Community
French Découvrez La Drôme - Workshop & Tasting
Join us and learn more about this beautiful region!
Nestled in the heart of southeastern France, the Drôme is a captivating region of rolling lavender fields, charming hilltop villages and sun-drenched landscapes.
Discover this beautiful region, where Provençal douceur de vivre meets rich history, local markets and delicious regional cuisine.
Join our French teacher Claudie for a fun and immersive workshop (en français!) and explore the authentic atmosphere and flavors of the Drôme.
We’ll wrap up with a tasting of traditional and delicious treats from the region!
🗯️ French A2/B1 level required
🗓️ Saturday, 18 April 2026, 11.30am–1pm
📍 Alliance Française Wellington (78 Victoria Street, Wellington)
🎟️ $30 for AF members & $35 for non-members
Film - Met Opera 25/26: Andrea Chenier
Starring Sonya Yoncheva, Daniele Rustioni, Igor Golovatenko, Piotr Beczała
ACT I
Spring, 1789, at the Château de Coigny near Paris. Gérard, servant to the Countess de Coigny, mocks the aristocracy and their manners. Observing his father struggle with a piece of furniture, Gérard laments the suffering of all servants under their arrogant masters (“Son sessant’anni”). Maddalena, the Countess’s daughter, appears and Gérard realizes how much he loves her. Busy with preparations for a soirée that evening, the Countess scolds Maddalena for not yet being dressed. Maddalena complains to her servant, Bersi, about the discomfort of the current fashions and then runs out to change. Among the guests to arrive is Fléville, a novelist, who has brought with him the rising poet Andrea Chénier. After the Abbé relates the latest depressing news from Paris, Fléville enlivens the party with a pastorale he has written for the occasion. Maddalena then teases a reluctant Chénier into improvising a poem (“Un dì all’azzurro spazio”). Chénier scandalizes the guests with his criticism of the indifference of the clergy and the aristocracy to the suffering of the impoverished. The guests’ gavotte is interrupted by Gérard, who brings in a group of starving peasants. The Countess orders Gérard out along with the rabble. The guests are then invited to return to the gavotte, but they depart instead, and the Countess is left alone.
ACT II
Spring, 1794, along the Cours-la-Reine in Paris. The Revolution has begun, and the Reign of Terror is in full force. To fend off the Incredibile, a spy, Bersi pretends to be a daughter of the Revolution (“Temer? Perchè?”). The Incredibile is not deceived and notices that Chénier is waiting for someone in the Café Hottot. Chénier is joined by his friend Roucher, who has brought a passport so that Chénier may leave the country safely. Chénier says his destiny is to remain to find the love he has never had and to discover who has been writing him anonymous letters (“Credo a una possanza arcana”). A procession of dignitaries led by Gérard interrupts their conversation. The Incredibile takes Gérard aside to ask about the woman he is looking for. Gérard describes Maddalena to him. Meanwhile, Bersi asks Chénier to wait at the café for someone who wants to meet him. Maddalena appears and reveals to Chénier that it was she who wrote the letters. They pledge to love each other until death (“Ora soave”). The Incredibile, having seen Chénier and Maddalena together, brings Gérard to the scene. Gérard is wounded as Chénier defends Maddalena. Gérard, however, recognizes Chénier and sends him away, asking him to protect Maddalena. When the gathering crowd asks who wounded Gérard, he answers that his assailant was unknown.
ACT III
July 24, 1794, in the courtroom of the Revolutionary Tribunal. Mathieu, a revolutionary, is unsuccessfully urging the crowd to donate to the cause. Gérard, recovered from his wound, makes an impassioned plea for the motherland. Madelon, an old woman who has already lost her son and a grandson in the war, offers her last grandson as a soldier (“Son la vecchia Madelon”). As the crowd disperses, the Incredibile appears. If Gérard wants to have Maddalena, the Incredibile insists, he must first arrest her lover, Chénier. As Gérard writes the accusation, he is filled with remorse at the bloodshed he has caused in his rise to power. He concedes that his new master is passion (“Nemico della patria”). No sooner does he hand Chénier’s indictment to the court clerk than Maddalena appears. Gérard admits that he has laid a trap for her and that he loves her. Maddalena offers herself to Gérard if he will save Chénier. She has been a fugitive, her mother was killed in the Revolution and their home was burned (“La mamma morta”). Touched by her love for Chénier, Gérard promises to try to save him. The Tribunal convenes with an unruly mob in attendance. Chénier pleads for his life (“Sì, fui soldato”) and Gérard admits to the judges that the accusation he wrote was false. Nevertheless, Chénier is sentenced to death and taken away.
ACT IV
July 25, 1794, in the ruins of Paris’ St. Lazare prison. Chénier reads a final poem (“Come un bel dì di maggio”) to his friend Roucher, who then bids him a final farewell. Gérard and Maddalena are met by the jailer, Schmidt, whom Maddalena bribes with some jewels to allow her to take the place of another young woman sentenced to death. Gérard leaves to once again plead Chénier’s case with Robespierre. Maddalena tells Chénier she is there to die with him. As the day dawns, they share one final moment together (“Vicino a te”) before being taken to the guillotine.
Italian Cooking Class
Thursday April 23rd – Learn to cook, hands on, the Italian way!
Our chef will demonstrate how to prepare two types of RAVIOLI then guide you through this hands-on process for yourself. During the class, we will keep your energy levels up to the task with a glass of Prosecco and some delicious Antipasti.
A) After the class you will collect your own fresh pasta to take home.
B) Alternatively you can choose to stay and eat in the restaurant – we will cook your pasta and serve with a traditional sauce and fresh salad. (Exc. drinks and dessert.)
DATE: Thursday April 23rd
TIME: Arrive 5.30pm for 6pm start (approx. 2 hours)
PRICE A: $98 per person (class only)
PRICE B: $130 per person (stay and eat)
Please note:
All classes subject to a maximum of 10 participants. Please note, we are unable to cater for gluten free cooking classes.
Full payment is required to confirm your booking place(s). Cancellations made 1 week or more before your scheduled date will receive a full refund. Cancellations made less than 1 week before your scheduled date can be rescheduled free of charge or receive a partial refund. Cancellations made within 48 hours before the class will not be refunded.
French Cartoon Screening - Le Petit Nicolas
Cartoon screening of "Le Petit Nicolas" (Little Nicholas - 2022) in French with English subtitles
🎬 Join us for a cartoon screening of Le Petit Nicolas (2022) – a charming and heartwarming animated film full of childhood adventures, friendship, and imagination.
👧🧒 This is a special session for kids (and parents of course) and popcorn will be provided! 🍿
The plot 👉
Set in a whimsical world inspired by the beloved books, Le Petit Nicolas follows Nicolas, a cheerful young boy navigating school, friendships, and family life. Along the way, his playful perspective brings humor and warmth to everyday moments, while also celebrating creativity and the magic of growing up.
The trailer 👉 Watch here
📅 Friday, 24 April 2026 – 5:15pm
📍 Alliance Française, 78 Victoria Street, Wellington
🎥 French VO with English Subtitles
🎟️ Free entry with koha donation
Croatian Language Lesson
The much-loved Language Café is back for 2026 and will take place at 3-5pm on the last Saturday of each month from February to November in the club rooms.
3:00pm – 4:00pm – Learning activities for the children; and
4:00pm – 5:00pm – Language class for adults.
The Language Cafe is run by language teacher Maja Krtalić. This is a great opportunity to try learning the Croatian language in a relaxed and informal environment.
Our library will also be open for you to browse, read and borrow novels, cookbooks, children’s books, CDs and language resources.
Language Café has been running since 2021. There is no need to sign up, just come along. While there is no cost, a plate to share for afternoon tea would be most welcome.
Wellington German Short Film Night 2026 - Show Me Shorts
Enjoy the boldness and beauty of German cinema with these six new short films. Celebrate special occasions, explore daily life in surprising ways, and find love and forgiveness. It's a ride through many emotions.
The German Short Film Night is presented by Show Me Shorts in partnership with Goethe-Institut New Zealand. Book now as tickets will sell out.
9 Million Colors, a vibrant underwater animation, directed by Bára Anna
Ein alltägliches Wunder (An Ordinary Miracle), a drama about a farming couple whose world is shattered by a freak accident, directed by Stefanie Reinhard
Ben's Birthday, a coming-of-age story about a boy choosing birthday sweets at the supermarket, directed by Robert Decani
Bad Grammar, a comedy about a friend visiting his formerly idolised buddy, directed by Daniel Holzberg
High Spirits, a thriller based on a true story about a group of friends on a night out, directed by Faek Falak
The Undying Pain of Existence, a comedic animation about a nude model struck by a mosquito bite, directed by Oscar Jacobson
Language: German, with English subtitles
Total run time: 78 minutes
Rating: to be advised
Season Pass
Save money and join us for our entire winter season for only $50, to watch the following programmes*, only available in Auckland and Wellington. Book via Humanitix:
Italian Short Film Night – 31 March AKL / 1 April WLG
German Short Film Night - 28 April AKL / 29 April WLG
Cambodian Short Film Night - 26 May AKL / 27 May WLG
Spanish Short Film Night - 23 June AKL / 1 July WLG
Turkish Short Film Night - 21 July AKL / 22 July WLG
*Dates and programmes subject to change.
Proudly supported by: Goethe-Institut New Zealand
Italian Mother's Day Family Lunch
Join us at the Club for a relaxed and enjoyable Mother’s Day Lunch, celebrating mothers, families, and friends together.
What’s on the Menu?
Enjoy a delicious lunch featuring:
• A main meal served with salad
• Dessert
• Tea and coffee to finish
We’re pleased to have Alf Basile as our Chef, so you can expect a wonderful meal.
Drinks:
The bar will be open with wine, beer, and juice available.
Please note, this will be a cash-only bar.
Cost – Members
• Adults: $15
• Children: $5
Cost - Non-Members
• Adults: $20
• Children: $10
Bookings: Please confirm your attendance by 30 April.
You can book by contacting:
• Josephine van der Donk – 021 299 2586
• Maria Colucci – 027 230 0839
Payment: Please credit the Club’s Account: 06-0513-0005579-00
• Particulars: Mother's Lunch
• Reference: Your name
• Code: Number attending
We look forward to celebrating Mother’s Day with you.
Italian Cooking Class
Thursday 14th May – Learn to cook, hands on, the Italian way!
Our chef will demonstrate how to prepare two types of RAVIOLI then guide you through this hands-on process for yourself. During the class, we will keep your energy levels up to the task with a glass of Prosecco and some delicious Antipasti.
A) After the class you will collect your own fresh pasta to take home.
B) Alternatively you can choose to stay and eat in the restaurant – we will cook your pasta and serve with a traditional sauce and fresh salad. (Exc. drinks and dessert.)
DATE: Thursday 14th May
TIME: Arrive 5.30pm for 6pm start (approx. 2 hours)
PRICE A: $98 per person (class only)
PRICE B: $130 per person (stay and eat)
Please note:
All classes subject to a maximum of 10 participants. Please note, we are unable to cater for gluten free cooking classes.
Full payment is required to confirm your booking place(s). Cancellations made 1 week or more before your scheduled date will receive a full refund. Cancellations made less than 1 week before your scheduled date can be rescheduled free of charge or receive a partial refund. Cancellations made within 48 hours before the class will not be refunded.
Croatian Language Lesson
The much-loved Language Café is back for 2026 and will take place at 4-5pm on the last Saturday of each month from February to November in the club rooms.
This month we're holding the Language Café before our Dan Državnosti (Statehood Day) celebrations, so stick around after!
If there is demand, we will run a session for children from 3-4pm – contact the Secretary if you are interested.
The Language Cafe is run by language teacher Maja Krtalić, with Rose Cook lending a helping hand where needed.
This is a great opportunity to try learning the Croatian language in a relaxed and informal environment.
Our library will also be open for you to browse, read and borrow novels, cookbooks, children’s books, CDs and language resources.
Language Café has been running since 2021 and there is no need to sign up, just come along.
While there is no cost, a plate to share for afternoon tea would be most welcome.
Save the date - Dan Državnosti (Statehood Day)
The club will hold an event to mark Dan Državnosti (Statehood Day), stay tuned for details!
All Blacks vs Italy
Say ‘sì’ to a great game of international rugby in the city.
Make it your mission to support the All Blacks in 2026 when they face Italy at Hnry Stadium. This is an exciting match as it’s Italy’s first test in Wellington. It’s also only the fourth time they’ve met in New Zealand since the 1987 Rugby World Cup. With a 5:10pm kick-off, the match is designed to be family-friendly. Bring the whole whanau for an action-packed afternoon at the stadium.
The All Blacks’ fixture against Italy is part of the inaugural Nations Championship. This is a new international rugby tournament featuring 12 of the world’s top nations across July and November. Each match has competition points on the line leading to the final, so the Wellington game is important. Wellington will be awash with rugby fever, so head out, support the All Blacks and say ‘ciao’ to all the Italian fans in the city.
Tickets to the All Blacks vs Italy match go on sale in March.
Opera - MANON
Wellington Opera proudly presents Manon, Jules Massenet’s quintessentially French opera of the belle époque.
Amina Edris enchants audiences worldwide with her radiant soprano voice and captivating stage presence, while Pene Pati is beloved by many for his role in the chart-topping trio Sol3 Mio, and has since become one of the most sought-after tenors on the global stage. Phillip Rhodes returns following his wonderful performances in La Traviata and Lucia di Lammermoor.
Wellington Opera brings these wonderful Kiwi artists home to perform this sumptuous masterpiece at the St James Theatre, Wellington with French conductor Romain Dumas and Aotearoa’s renowned opera director Sara Brodie.
For one week only 1-7 August 2026.
CAST
Manon – Amina Edris
des Grieux – Pene Pati ^
Lescaut – Phillip Rhodes ^
Director – Sara Brodie
Conductor – Romain Dumas
Chorus Director – Michael Vinten
Wellington Opera Chorus
Sung in French with English surtitles
In three acts with two intervals, total run time approximately 3 hours
St James Theatre, Wellington
Artist presented in association with The Kiri Te Kanawa Foundation
Choose a date to book now through Ticketmaster!
Italian Cooking Class
Thursday April 16th – Learn to cook, hands on, the Italian way!
Our chef will demonstrate how to prepare two types of RAVIOLI then guide you through this hands-on process for yourself. During the class, we will keep your energy levels up to the task with a glass of Prosecco and some delicious Antipasti.
A) After the class you will collect your own fresh pasta to take home.
B) Alternatively you can choose to stay and eat in the restaurant – we will cook your pasta and serve with a traditional sauce and fresh salad. (Exc. drinks and dessert.)
DATE: Thursday April 16th
TIME: Arrive 5.30pm for 6pm start (approx. 2 hours)
PRICE A: $98 per person (class only)
PRICE B: $130 per person (stay and eat)
Please note:
All classes subject to a maximum of 10 participants. Please note, we are unable to cater for gluten free cooking classes.
Full payment is required to confirm your booking place(s). Cancellations made 1 week or more before your scheduled date will receive a full refund. Cancellations made less than 1 week before your scheduled date can be rescheduled free of charge or receive a partial refund. Cancellations made within 48 hours before the class will not be refunded.
Film - The French Job
Winner of the Special Jury Prize at l’Alpe d’Huez Film Festival 2025. After the theft of the century, the madness begins... On the night of May 19th, 2010, five paintings were stolen from the Musée d’Art Moderne de Paris. The five artworks, from artists including Matisse, Modigiliani and Picasso, were estimated to be worth more than 100 million euros. While the paintings have never been recovered, this outrageous comedy tells a frenetic and madcap tale of what could have happened to these famous works. Melvil Poupaud (Jeanne du Barry) plays Yonathan, whose monotonous life is turned upside down when he encounters Eric (Sofiane Zermani), a brash, smooth-talking con artist/fence. When Eric hires Jo (Steve TIentcheu, Neneh Superstar), a skilled thief known as “The Spider Man of Paris”, to steal the paintings from the Museum of Modern Art, the three men’s lives are intertwined in an uncontrollable spiral. Anchored by a star turn from Melvil Poupaud as the perpetually anxious watch expert turned in circles by a fast talking criminal, this wonderfully told story takes audiences on an entertaining ride through one of the most famous art heists of recent times.
French Language Lesson
SPECIAL OFFER
Curious about learning French? Now’s the perfect time to give it a try!
Ahead of the new term, we’re offering, for the very first time, a free 1-hour class for complete beginners ✨. It’s a great opportunity to experience our teaching style, meet our teachers, and get a feel for the language in a fun and relaxed environment 😊
Whether you’ve always wanted to learn French or are simply looking to try something new, this session is the perfect starting point.
🎁 This special offer is available to new members only and is valid for one 1-hour class.
Wellington Italian Short Film Night 2026 - Show Me Shorts
Enjoy six bold new Italian short films that explore life, love and memory. Passionate feelings, delicious cuisine, the romance of nature and her people burst onto screen.
The 10th annual Italian Short Film Night is presented by Show Me Shorts in partnership with the Embassy of Italy. Book now as tickets will sell out.
Il Giardino Delee Delizie (The Garden of Delights), a documentary set in a prison culinary school, directed by Simone Spampinato
Il Velo (The Veil), a drama about a lovelorn nun, directed by Cristian Patanè
The Boy's Gaze, a romance about love and blindness, directed by Niccolò Salvato - WORLD PREMIERE
The Eggregore's Theory, an AI science fiction reverie, directed by Andrea Gatopoulos
Il Memorato di Novello (Novel of Lost Memories), a mockumentary set in a town where people have the longest memories, directed by Bruno Ugioli, Domenico Bruzzese, Mauro Mola
Ronzio (Hum), a drama about a beekeeper with ADHD, directed by Niccolò Donatini
Language: Italian, with English subtitles
Total run time: 73 minutes
Rating: to be advised
Season Pass
Save money and join us for our entire winter season for only $50, to watch the following programmes*, only available in Auckland and Wellington. Book via Humanitix:
Italian Short Film Night – 31 March AKL / 1 April WLG
German Short Film Night - 28 April AKL / 29 April WLG
Cambodian Short Film Night - 26 May AKL / 27 May WLG
Spanish Short Film Night - 23 June AKL / 1 July WLG
Turkish Short Film Night - 21 July AKL / 22 July WLG
*Dates and programmes subject to change.
An evening with Kiwi-Croatian cook Helena Nuić
Join the Croatian Club for an evening with Helena Nuić, a Kiwi-Croatian chef who divides her time between Croatia and NZ. She is launching her second cookbook: Fjaka - Simple recipes to bring the slow pace of the Mediterranean to wherever you are in the world.
There will be a moderated discussion, and audience questions, with treats to follow. Doors open at 5.30pm (tea, coffee and the bar will be available), with the main event from 6.30pm-7.30pm.
This special A Taste of Croatia event is open to anyone with an interest - you don't have to be a member, or of Croatian background! Please RSVP to admin@croatianculturalsocietywgtn.co.nz so we know how many people will be there.
You can buy Helena's book on the night, or pre-order at: https://mycroatiankitchen.bigcartel.com/.../preorder...
Svadba
Svadba follows two families brought together by a high-stakes wedding that quickly spirals from warm domestic comedy into an escalating cultural and political tangle. Against a backdrop of regional quirks and old loyalties, rival personalities, hidden pasts and clashing customs transform a single celebration into a test of pride, forgiveness and unity. Bolstered by a star-studded ensemble, the film balances broad humor with emotional beats as it peels back how small misunderstandings can ignite much larger consequences—without losing sight of the heart at the centre of the chaos.
Island Bay Seeds to Feeds Pot Luck - Mediterranean Feast
Join us for a delicious Mediterranean Feast Potluck as we come together to celebrate amazing food grown in island bay!
This is a warm and welcoming community gathering where we’ll share Kai, meet neighbours and honour the growers, gardeners and food lovers who make this suburb so special
bring a plate- and if it includes something from your own garden, even better!
celebrate our local homegrown produce
connect with other locals who care about food, sustainability and community
share ideas for how we can grow and strengthen our food community in Island Bay
celebrate food sovereignty and the empowering act of growing and sharing Kai
We have so many wonderful people growing local food, let’s celebrate abundance together.
Seeds to feeds will be providing some Kai including some of the delicious creations from our IB pickle party but additional contributions will be welcome.
Bring your whānau, share a dish, exchange knowledge and help shape the future of food resilience in Island Bay
Tickets are available now, we can’t wait to see you there.
As always, this is a koha event