The Gow Langsford Gallery is a must-see for locals and art-loving visitors to Auckland…read more The Gallery showcases contemporary local and international artists, and is often involved in international art events. Long-established as one of Auckland's most prominent commerical art spaces, the Gallery is set over two locations. The Lorne Street home of Gow Langsford is the larger space, and focuses on the Gallery's staple of large-scale sculpture and painting, but both are worth exploring, and sometimes exhibitions are shared between the two. Together the two spaces of Gow Langsford contribute enormously to Auckland's Art Precinct, and the Gallery also offers an impressive online stockroom (there's a link on the website) that offers big names like Colin McCahon, Ralph Hotere, Michael Parekowhai, Andy Warhol, and Jeff Koons.

There must be something I am missing about this gallery, so many great reviews, but when I went in…read moreearlier this year nothing impressed me all that that much. Actually some of the art even put me right off, for example there was a small sculpture made from metal, twisted into two arches and was not much bigger than the size of a helmet, priced for over $2000. This should not have shocked me, I have seen lots of expensive modern art in my time, but it does disappoint. Poor art overpriced gives art and artists a bad name amongst many other factors. I was personally involved in the visual art industry for several years and the amount of times I had to defend the importance of art. Even in my first year of art school I recall being very young and optimistic and having a young soldier whom I had just met in a club when out with friends say (not ask), "well, what is that doing for the country?". I was stunned with his honesty and didn't know how to respond at the time. That man may have been ignorant but he reflects the view of many people, that we can't be ignorant of ourselves. If we want to value and celebrate the arts in our society we should reflect this through the art itself, and in our convictions behind the art we make, that I can now say with confidence.

This is the best photo framing I have come across. I have been using this business for many many…read moreyears and the art I have framed over the years is still looking good. Yuan is professional and precise and will bend over backwards to make sure the customer is satisfied. One act of goodwill worth mentioning - on several occasions over the years I have gone in to the shop with something small and Yuan has not accepted payment - unheard of. I will always recommend this business as being the best of the best

This is my number one stop for any framing that I need for new photos that I have printed…read more I first found The Astrolabe through a friend's referral, and since that day have returned on numerous occasions to find that perfect sized frame for the wall. I have a few astrolabe frames on the wall at home, and they are sturdy and stylish looking, giving the pictures life and elegance. Great staff, always helpful with any queries you may have for your picture frames, helping you with laminating and repairs as well. If your keen a photographer and call this a hobby, why not try out a frame to complement your work like I did, I was really impressed. I know that there is a film/camera store close by however the frames they have are no comparison to the Astrolabe Gallery.

Yes, they are expensive, but they're GOOD. The owners love art - it's a labour of love for them…read more They love working with you to find the best frame and framing technique for your art. I could spend hours in there talking to them and I totally trust them with the art that we've bought from all over the world. I highly recommend. Also note, they're open every day. Quite often framing is a weekend job, and I love that you can pop in on a Sunday. I did take one star off because they are expensive, and I don't know if that's fair because I'd rather pay them than some chain... Tip: they sell lots of great NZ prints. If you're a tourist, I highly recommend for your piece of Kiwiana to take home.

Alex the owner/manager is a lovely man - he was courteous, responsive to my requests, and not only…read morethat but he took a real interest in the printing I tasked him with (even offering to "help me out" with my project in the future, which was climate change advocacy through Generation Zero). Good location, can be a bit tricky to park close by but the supermarket parks are just across the road, or even better, take the bus (which stops nearby) or walk! Website is pretty basic, but this is offset by Alex "da man" Milford Print. I asked Alex to print and laminate a page for me, and to print another, not super-technical tasks, but his service and engaging manner was quite unique.

Noel Leeming in Newmarket is a spacious store, that stocks a wide range of technology/gaming and…read moreelectrical appliances and/or equipment. I had a great experience recently, when I popped into the Noel Leeming store, trying to find a XBOX 360 game, having sold out in other outlets and they had one!!! All the staff were helpful, ascertained where the product was, communicated really well and then offered to get the item for me, while I wait! Fantastic customer service! They are a 'one stop shop' really selling smart phones, tablets, TVs, DVDs, fridges, kitchen appliances, everything I think. Great sales too!

Highly recommend Photoshack! The team here are very knowledgeable, keen and enthusiastic to help. I…read morewas a bit confused at a few options and they took the time to explain the pros and cons of each solution and discuss the potential upgrades down the line if needed without the traditional up sell to kit that I wasn't ready for. I really appreciated the support and am stoked to know there's a supportive knowledgeable team in my neighbourhood. As a bonus they had the sharpest prices too! Thanks again and see you soon.

I was recommended this shop by my Dad when I asked him if he knew of any good places to get cheap…read morephotography accessories such as soft-boxes and remotes. Usually I would just hire them as I need them, but I realised I was starting to use them quite a bit so decided purchasing them would be better for me in the long run. When I walked in I was greeted really nicely by the dude working there and he pretty much asked me straight away what I was looking for because I was the only customer in there. He was so helpful, I told him what I was planning on doing with each product and he gave me the best ones for the job, not the most expensive ones either which I appreciated as it showed he wasn't just looking to make money. I came out with a great little soft-box and a handsfree remote all for around $150 which may sound expensive, but when it comes to photography gear this was pretty darn cheap.

As a professional photographer I really need excellent service and advice from a knowledgable…read morephotography enthusiast whenever it comes to purchasing new gear and I know that I can find just that here at Progear. The thing I like most about this store is they have a really good second hand section with lots of refurbished camera's and accessories for around 1/3rd of their original cost. I bought my 5D body second hand from here and it has lasted me so well with no issues yet! But even if there was an issue I wouldn't be worried as the staff here have excellent contacts and ideas when it comes to fixing Canon products. The staff are so great, they really know what they are talking about, I could chat with them for ages about new products and old faithful ones and everything in-between. They stock the two main brands here, Canon and Nikon as well as an excellent range of after market accessories that are top quality and work well with both brands.

I recently made a trip to El Framo because I wanted to find a frame for some old war medals that…read morebelonged to my boyfriend's grandfather. It was his birthday and I'd been meaning to do something special with these medals for some time - framing them seemed like a great idea. I initially got a quote for getting them mounted and framed professionally by El Framo but it was just going to be too expensive. But the staff member was very understanding, and helped me instead hunt for the perfect box frame that I could use to complete the process myself. We then selected an off-cut of backing material (with a felt finish) which she cut to size for me. It was quite expensive for a piece of card ($25 from memory) and then the frame itself was $25, but it still worked out much cheaper than having them mounted by El Framo plus it meant I could do it that afternoon - his birthday was the following day so I didn't have a lot of time! Not the most modern selection of frames, a little motley, but a time and place for this little Ponsonby framers.

These guys are great, worked hard on a really tough job, great result and they worked hard to make…read moreit as cost effective as possible, would totally recommend!!