‘End of an era’: Popular Auckland nightclub closes after eight years

A popular Auckland nightclub is closing after eight years, marking what it calls the “end of an era”.

Sapphire Nightclub announced its closure last night in a statement on social media.

“The events we hosted, the artists who took over our booth and the moments shared on that dance floor are memories we’ll carry forever.”

The Fort St bar confirmed that Saturday night had been its last night.

Known for hosting hip-hop club nights, the underground club has been a student haunt since opening in 2018.

Artists including Lil Uzi Vert, Central Cee and Trippie Redd have appeared at the bar over the years as it became a hub for the Auckland scene.

“None of this happens without the people,” the post continued, thanking staff for being its “heart”.

“To the rest of our amazing team, past and present: thank you for the energy, the loyalty, and the countless late nights. You were the heart of Sapphire.”

The post also thanked clubgoers for their continued support.

“And to every single one of you who came through, celebrated with us and made this place your own: thank you for eight years of love and support.”

The venue had already shut for a month after nearby bar Mr Murdoch’s caught fire on June 25.

Other establishments across Auckland have closed this year, including Ponsonby bar Deadshot and Karangahape Rd institution Verona Cafe and Bar.

The latter had been a fixture of the city centre throughout the 1990s and 2000s, inspiring the Elemeno P song Verona, but went into liquidation in April.

Auckland Museum announced on social media yesterday that Verona’s iconic signage would be added to its collection.

“A popular community hub for K Rd denizens for over three decades, the sign outside – made from a former freezing works carcass slider adorned with gold sequins – was instantly recognisable to passers-by.”