Spread across multiple cities and venues, I attended one of the Auckland legs of Milk & Honey, at Wine Cellar and Whammy Bar on K’Rd, which was well curated, well considered and offered a unique feeling of comfort.

I have been to a lot of gigs at the collection of bars and venues down St Kevin’s Arcade. This one, however, surpassed anything that has been hosted there before. The Women’s Day celebration had one key component to it – women could actually be at a gig and feel safe.

While women were being assaulted at the Red Hot Chilli Peppers, other women were given an environment that was safe and enjoyable. In short, whatever Teresa Patterson and Lani Purkis are doing, more promoters and venues should follow.

Aside from the welcoming environment the music was performed in, the high calibre of performers was outstanding.

Personal highlights: Randa made a triumphant return to performing with the promise of new music and played an energetic and fun set.

Lexxa killed a cover of Shania Twain’s seminal piece, Man I Feel Like A Woman.

Meanwhile, CHAII debuted her new single Digabasse, which left everyone excited to learn more about the Auckland based rapper.

In summary, this should be a frequent event, bringing together some of the top female and non-binary talent in NZ and moreover, changing the gig environment to be safe.