Gig Buddies Auckland

01/12/2025

From theatre magic to parade mayhem, we definitely squeezed every bit of fun out of the last few days!

We kicked things off with the Wizard of Oz production by the National Youth Theatre at the Aotea Centre on Friday night. The show was vibrant, polished, and full of heart. Loved seeing accessibility front and centre too, with on-stage subtitles and a sign interpreter. Our buddies were fully immersed and really enjoyed every moment.

Then came the Farmers Santa Parade in Auckland CBD… and let’s just say it was beautiful chaos. Between the massive crowds and the temperamental weather, the day kept us on our toes. A few people had to pull out (understandable with that forecast!), but for those who braved it — we had a blast! The parade was full of energy, colour, and festive vibes, and we wrapped it all up with the after-party at Aotea Square.

Despite the madness, it was a weekend full of laughs, good company, and great memories.

20/11/2025

Jasper and Kayla absolutely smashed their first night out as Gig Buddies last Friday! They headed to The Tuning Fork super early to claim their spot right up front — prime position for a full-on punk rock experience.

Lounge Apes, the tribute band of the night, tore through hits from Foo Fighters, Weezer, Green Day, and Nirvana, and these two didn’t miss a beat (or a lyric!). By the end of the night, they’d sung so loud they practically lost their voices… and loved every second of it.

Moments like this remind us how much of a difference it makes when someone is paired with the right buddy — someone who truly shares their passions, energy, and joy. When the match is right, the confidence, connection, and fun that follows is incredible.

Here’s to Jasper and Kayla, and to many more epic gigs and unforgettable moments!

16/11/2025

11/11/2025

Over the past two weekends, our Gig Buddies have had the amazing opportunity to attend the Cirque du Soleil: Corteo shows at Spark Arena in Auckland — and what a show it was!

A huge thank you to Spark Arena and Ticketmaster for their incredible generosity in donating free tickets. Your kindness made it possible for our buddies to enjoy an unforgettable night of wonder, laughter, and jaw-dropping performances together.

A few of our buddies have even shared their awesome photos from the shows — it’s been so lovely seeing everyone’s smiles and hearing about their favorite moments!

Moments like these remind us just how special it is to share experiences, connect with others, and celebrate the joy of live entertainment.

03/11/2025

Our Gig Buddies Halloween Party last weekend was all about fun, friendship, and fantastic costumes! 🧡 It was amazing to see so many of you dancing, laughing, and connecting — proving once again that when we come together, everyone belongs on the dance floor! 🪩✨

A huge thank you to everyone who joined in, dressed up, and helped make the night full of smiles and spooky vibes. Whether you came with a friend or made new ones, we loved celebrating with you!

Gig Buddies is all about creating opportunities to have fun, meet new people, and be part of something great — and our Halloween bash was the perfect reminder of that. 💫

Until next time… keep being awesome, keep being you, and keep the Gig Buddies spirit alive! 🧡🎶

21/10/2025

Meet Jessie, one of our amazing new volunteers who moved to Aotearoa earlier this year. She’s been paired with her buddy Maria, and together they’ve been diving into all kinds of events around Tāmaki Makaurau!

From quiet, chill outings like a film screening at the Maritime Museum 🎥⚓️ to the energy of a big cultural event in the city 🎊🌍 — they’re making the most of what the city has to offer, one event at a time.

At Gig Buddies, it’s not just our buddies who benefit — volunteers like Jessie also gain a new friend and someone to enjoy events with. Moving to a new place can be isolating, and sometimes we all just need a buddy to go out with ❤️

We’re so glad to have Jessie and Maria as part of the Gig Buddies whānau — here's to many more adventures together!

14/10/2025

Last weekend, our Gig Buddies crew had an amazing time soaking up the sights, sounds, and flavors of the Diwali Festival at Aotea Square! 🕯️✨

It was a fantastic afternoon filled with live music, beautiful dancing, colourful lights, and of course—delicious food! 🍛🎶💃

Events like this are what Gig Buddies is all about—bringing people together to share experiences, build friendships, and celebrate the diversity of our communities. 💛

Thanks to everyone who came along and made it such a memorable day!

07/10/2025

We had an unforgettable time at the recent Pet Expo with some of our buddies and volunteers who are passionate about animals! From cute puppies to curious reptiles, it was a social full of smiles, stories, and shared interests.

It was amazing to see so many pairs connect over a love of pets—and it reminded us just how powerful shared interests can be in building lasting friendships. Whether it’s dogs, cats, birds, or even tarantulas, there’s a buddy out there who shares your passion!

Love walking dogs or visiting pet cafes?
Fascinated by exotic animals?
Have a pet you love talking about?

Let us know in the comments—or tag your buddy who’s as animal-obsessed as you are!

And if you’re interested in coming along to more animal-themed socials or being matched with someone who shares your love of furry (or feathered!) friends, have a chat with us!

Because at Gig Buddies, we believe friendship grows even faster when you’ve got something special in common.

01/10/2025

A few of our Gig Buddies, along with some awesome volunteers, got together to enjoy an afternoon full of laughs and delicious food at Balmoral for the Auckland Moon Festival last weekend! 🎉🍜🥮

We loved exploring the beautiful displays, trying new treats, and soaking in the energy of the festival. Most of all, it was all about hanging out, making new friends, and celebrating different cultures together 💛🌏

Thanks to everyone who came along – we’re all about creating connections, having fun, and experiencing new things as a community. Can’t wait for the next adventure! 🙌💫

25/09/2025

This month, Ash and Francis went to the Dead Kennedys gig at the Powerstation. For Francis, the experience was more than just a concert. Here’s what he had to say:

“I wish to quickly extend my sincere thanks to Gig Buddies for the many opportunities it creates. Last night, through Ash’s invitation, I was able to attend a Dead Kennedys gig. As an autistic person, this was a particularly meaningful experience. The atmosphere was raw, authentic, and liberating — a welcome contrast to my usual routines. It felt as though I had stepped into an entirely new universe.

I am especially grateful to Ash for her kindness in inviting me and ensuring I felt welcome in such a new environment. I feel fortunate to have shared this experience with her. I also wish to acknowledge the valuable role Gig Buddies plays in opening doors to experiences I might never have imagined for myself. Please know that your efforts, and the work of those involved, are deeply appreciated.”

A huge shoutout to Ash for being such an awesome buddy, and to Francis for sharing these heartfelt words. This is exactly what Gig Buddies is all about, creating real connections and making unforgettable memories.

15/09/2025

Whether you dance, headbang, hum along, or just soak it all in — music doesn’t care who you are. And neither do we. ❤️

At Gig Buddies, we believe live music should be accessible, inclusive, and full of joy for everyone — no matter your background, support needs, or how you experience a gig.

Because music brings people together.
Because everyone deserves a front-row moment.
Because a beat can connect hearts before words ever do.

So let’s keep breaking down barriers, turning up the volume, and celebrating what makes us different together.

04/09/2025

🌟 Last night was a fantastic adventure with Gig Buddies! 🌟

Whether it's about nature, music, or just hanging out with good company, a gig can be anything—and last night was a perfect example of how every gig brings something new and exciting.

We had the amazing opportunity to attend an event hosted by the Arataki Visitor Centre in the beautiful Waitakere Ranges, as part of Conservation Week. It was the perfect chance to korero (talk) about the importance of conservation and learn more about protecting our environment.

Along the track, we were lucky enough to see glowing glow worms lighting up the night—a truly magical sight! ✨ And if that wasn’t cool enough, we were given bat detectors! 🦇🔊 We had so much fun listening out for the sounds of our winged friends as we explored the night.