Auckland War Memorial Museum’s annual LATE programme returns for its ninth season with another thought provoking series of curated evening events. From August to November, the Museum, in partnership with Metro, will host four smart talks featuring special guests, live performances, food, drinks and special late-night exhibition openings.

This year’s LATE series features relevant and intriguing discussions on food inequality, feminist theory, web activism and the relationship of musicians to their fans. Speakers of note this year include the award winning poet Courtney Sina Meredith, cartoonist Toby Morris, Dame Diane Robertson of the City Mission, former manager of Lorde, Scott Maclachlan, and many more.

Read more about each LATE below:

He Mana, He Wahine

TUE 9 AUG, 6PM

This panel will delve into the intricacies of feminism in New Zealand and examine everyday realities of the quest for equality. Talk mana wahine theory, sex and activism with poet, playwright, fiction writer and musician Courtney Sina Meredith, Māori, women’s and LGBT rights advocate Dr. Ngahuia Te Awekotuku, social and critical accounting researcher Dr Pala Molisa and Annah Pickering, regional coordinator of the New Zealand Prostitutes Collective (NZPC) Auckland Branch.

He Mana, He Wahine will feature vignettes fromOkareka Theatre Company’s Mana Wahine - a powerful performance which emanates the life force of women. The exhibition Kōrero Mai, Kōrero Atu will also be open for LATE-night viewing.

From #Slacktivism to Activism

MON 5 SEP, 6PM

The internet has increased opportunities for large-scale online social participation. Visibility of national and international priorities such as public health, political unrest, disaster relief and climate change has increased. Rebellion is trending. But how is online awareness transformed into action on the ground? 

Chaired by journalist and media commentator Russell Brown, this panel features director of campaigns at ActionStation Laura O'Connell Rapira, cartoonist and illustrator Toby Morris, environmental activist and senior campaign advisor for Greenpeace New Zealand Steve Abel and Sina Brown-Davis, activist and commentator on Indigenous rights.

The Taste of Inequality

TUE 11 OCT, 6PM

What are the realities of poverty, inequality and social injustice in New Zealand? In the sprawling city of Auckland, its neighbourhoods have varying access to life’s necessities. What are ‘food deserts’ and are they here to stay? How can food bring communities together? 

Chaired by Auckland University professor of Pacific studies Damon Salesa, the panel is made up of professor of taxation Dr Lisa Marriott, former leader of Auckland City MissionDame Diane Robertson, Eat My Lunch co-owner Lisa King and Dr Teuila Percival, senior lecturer at the School of Population Health and principal investigator on the Pacific Child Health Indicators project.

The Music Machine

MON 7 NOV, 6PM

Music is a shared experience. How do fans and critics influence musicians and how can an audience – both online and offline – shape an album? Hear about the relationships between musicians, their fans and critics from some of New Zealand music’s sharpest minds.

The Museum’s landmark New Zealand music exhibition, Volume: Making Music in Aotearoawill be open late for attendees. From Pokarekare ana to Poi e, from Loyal to Royals, from dance halls to DJs and from vinyl to mp3s and back again, come on a musical journey through the decades from the 1950s to today. 

Mana Wahine by Okareka Dance Company

Mana Wahine by Okareka Dance Company, performing at LATE: He Mana He Wahine on August 9th

Enjoy panoramic views of Auckland City from the Museum’s Event Centre, a delicious menu created by the chefs at Dawsons Catering and a selection of drinks from the bar.

Full price tickets to each LATE are $20 and only $10 for Museum Institute members and students with valid ID. 

Season passes are available for all four LATE events for only $70. Tickets are on sale on now fromaucklandmuseum.com/late or +64 9 306 7048. A booking fee of $3 applies to each offsite transaction.