--- title: Whoa! Studios Blog --- [![Whoa Studios](https://blog.whoastudios.co.nz/hubfs/Whoastudios-Jan2017/Images/logo.png)](https://whoastudios.co.nz/) - [Restaurant](http://thegrounds.co.nz/) - [Playground](https://whoastudios.co.nz/urban-playground/) - [Private Functions](https://thegrounds.co.nz/events/) - [Plan a Visit](https://whoastudios.co.nz/plan-a-visit-to-whoa/) [facebook](https://www.facebook.com/WhoaStudiosNZ) [twitter](https://twitter.com/Whoa_Studios) [instagram](https://www.instagram.com/whoastudios/) [youtube](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_Gk4oAuFyY4N5aOX9oPS-A) - [Home](https://whoastudios.co.nz/) - [About](https://whoastudios.co.nz/about-us/) - [FAQ](https://whoastudios.co.nz/faqs/) - [Login](https://whoastudios.co.nz/my-account) [CART](https://whoastudios.co.nz/cart/) [BOOK A SHOW](https://whoastudios.co.nz/studio/?hide_free=1) [HOURS](https://whoastudios.co.nz/opening-hours/) ##### Family Food, Healthy Eating, The Grounds, Great Eats from the Green Room #### A Moment with Mike "The Russian" Shatura > *"I was home alone....so I cooked!"* Join me as i sit down with Head Chef of  [The Grounds Restaurant](http://thegrounds.co.nz/eating-at-the-grounds/), Mike Shatura. “The Russian” native left home at 19 ending up on the shores of New Zealand. Initially working in the field of IT where he stayed fixing computers for a couple of years. After deciding not to get stuck behind a desk, he strapped on his apron, sharpened his knife and dove head first into the wonderful world of cooking. He fondly recalls cooking himself eggs at the age of 6.false [FIND OUT MORE](https://blog.whoastudios.co.nz/mike-the-russian-shatura) ### Whoa! Blog [READ OUR NEWS](https://blog.whoastudios.co.nz) [![Magical Holiday Fun at Whoa!](https://blog.whoastudios.co.nz/hs-fs/hubfs/Whoamemories%20header.jpg?width=1080&height=675&name=Whoamemories%20header.jpg)](https://blog.whoastudios.co.nz/magicholidayatwhoa) [Family Fun](https://blog.whoastudios.co.nz/topic/family-fun) ## [Magical Holiday Fun at Whoa!](https://blog.whoastudios.co.nz/magicholidayatwhoa) Thursday 24 November 2016 [read more](https://blog.whoastudios.co.nz/magicholidayatwhoa) [![Super Fun Summer at Whoa!](https://blog.whoastudios.co.nz/hs-fs/hubfs/Portable%20Bar%20outside.jpg?width=1080&height=675&name=Portable%20Bar%20outside.jpg)](https://blog.whoastudios.co.nz/supersummerfun) [Family Fun](https://blog.whoastudios.co.nz/topic/family-fun) ## [Super Fun Summer at Whoa!](https://blog.whoastudios.co.nz/supersummerfun) Thursday 24 November 2016 There's lots of family fun to be had at Whoa! Studios this school holidays.  Be entertained, zoom down the waterslide, bounce through the obstacle course or enjoy a fabulous meal and cold beverages at The Grounds.  **This year we've introduced two great..** [read more](https://blog.whoastudios.co.nz/supersummerfun) [![HEIHEI Month -School holiday fun!](https://blog.whoastudios.co.nz/hs-fs/hubfs/School's%20Out-1.jpg?width=1080&height=675&name=School's%20Out-1.jpg)](https://blog.whoastudios.co.nz/schoolholidayfun) [Family Fun](https://blog.whoastudios.co.nz/topic/family-fun) ## [HEIHEI Month -School holiday fun!](https://blog.whoastudios.co.nz/schoolholidayfun) Thursday 24 November 2016 [read more](https://blog.whoastudios.co.nz/schoolholidayfun) [![HEIHEI Month -Whats on 22nd-23rd Sept?](https://blog.whoastudios.co.nz/hs-fs/hubfs/Fanimals.jpg?width=1080&height=675&name=Fanimals.jpg)](https://blog.whoastudios.co.nz/heihei-3) [Family Fun](https://blog.whoastudios.co.nz/topic/family-fun) ## [HEIHEI Month -Whats on 22nd-23rd Sept?](https://blog.whoastudios.co.nz/heihei-3) Thursday 24 November 2016 [read more](https://blog.whoastudios.co.nz/heihei-3) [![HEIHEI Month -Let's Get Inventin' this weekend!](https://blog.whoastudios.co.nz/hs-fs/hubfs/Lets%20Get%20Inventing%20Cover.jpg?width=1080&height=675&name=Lets%20Get%20Inventing%20Cover.jpg)](https://blog.whoastudios.co.nz/heihei-2) [Family Fun](https://blog.whoastudios.co.nz/topic/family-fun) ## [HEIHEI Month -Let's Get Inventin' this weekend!](https://blog.whoastudios.co.nz/heihei-2) Thursday 24 November 2016 [read more](https://blog.whoastudios.co.nz/heihei-2) [![It's HEIHEI month at whoa!](https://blog.whoastudios.co.nz/hs-fs/hubfs/HeiHei%20Sept%20Headerv4.jpg?width=1080&height=675&name=HeiHei%20Sept%20Headerv4.jpg)](https://blog.whoastudios.co.nz/heihei) [Family Fun](https://blog.whoastudios.co.nz/topic/family-fun) ## [It's HEIHEI month at whoa!](https://blog.whoastudios.co.nz/heihei) Thursday 24 November 2016 [read more](https://blog.whoastudios.co.nz/heihei) [Family Fun](https://blog.whoastudios.co.nz/topic/family-fun) ## [Open Day - 1 September 2018](https://blog.whoastudios.co.nz/charityopenday) Thursday 24 November 2016 [read more](https://blog.whoastudios.co.nz/charityopenday) [Family Fun](https://blog.whoastudios.co.nz/topic/family-fun) ## [What's on at Whoa! These Holiday's?](https://blog.whoastudios.co.nz/family-fun-for-kids-school-holidays-) Thursday 24 November 2016 There's lots of family fun to be had at Whoa! Studios this school holidays. Be entertained, learn how to make your own paper puppet or join in our puppetry workshop! Meet some of Custard's crew in the park as they join in the fun or listen to.. [read more](https://blog.whoastudios.co.nz/family-fun-for-kids-school-holidays-) [![Healthy Eating - How Times have Changed](https://blog.whoastudios.co.nz/hs-fs/hubfs/Ben%20Bayley.jpg?width=1080&height=675&name=Ben%20Bayley.jpg)](https://blog.whoastudios.co.nz/healthy-eating-ben-bayley) ## [Healthy Eating - How Times have Changed](https://blog.whoastudios.co.nz/healthy-eating-ben-bayley) Thursday 24 November 2016 > ***"Back in my 20’s, like many of us, I could get away with eating anything."*** Back in my 20’s, like many of us, I could get away with eating anything. Being a chef, I’d be grazing all day, and wouldn’t think about what I was eating or the amount of.. [read more](https://blog.whoastudios.co.nz/healthy-eating-ben-bayley) [![Custard's Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies](https://blog.whoastudios.co.nz/hs-fs/hubfs/Custards%20cookies%201080x700-1.jpg?width=1080&height=675&name=Custards%20cookies%201080x700-1.jpg)](https://blog.whoastudios.co.nz/custards-peanut-butter-chocolate-chip-cookies) [Family Food](https://blog.whoastudios.co.nz/topic/family-food) ## [Custard's Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies](https://blog.whoastudios.co.nz/custards-peanut-butter-chocolate-chip-cookies) Thursday 24 November 2016 Custard really loves the cookies, Mike "The Russian" our chef at The Grounds makes for him and the crew when they're on set. These cookies are just how Custard's mum makes them (maybe even better). Great as an energy packed snack or a treat for the.. [read more](https://blog.whoastudios.co.nz/custards-peanut-butter-chocolate-chip-cookies) ##### FEATURE Article ![A Moment with Mike ](https://blog.whoastudios.co.nz/hubfs/Mike%20Shatura%20b%26w.jpg) > *"I was home alone....so I cooked!"* Join me as i sit down with Head Chef of  [The Grounds Restaurant](http://thegrounds.co.nz/eating-at-the-grounds/), Mike Shatura. “The Russian” native left home at 19 ending up on the shores of New Zealand. Initially working in the field of IT where he stayed fixing computers for a couple of years. After deciding not to get stuck behind a desk, he strapped on his apron, sharpened his knife and dove head first into the wonderful world of cooking. He fondly recalls cooking himself eggs at the age of 6.false [READ MORE](https://blog.whoastudios.co.nz/mike-the-russian-shatura) ### Subscribe to Email Updates ![Give a Little](https://blog.whoastudios.co.nz/hubfs/Whoastudios-Jan2017/Images/give-a-little-logo.png) ![Whoa Studios](https://blog.whoastudios.co.nz/hubfs/Whoastudios-Jan2017/Images/whoa-mobile.png) ![Whoa! Studios](https://blog.whoastudios.co.nz/hubfs/Whoastudios-Jan2017/Images/logo-bigger.png) #### #WhoaStudios Loved your visit to Whoa Studios and want to show the world? #Whoastudios on instagram. [View the Gallery](https://www.instagram.com/whoastudios/) [![Meet Loppy as featured during our live show A Very Gloomy HolidaysA new shipment just arrived today after our last order completely sold outMake sure you grab one from our Doodle Toy Store these plush toys are handcrafted only eachDont forget if you sign up for our Red Carpet VIP Family pass you get a free Loppy whoastudiosconzvipmembershiploppy plush toy whoastudios custardsworld auckland](https://blog.whoastudios.co.nz/hs-fs/hubfs/Whoastudios-Jan2017/Images/15875994_2370521366421912_8368551151267741696_n.jpg?width=200&height=200&name=15875994_2370521366421912_8368551151267741696_n.jpg)](https://www.instagram.com/p/BPMJ6wrjtqa/) [![Whoa Studios has been open less than a month we love hearing your feedback suggestionsA few parents have suggested we lower our soap dispensers in the bathroom for little handsNewly installed especially for the kids how cute are these whoastudios soap bathroom fun kids auckland](https://blog.whoastudios.co.nz/hs-fs/hubfs/Whoastudios-Jan2017/Images/15876129_224824987976307_3868194572098076672_n.jpg?width=200&height=200&name=15876129_224824987976307_3868194572098076672_n.jpg)](https://www.instagram.com/p/BPL1vPijB6Y/) [![Children have so much fun at Whoa Studios so much so they leave things behindOur lost property box is already overflowing with shoes tops other itemsIf youve lost something make sure you let our box office know when you next visitwhoastudios lostproperty auckland newzealand](https://blog.whoastudios.co.nz/hs-fs/hubfs/Whoastudios-Jan2017/Images/15876221_404052413275800_2739390601643425792_n.jpg?width=200&height=200&name=15876221_404052413275800_2739390601643425792_n.jpg)](https://www.instagram.com/p/BPJlbNJDKBZ/) [![taikawaititi wrote directed the New Zealand film Hunt for the Wilderpeople The film is the highest grossing New Zealand film of all time making over million dollars worldwideTaika his daughter recently visited Whoa Studios met the cast after a performance of A Very Gloomy HolidaysThank you for coming Taika we hope to see you again soontaikawaititi huntforthewilderpeople film whoastudios averygloomyholidays auckland newzealand](https://blog.whoastudios.co.nz/hs-fs/hubfs/Whoastudios-Jan2017/Images/14591150_248275548943316_3816993704321744896_n.jpg?width=200&height=200&name=14591150_248275548943316_3816993704321744896_n.jpg)](https://www.instagram.com/p/BPHgxBqD1MF/) [![Two of our actors in the live show A Very Gloomy Holidays done a radio interview on the weekend Rebekah who voices Jazz Paul who voices Custard both chatted with Richard on Planet FMs Kick Arts programHead to our website to take a listenThanks for having us guyswhoastudiosconzcategoryblogdiarywhoastudios interview radio arts planetfm auckland newzealand](https://blog.whoastudios.co.nz/hs-fs/hubfs/Whoastudios-Jan2017/Images/15876616_236002933508886_3787568307851231232_n.jpg?width=200&height=200&name=15876616_236002933508886_3787568307851231232_n.jpg)](https://www.instagram.com/p/BPHBEaDjDiz/) [![Thank you to the westernleader nzstuff for the amazing write up about our live show A Very Gloomy HolidaysThe show ends late January have you got your tickets yetstuffconzaucklandlocalnewswesternleaderwhoastudios custardsworld averygloomyholidays article westernleader stuff auckland newzealand](https://blog.whoastudios.co.nz/hs-fs/hubfs/Whoastudios-Jan2017/Images/15623777_554023614807652_8218969135544008704_n.jpg?width=200&height=200&name=15623777_554023614807652_8218969135544008704_n.jpg)](https://www.instagram.com/p/BPGgBmsDy0O/) [![We this cute little video thank you for posting honeybeescjw whoastudios fun playground schoolholidays auckland newzealand](https://blog.whoastudios.co.nz/hs-fs/hubfs/Whoastudios-Jan2017/Images/15802335_1322684204470859_1504453612732940288_n.jpg?width=200&height=200&name=15802335_1322684204470859_1504453612732940288_n.jpg)](https://www.instagram.com/p/BPDnBUqDiFq/) [![Whoa Studios is for things to do these school holidays WHOAThank you aucklandforkidsconz aucklandforkidsconz aucklandforkids schoolholidays kids children whoastudios auckland newzealand](https://blog.whoastudios.co.nz/hs-fs/hubfs/Whoastudios-Jan2017/Images/15802429_387003681653310_2882188712228159488_n.jpg?width=200&height=200&name=15802429_387003681653310_2882188712228159488_n.jpg)](https://www.instagram.com/p/BPDj1UaD-Nu/) [![After sell out shows all week weve had to add more shows to meet demandCatch A Very Gloomy Holidays this weekend live shows on Saturday Sunday at am a newly added show at pmLive shows also run weekdays on Wednesdays Thursdays at am two shows on Fridays at am pmMake sure you book tickets online to avoid disappointment tickets are also available from our Box Officewhoastudiosconzstudiowhoastudios averygloomyholidays custardsworld liveshow theatre auckland newzealand](https://blog.whoastudios.co.nz/hs-fs/hubfs/Whoastudios-Jan2017/Images/15877255_1812725239006477_7731042433898643456_n.jpg?width=200&height=200&name=15877255_1812725239006477_7731042433898643456_n.jpg)](https://www.instagram.com/p/BO5xuoTjjPu/) [![Thank you so much Helen for the glowing review we hope to see you all again very soon Repost livingwiththeblacks We were quite literally wandering around saying whoa from the setting to the playground to the ice creams and then there was the show I have a seriously tough little year old critic if hes not immediately captivated its all over rover but he was enthralled from beginning to end as were the girls us too I cant recommend it enough If your in Auckland or plan to be at some stage then definitely add Whoa Studios The Grounds to your list It trumped any other attraction we have visited while we have been here Well be back for sure thegroundsnz whoastudios thegrounds playground liveshow restaurant auckland newzealand](https://blog.whoastudios.co.nz/hs-fs/hubfs/Whoastudios-Jan2017/Images/15876970_1191555327588181_7811728312291557376_n.jpg?width=200&height=200&name=15876970_1191555327588181_7811728312291557376_n.jpg)](https://www.instagram.com/p/BO38QYWjhZv/) [![Thank you so much for the lovely write up Vanessa Repost thebubbalinokitchen Theres more to love than just the Giant Crochet Climbing Net at whoastudios and Ive shared our yesterday mornings adventures over on the blog today If youve been wondering anything about this oneofakind playland click the link in my bio to find out all about itonline review article whoastudios playground rocket summer auckland newzealand](https://blog.whoastudios.co.nz/hs-fs/hubfs/Whoastudios-Jan2017/Images/15625520_1820908511516189_2105713836915949568_n.jpg?width=200&height=200&name=15625520_1820908511516189_2105713836915949568_n.jpg)](https://www.instagram.com/p/BO3DqiyDIe8/) [![Happy New Year everyoneA special message from Custard his BFF Kea see you at Who Studios over the summer whoastudios newyear happynewyear custard kea custardsworld averygloomyholidays live stage show studio auckland newzealand](https://blog.whoastudios.co.nz/hs-fs/hubfs/Whoastudios-Jan2017/Images/15535344_1314616428605584_1875340299488722944_n.jpg?width=200&height=200&name=15535344_1314616428605584_1875340299488722944_n.jpg)](https://www.instagram.com/p/BOsfBwAjPwq/) ![Whoa Studios](https://blog.whoastudios.co.nz/hubfs/Whoastudios-Jan2017/Images/logo.png) - [Home](https://whoastudios.co.nz/) - [Contact](https://whoastudios.co.nz/contact-us/) - [Privacy policy](https://whoastudios.co.nz/privacy-policy/) - [Terms & 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