Mika with Haka Punks Mika is taking over downtown Auckland tonight for an explosion of culture and diversity in the wide-ranging Aroha Mardi Gras. The man described as "the original New Zealand Māori cross-cultural gender-bender" is promising a magical celebration of Auckland in all its glorious colour and diversity, in an event which is part of the Rugby World Cup festivities. There are two shows, at 6PM at 8PM at the Takutai Square in Britomart Precinct. The acts range from music, dance, art, fashion, drag and burlesque to multicultural performances and those involved include Rena Owen, Keisha Castle-Highes, Jay Te Wake and The Glamboyz, plus the Haka Punks. Along with drag and trans performers there will be Japanese Taiko drummers, Polynesian dancers, Bollywood performers, belly dancers and traditional and techno-inspired Māori kapa haka crews. Both shows are being filmed for Maori Television. There will be an after party at Family, on K' Rd. Mika's Haka Punks and Miss Ribena's drag divas will also be "rarking up" the Karangahape Road ridge after each and every Eden Park match right through the Rugby World Cup.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Friday, 23rd September 2011 - 2:28pm