Last night I went along to the Unitec Grad Show. It was a baffling flurry that turned the entire arts building into a rabbit warren of art and phtography and design and booze and music, I got completely lost several times and enjoyed it immensely. Each of the courses (photography, product design etc) had its own area with its own music and booze supplied, varying from nasty gallery wine and house music to export quality beer and a live jazz band. It was probably the most fun I've had at someone else's exhibition opening in a long time.
AUT's Checkout Exhibition opening, by contrast, was a much more refined affair held in the Aotea Centre. Checkout was focused specifically on presenting the work, some of which was really neat. Although much less of a party than Unitec's (AUT held their end of year party later that night, separate from the exhibition), Checkout gave me a chance to actually engage with the art on offer in a way the Unitec's didn't.
But which is better? I dunno. Both have their appeals, from the point of view of both an audience member and an event organiser. I guess it comes down to what your focus is. Either way congratulation to everyone involved in both exhibitions, especially the students who have clearly worked very hard. Time to have a well deserved rest (or start looking for a job)!