Wellington to see the first screening of Rise Of The Planet Of The Apes.

The city of Wanganui put on a street parade and festivities to celebrate the premiere of Vincent Ward's film River Queen. The film was shot on the Whanganui River, which cuts through the town on New Zealand's North Island.

One of Wellington's older suburbs, Seatoun faces onto the inner harbour and is sheltered from the southerly storms.

Wellington-based group The Shot Band are Bill Hickman, Rob Joass, and Hamish Graham.

The 2004 APRA Silver Scroll Awards were held at the Wellington Town Hall in a star-studded event hosted by Oliver Driver. In what is always a highlight of the APRA Silver Scroll awards evening, the finalist songs were performed and interpreted by their musical contemporaries - the line up kept under wraps until the awards ceremony.

Cast and crew joined together to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the classic New Zealand film Sleeping Dogs, at the Film Archive in Wellington.

The Subway® Stage Challenge® is a perfoming arts event for secondary school students. Schools enter a team of up to 140 and create a 5-8 minute drama and dance production set to pre-recorded music (there is no live music o­n stage), to be performed in some of New Zealand's top venues. All the teams come together for a day jam packed with rehearsals, games, activities and FUN, all in a totally drug, tobacco and alcohol free environment. The day finishes with a professional level show at night, open for friends, family and other supportors to come and cheer their team along.

The Subway® Stage Challenge® is a perfoming arts event for secondary school students. Schools enter a team of up to 140 and create a 5-8 minute drama and dance production set to pre-recorded music (there is no live music o­n stage), to be performed in some of New Zealand's top venues. All the teams come together for a day jam packed with rehearsals, games, activities and FUN, all in a totally drug, tobacco and alcohol free environment. The day finishes with a professional level show at night, open for friends, family and other supportors to come and cheer their team along.

A free outdoor festival established in 1979, Summer City takes place around Wellington in January and February. At the heart of the festival is three weeks of nightly concerts in the Botanic Garden Soundshell, featuring the best in local and New Zealand musical talent.

New Year's Eve 2012 on Sydney Harbour, viewed from Upper Pitt St in Kirribilli.

Singer-songwriters Tami Neilson ( http://tamineilson.com ) and Lauren Thomson ( http://laurenthomson.net ) perform at Meow Cafe in Wellington.

The world premiere of Peter Jackson's film, The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, took place at Wellington's Embassy Theatre on 28 November 2012.

Members of the cast and crew of The Lovely Bones gathered for a press conference prior to the New Zealand premiere at the Embassy Theatre in Wellington. Present were writer/producer/director Peter Jackson, writer/producer Phillippa Boyens, senior visual effects supervisor Joe Letteri, and cast members Saoirse Ronan, Susan Sarandon, Rose McIvor and Carolyn Dando.

Images from the Toronto International Film Festival 2006.

TVNZ's Good Morning programme welcomed its Hollywood reporter, Nelson Aspen, to Wellington with a function at the Royal Port Nicholson Yacht Club. Nelson's visit was supported by Air New Zealand, Seifried Wines of Nelson, and the Museum Hotel.

The Unscripted Exhibition gave an opportunity for crew and artists from Wellington's film industry to exhibit their own personal work, in the gallery of the St James Theatre. Media included illustration, jewelry, costume, sculpture, 3D animation and many more.

Images from upstate New York, the Adirondack State Park area, Rochester's Eastman House and Niagara Falls.

The NGC Wellington Sinfonia present An Afternoon in an English Country Garden at Government House, Wellington.

The Vector Wellington Orchestra (formerly Wellington Sinfonia) perform a concert entitled 'An Afternoon In Provence' at Government House, Wellington New Zealand.

The NGC Wellington Sinfonia present An Afternoon in Spain at Government House, Wellington.

The Vector Wellington Orchestra hosted an afternoon in St Petersburg at Government House in Wellington, with conductor Marc Taddei.

The Vector Wellington Orchestra perform in An Afternoon In Vienna at Government House, Wellington, New Zealand.

The Vector Wellington Orchestra with Swedish soprano Anne Sofie von Otter performed excerpts from Canteloube's Chants d'Auvergne in an all-French concert that included Debussy's Impressionist masterpiece Afternoon of a Faun and Berlioz' emotionally-charged Symphonie Fantastique. Conducted by VWO Music Director Marc Taddei.

Maestro Marc Taddei conducts the whole musical zoo of the Vector Wellington Orchestra, taking kids on a jungle safari -- walking through the orchestra, seeing and hearing the native instruments up close in their natural habitat..

Maestro Marc Taddei conducts the whole musical farm of the Vector Wellington Orchestra, taking kids on a visit to Old MacDonald's Farm - walking through the orchestra, seeing and hearing the instruments up close in their natural habitat. With guests Janet Roddick and Footnote Dance.

It's "All Aboard!" for Wellington's musical tots as Marc Taddei and the Vector Wellington Orchestra take them on a journey of classical favourites and well-loved children's songs about trains and transport, with special guest Janet Roddick. Created by orchestral education pioneer Thomas Goss, this programme provides an unforgettable introduction to music.

The Vector Wellington Orchestra's Baby Proms concert (conducted by Owen Clarke, with MC Jennifer Moss) drew crowds of youngsters to the Michael Fowler Centre for an afternoon of orchestral classics, and a chance to walk through the orchestra - and even conduct!

The Vector Wellington Orchestra perform a Baby Proms Concert with conductor Marc Taddei, at the Michael Fowler Centre, Wellington, New Zealand.

The Vector Wellington Orchestra rehearse Bartok's work, Bluebeard's Castle, with conductor Marc Taddei, guest soloists Paul Whelan and Margaret Medlyn, and the Chapman Tripp Opera Chorus at Wellington's Town Hall.

Kiwi hip-hop musician Che Fu joined the Vector Wellington Orchestra on stage for a concert at Wellington's Michael Fowler Centre, with conductor Marc Taddei.

Conductor Marc Taddei leads the Vector Wellington Orchestra in Circus Proms, a concert featuring a range of circus acts sharing a stage with the orchestra.

The Vector Wellington Orchestra perform a programme entitled Circus Proms, with performers from Wellington Circus Trust, conducted by Marc Taddei, at the Michael Fowler Centre.

Kiwi legend Dave Dobbyn and his band joined the Vector Wellington Orchestra on stage for one concert at the Michael Fowler Centre in Wellington, New Zealand.

The Vector Wellington Orchestra perform with conductor Marc Taddei and soloist Pedro Carneiro, in a programme including Stravinsky's 'Danses Concertantes', the world premiere of John Psathas' 'Djinn' and Beethoven's Symphony No 3 in E flat Major, 'Eroica'.

The Vector Wellington Orchestra perform Fire And Ice, a collaboration with percussion group Strike and Footnote Dance, for a group of schools at the Michael Fowler Centre, Wellington New Zealand.

The Vector Wellington Orchestra presents Last Night of the Proms at the Wellington Town Hall, with conductor Marc Taddei and soloist Helen Medlyn.

Footnote Dance share the stage with the Vector Wellington Orchestra and conductor Marc Taddei in a performance entitled Music That Moves, at the Wellington Town Hall.

The Vector Wellington Orchestra, conducted by Marc Taddei, perform a programme entitled 'Music That Moves' with Java Dance Company, Jenny Wollerman, and piano soloist John Chen.

On the tenth anniversary of the World Trade Centre attack, the Vector Wellington Orchestra marked the occasion with John Adams' Pulitzer prize-winning On the Transmigration of Souls, commissioned by the New York Philharmonic to commemorate those who lost their lives in the tragedy. Beethoven Symphony 5 in C minor Op. 67 Mozart Piano Concerto No. 25 in C Major K. 503 Adams On the Transmigration of Souls Marc Taddei - conductor Diedre Irons - piano Orpheus Choir The Choristers of Wellington Cathedral of St Paul (Children's Choir)

The Vector Wellington Orchestra celebrate the launch of their CD 'Requiem' which includes the 2008 live performance of Kristallnacht with Donald Maurice, and the new season programme for 2011.

The Vector Wellington Orchestra perform a programme of Piazzolla with guest performers from Footnote Dance, Beethoven with soloist Michael Houstoun and Haydn, conducted by Marc Taddei, at the Wellington Town Hall.

The Vector Wellington Orchestra perform John Psathas' work, View From Olympus, at the Town Hall, in Wellington, New Zealand.

Voices New Zealand presented a concert of music by David Griffiths, Helen Fisher, David Hamilton, and Jack Body, as well as traditional folksongs from Europe, Scandinavia, the Pacific, and the British Isles. Conducted by Karyn Grylls, and featuring guest Taonga Puoro soloist Horomona Horo, at Wellington Town Hall.

The Wairarapa region of New Zealand's North Island is inland from Wellington. The main town is Masterton, which plays host to the annual 'Wings Over Wairarapa' airshow.

Wellington Youth Circus perform at the Santa Party in Civic Square.

On Oct 20 2010 a group of film technicians, artisans, actors and production crew including Weta Workshop founder Sir Richard Taylor (as a concerned member of the Wellington Film community), actors including Jed Brophy, artists such as Gino Acevedo and John Howe, directors Jonathan King and Peter Briggs, Hobbit writer and producer Philippa Boyens and many more met to discuss the industrial action surrounding production of The Hobbit in Wellington. A meeting of New Zealand Actors' Equity / Media Entertainment and Arts Alliance was scheduled for later the same evening; the decision was made for technicians to travel from Stone St Studio in Miramar to central Wellington to protest the worldwide boycott called by the MEAA against the production, which resulted in a march on Parliament grounds.

Wellington Airport is one of New Zealand's three largest airports, handling over 5 million passengers for the year to 31 March 2008. Our airport has a single 1936 metre runway, and we are a major domestic hub in the national transport system, as well as providing services over the sea to Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, the Gold Coast, and Fiji.

Offering a broad jazz palette of leading international and New Zealand jazz artists, the Wellington Jazz Festival has a musical programme that is widely accessible to audiences. From contemporary and traditional jazz to soul, rhythm & blues, reggae, latin and gospel, this Festival is not just for the aficionado but for a broad selection of tastes. Hosted in the Pacific Blue Note Club, a custom-built venue within Wellington Town Hall, the Jazz Festival features a stunning array of artists selected by artistic director Lissa Twomey from around the world.

Jazz legend Sonny Rollins performs at the Michael Fowler Centre in New Zealand, as part of the Wellington International Jazz Festival 2011. His band include Bob Cranshaw (bass), Kobie Watkins (drums), Sammy Figueroa (percussion) and Peter Bernstein (bass).

Images of art, architecture and the city of Wellington, the capital of New Zealand.

Reflecting Wellington's central position within the national rail network, the Wellington Railway Station has remained New Zealand's busiest terminal.

The Wellington Region Gold Awards (in association with the Dominion Post) are an annual celebration of the area's most successful businesses. Winners this year included the Malaghan Institute (Discovering Gold), Radiola Aerospace (Emerging Gold), the World Mountain Running Championships (Event Gold), Serco Project Engineering (Generating Gold), Icebreaker (Global Gold), Hutt Valley DHB (ACC Thinksafe Workplace Safety Award), Terralink International (Cyber Gold), La Bella Italia (Vibrant Gold), Park Road Post (Creative Gold) and Mana Coach Services (Supporting Gold). The Supreme Award went to Icebreaker NZ Ltd.

The Wellington Region Gold Awards 07 were held at TSB Arena, Wellington, New Zealand.

The Wellington Region Gold Awards are an annual celebration and profiling of the region's business community. The Awards are held at TSB Arena, where we congratulate and acknowledge our most successful businesses. Special Tributes are also bestowed on deserving individuals who have had a positive impact on the Wellington region. In keeping with Gold Awards tradition the supreme award was presented by Prime Minister John Key, to winners Park Road Post.

Music students from Whitireia Polytechnic perform at the Ilott Theatre in Wellington's Town Hall.

ERTH Visual & Physical at WOMADelaide. Photos by Robert Catto, on Sunday 11 March, 2007.

WOMAD Taranaki is held annually at the TSB Bowl Of Brooklands in New Plymouth, Taranaki New Zealand.