Guide to Auckland with Melanie O’Loughlin, Lamplight Books
We spoke to Melanie O’Loughlin, Co-Owner of Lamplight Books, about her tips for exploring Auckland.
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What makes Auckland stand out as a cultural destination?
It’s not only art that defines culture – good food, music and our unique landscape all point to a rich culture. From that gem of a Taiwanese noodle shop in Mt Roskill, to the bustling Avondale Markets, handmade Pasta in Newmarket, our 52 and counting volcanoes, live music at Double Whammy, Pah Homestead, our Museum and Auckland Art Gallery, a coast to coast walk, and all our neighbourhood bookstores, we really have a unique and thriving city
After a day of exploring the Aotearoa Art Fair, where would you go for dinner and drinks to continue the evening?
Long time hospo couple and co-conspirator on Lamplight’s branding, Ophelia King and her husband and chef Karl Bayly are opening a new place on the corner of Richmond Road and Ponsonby … and we can’t wait to try it. Until they’re open, we’ll have to go to their other place, Roses.
What exhibitions coincide with the Aotearoa Art Fair that you recommend to someone visiting the city?
Anna Miles is a gallery owner who maintains long relationships with her artists. She’s always buying them books to cheer them up and inspire them. Little colour guides and art memoirs. She champions the domestic and always the mystery and the beauty. A woman who marches to her own drum, Anna Miles Gallery reflects that and so much more.
If you have friends visiting from outside of town, what are you adding to their itinerary.
If you’re a planner, then Tiritiri Matangi is a special destination for anyone. A boat ride out on the harbour, past Devonport, the naval base and suddenly Auckland puts on a show using her best side. Excitement builds as you reach the island, a bird sanctuary which has been run by passionate people with a vision and a plan to save our world bird by bird. It’s where we go in our minds eye when we need solace from the modern world.
Image: Department of Conservation
Do you have a favourite public art installation or mural in the city? What makes it special?
I bike past Boy Walking by Ronnie van Hout most days of the week. When it first appeared in Potters Park, I struggled with its Trumpian privileged energy. A white boy, towering over the public space, his giant feet carelessly landing on the park, a space that is one of the most multi-cultural meeting points around the city fringes. All summer, marques are set up, chairs, and picnics spread out, KFC is fetched from across the road and small children run in and out of the water features shrieking. Over the years, I’ve seen countless families linger under The Boy Walking. Always laughing, taking photos, lifting their feet up like the boy. I’ve seen the joy he brings and I’m pretty attached to him now. Would I like brown girl walking – absolutely. We can only hope.
