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MĀNUKA PHUEL SYNTHONY FESTIVAL TO RETURN IN MARCH 2026

July 27, 2025 818

Duco Touring has today announced the date for New Zealand’s biggest one-day music event Mānuka Phuel SYNTHONY Festival, returning in 2026! The festival will take place on Saturday 21 March, 2026 and will return to Auckland Domain.
 
The 2025 event had record-breaking attendance, with the headline act SYNTHONY performing to an impressive sold-out crowd of 40,000. The $1.8 million dollar production featured 2000 working personnel plus 316 artists and performers. 
 
Following a successful double-header event this weekend at Spark Arena, with 10,000 Kiwi’s attending Mānuka Phuel FULL METAL ORCHESTRA and SYNTHONY ORIGINS, Duco Touring are excited to continue to bring high-quality experiences to New Zealanders year-round.
 
Duco Touring Founder David Higgins commented: “After a massive turnout in 2025, and an incredible atmosphere across this weekend’s events, we knew we had to bring SYNTHONY Festival back to the Domain. In 2026, we’re planning to scale up every aspect, from the stage production to the artist line-up. SYNTHONY Festival will continue to be a destination event for fans nationwide.”
 
Described as “an enduring success” and “enjoyable for everyone” (NZ Herald) and “a magical farewell to summer” (RNZ) following Mānuka Phuel SYNTHONY Festival 2025, punters can expect the same unparalleled festival experience, local and international artists, world-class immersive visuals, and some of the biggest dance tracks of all time reimagined.
 
“Following the roaring success of last year, we’re proud to once again come on board as the headline sponsor for Mānuka Phuel SYNTHONY Festival 2026,” said Alex McDonald, Co-Creator of Mānuka Phuel. “Our partnership with SYNTHONY across multiple events in 2025 has proved to be the perfect collision of energy, sound, and culture — and embodies everything Mānuka Phuel stands for. 
 
We’re proud to return in 2025 to phuel what we believe is one of the most powerful and unmissable live music experiences Auckland has to offer.”

Mānuka Phuel SYNTHONY Festival 2025, Auckland Domain


 Tātaki Auckland Unlimited’s CE Nick Hill says: “We’re proud to support the return of Mānuka Phuel SYNTHONY Festival in 2026. Last year’s event was a phenomenal success, drawing a record-breaking crowd and creating an unforgettable experience in the heart of Auckland. It’s exactly the kind of world-class, homegrown event that showcases our region’s energy, creativity and love of music. We’re thrilled to invest in its future on behalf of Auckland Council and can’t wait to see it light up the Domain once again.”
 
The first, stellar line-up will be revealed in early August. Presale registration is open now, with presale and general on-sale mid-August.

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GAME, SET, SUMMERTIME THE ASB CLASSIC RETURNS FROM 5 - 17 JANUARY, 2026

July 24, 2025 818

ASB Classic summertime crowds at The Serve (2025)

Get ready for world-class tennis, summertime vibes and unforgettable moments on and off the court. The ASB Classic 2026 will see the WTA women’s tournament run from Monday 5 – Saturday 10 January, followed by the ATP men’s event from Sunday 11 – Saturday 17 January, all held at the Manuka Doctor Arena in central Auckland.

New Zealand’s premier tennis event will once again serve up two thrilling weeks of top-tier WTA and ATP competition, set against the buzz of Auckland’s favourite summer playground. Following record-breaking ticket sales at this year’s tournament, the ASB Classic has cemented its place as a must-attend event on the Auckland summer calendar.

“We’re incredibly excited to welcome tennis fans back to the Manuka Doctor Arena this January,” comments Tournament Director Nicolas Lamperin. “From thrilling on-court action to vibrant fan experiences, food, and entertainment, the ASB Classic offers something for everyone.”

Player announcements will be made in the coming months. Last year’s top tier field included tennis legends Australian Open champion Madison Keys, Wimbledon runner-up Amanda Anisimova, Naomi Osaka, Ben Shelton, Gaël Monfils, and local hero Lulu Sun. The Serve will return with some of NZ’s best entertainment, food and beverage offerings, providing the perfect place to meet with friends and soak up the off-court atmosphere.

Tickets will go on sale in August, with fans encouraged to join The Classic Club to access exclusive pre-sales, offers and the latest tournament news. Ground passes, premium seats, and hospitality options will be available - with strong early interest expected following last summer’s sell-out sessions.

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KŌANGA FESTIVAL UNVEILS FULL LINE-UP FOR THIS SEPTEMBER IN TĀMAKI MAKAURAU

July 23, 2025 818

Kōanga Festival, a captivating celebration of Māori performing arts, has unveiled its dynamic hōtaka (programme) for the 2025 event. Returning to Te Pou Theatre for two packed weekends from 12 to 21 September, the 2025 programme champions new Māori voices and work across theatre, music, and dance, from powerful play readings and live gigs, to a fun-filled community Whānau Day.
 
Kōanga is a time when te taiao comes to life with new growth. Kōanga Festival cultivates new ideas and shares the bounty of new narratives through Māori performing arts. Now in its 11th year, Kōanga Festival is where Māori stories are crafted, shared and embraced.
 
This year’s headline show What Happened To Mary-Anne? is a bold, high-energy rock show created by award-winning performer and writer Brady Peeti. Featuring a live band and original music, the show is an unflinching, electric ride through love, identity, and memory. What Happened To Mary-Anne? takes place on three nights only from Friday 19 - Sunday 21 September.
 
Festival favourite Whānau Day, taking place Saturday 13 September, is an open, free festival day for all to enjoy. Expect a magical storytelling grove, kai stalls, a rangatahi curated outdoor music stage, kapa haka, kids’ theatre, games, and more. It’s a celebration of storytelling that the whole whānau can experience together.
 
“Kōanga Festival 2025 shares the talents of excellent Māori performing arts makers, and nurtures new stories for the stage, with a focus on crucial voices at crucial times; futuristic thinking, urban Māori stories and electrifying performances.” says Amber Curreen, Artistic Director.
 
From Friday 19 - Saturday 20 September, emerging Māori playwrights will present their newly developed works following three months of creative development through the Kōanga Playwrights Programme. With limited capacity, these readings offer a rare first-look at the future of Māori theatre. This year’s playwrights are Leigh Minarapa (Ngāti Rangitihi) with ‘Te Koha’,  Lila Māhina Black (Ngāti Raukawa) with ‘Strange Signals: Aliens in Aotearoa’, Zody Takurua (Ngā Rauru) with ‘WHŌRE’, and Ngahiriwa Rauhina (Ngāti Whakaue, Tuhourangi ki Wahiao, Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Ngāti Awa, Ngāi Tūhoe, Ngāti Raukawa) presenting the only te reo Māori work within the Kōanga Playwrights Programme, ‘Te Tau E’. ‘Te Tau E’ marks Kōanga alumnae Ngahiriwa Rauhina’s first full-length mainstage work presented entirely in te reo Māori.
 
“It's the first time we’ve had so many works dealing directly with Māori futurism and critical contemporary kaupapa.” says Amber Curreen in regards to the Playwrights Programme. “At this time when there’s so much disruption in the world our artists will do what they do best and come together to imagine new pathways forward.”
 
Atamira Dance Company will be presenting two unique showings within the festival underKia Pohewatia their choreographic residency programme with Rachel Ruckstuhl-Mann (Kāi Tahu, Kāti Māmoe, Rangitāne) and Samara Reweti (Ngāti Ranginui, Ngāi Te Rangi, Ngāti Uenukukopako). Kia Pohewatia is dedicated to supporting Māori choreographers in developing new works. Through studio time, mentorship, and collaboration with Atamira artists, this residency offers a space for research, experimentation, and the early shaping of future projects.
 
“Kōanga is a time for nurturing fresh, new narratives, and Kia Pohewatia embodies this by providing a platform for Māori choreographers Rachel Ruckstuhl-Mann and Samara Reweti to dream, experiment, and share early-stage works that invite audiences into their evolving creative journeys. It will be exciting to witness these unfolding new offerings as they are shared with the public.” says Bianca Hyslop (Te Arawa, Ngāti Whakaue-kaipapa, Tūhourangi-Ngāti Wāhiao, Pākehā), Artistic Director of Atamira Dance Company.
 
13 Sept | Whānau Day (Free event)
 
14 Sept | Atamira Dance Company Presents: Kia Pohewatia with Rachel Ruckstuhl-Mann
 
19 - 21 Sept | ‘What Happened To Mary-Anne?’ - Brady Peeti
 
19 Sept | Play Readings Pōmere by Leigh Minarapa with ‘Te Koha’ & Ngahiriwa Rauhina with ‘E Tau e’
 
20 Sept | Play Readings Pōhoroi by Lila Black with ‘Strange Signals: Aliens in Aotearoa’ & Zody Takurua with 'WHŌRE'
 
21 Sept | Te Arero Toi Reo Māori Playwrighting Wānanga and Atamira Dance Company Presents: Kia Pohewatia with Samara Reweti
 
“It will be a beautiful, big and audacious ten days at Te Pou - we look forward to seeing you there!” Amber Curreen.    

KŌANGA FESTIVAL

12 - 21 SEPTEMBER

TE POU THEATRE, TĀMAKI MAKAURU

Full programme and tickets at www.koangafestival.nz

Image: Brady Peeti, What Happened To Mary-Anne?

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Shanghai Symphony Orchestra’s landmark 2026 tour of New Zealand, Australia and Singapore

July 21, 2025 818

In a historic collaboration of Eastern and Western traditions, China’s pioneering Shanghai Symphony Orchestra is set to tour New Zealand, Australia and Singapore in March. The Orchestra will be led by its renowned Music Director, Long Yu – hailed by The New York Times as “the most powerful figure in China’s classical music scene.”

Founded in 1879, the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra (SSO) is Asia’s oldest orchestra and a driving force in shaping China’s classical music landscape across three centuries. It is internationally recognised for its performance on the Oscar and Grammy-winning Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon soundtrack – a landmark moment in Chinese musical history. The Orchestra has performed at Carnegie Hall, the Berliner Philharmonie, Amsterdam’s Concertgebouw, the BBC Proms and the Edinburgh International Festival.

The 2026 tour features works by two of China’s most prominent contemporary composers: Elliot Leung, the youngest-ever recipient of the 2023 Huabiao Award for Outstanding Composer, and Qigang Chen, praised by The Guardian for achieving a “sustained dialogue between Chinese and Western classical and cultural traditions.” These are presented alongside works by Tchaikovsky and Rachmaninov, performed by celebrated soloists Jian Wang (cello) and Serena Wang (piano), who makes her Australasian debut.
 
A vibrant centrepiece of the program is Leung’s Chinese Kitchen: A Feast of Flavours – an evocative ten-movement suite, with each piece inspired by a traditional Chinese dish.

Shanghai Symphony Orchestra Music Director, Long Yu said: “It is an honour to be embarking on this special tour with Shanghai Symphony Orchestra in March 2026. As Asia’s oldest symphony orchestra, SSO has undertaken many important international tours throughout its 146 year history. This tour marks the Orchestra’s return to Australia and New Zealand, in addition to its Singapore debut. Collaboration is at the heart of what we do at Shanghai Symphony Orchestra, and we are glad to be sharing the stage with two internationally-acclaimed Chinese musicians for this tour – cellist Jian Wang and pianist Serena Wang – to perform a programme of Chinese and Western music. We are particularly looking forward to introducing audiences to Elliot Leung’s symphonic suite 'Chinese Kitchen: A Feast of Flavours' - a work commissioned and premiered by SSO last year - in addition to Qigang Chen’s piano concerto 'Er Huang', as they celebrate the profound depth of Chinese culture."

Bernie Haldane, Kaitohu Toi Artistic Director, Te Ahurei Toi o Tāmaki Auckland Arts Festival said: "We are honoured to welcome the world-renowned Shanghai Symphony Orchestra to Tāmaki Makaurau for this special New Zealand exclusive, in partnership with our esteemed colleagues in Australia and Singapore. This marks the first time in more than 25 years that an international symphony orchestra will perform in our city — a momentous occasion for our audiences and arts community. We’re especially looking forward to sharing a selection from Chinese Kitchen: A Feast of Flavours, a piece that reflects Chinese culture through music — a powerful reminder of how music can connect us across borders and traditions."

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra CEO Richard Wigley said: “The MSO has a long tradition of partnering with our orchestral friends and colleagues in Asia and beyond. It’s wonderful to be able to present this tour of the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra alongside co-presenters Sydney Opera House, Auckland Arts Festival and Singapore Symphony Orchestra. This will be a truly cross-cultural program showcasing the extraordinary history of Chinese musicians performing eastern and western compositions.”
 
Sydney Opera House CEO Louise Herron AM said: “At the Sydney Opera House, we believe in the transformative power of creative collaboration. This tour from the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra is an opportunity to connect more deeply with the community around us and also with our friends across the region. It’s been three decades since we’ve seen these formidable musicians in Sydney, and I’m looking forward to hearing them perform in our upgraded Concert Hall for the first time.”
 
Kenneth Kwok, CEO of Singapore Symphony Group said: “We are delighted to partner the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra on their tour of Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore. This collaboration deepens the cultural ties between Singapore and Shanghai - two dynamic global cities with enduring connections. Long Yu has been a long-time friend of the SSO, and we warmly welcome him and the orchestra for their debut performance in Singapore. I look forward to hearing them at the Esplanade Concert Hall.”
 
The tour is organised by the award-winning classical music agency Askonas Holt, who have been bringing the world's greatest orchestras to audiences around the world for decades, and next year celebrate their 150th anniversary.’

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BORDERLINE ANNOUNCE CHRYSALIS EP RELEASE TOUR AROUND NEW ZEALAND AND AUSTRALIA

July 18, 2025 818

Rapidly rising indie-pop outfit Borderline have today announced a variety of New Zealand and Australia dates for their 6-stop Chrysalis EP Release Tour. Throughout August and September, Borderline will be heading across New Zealand - to Te Awanui Tauranga, Pōneke Wellington, Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland and Ōtahutahi Christchurch - as well as two Australian dates in Melbourne and Sydney. 

Tickets for Borderline’s Chrysalis EP Release Tour will be available to purchase by the General Public on Thursday 24 July at 1:00pm local time. 

My Live Nation members will also be able to secure tickets during the presale which commences Wednesday 23 July from 12:00pm until Thursday 24 July at 12:00pm local time. Fans can register for access at livenation.co.nz or livenation.com.au. 

Borderline is what happens when four best friends grow up making music together and never stop. The New Zealand quartet - Ben Glanfield (vocals/guitar/keys), Jackson Boswell (drums/vocals), Matthew McFadden (lead guitar), and Max Harries (bass) - channel deep connection into a sound that’s as expansive as it is intimate. Blending shimmering pop, funk grooves, and soaring indie-rock anthems, Borderline is quickly becoming one of the most exciting new bands to break out of the Southern Hemisphere.
 

BORDERLINE - CHRYSALIS EP RELEASE TOUR
Presented by Live Nation


 TOTARA ST, TAURANGA, NZ                         FRIDAY, AUGUST 22 
SAN FRAN, WELLINGTON, NZ                THURSDAY, AUGUST 28
TUNING FORK, AUCKLAND, NZ                    FRIDAY, AUGUST 29
LOONS, CHRISTCHURCH, NZ                 SATURDAY, AUGUST 30
THE OLD BAR, MELBOURNE, AU            FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 5
THE VANGUARD, SYDNEY, AU          SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 6


TICKETS ON SALE THURSDAY 24 JULY 1:00PM (LOCAL)
Live Nation pre-sale: Wednesday 23 July 12:00pm - Thursday 24 July 12:00pm local


For complete tour & ticket information, visit: livenation.co.nz or livenation.com.au

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ELLIOT & VINCENT ANNOUNCED AS SUPPORT FOR PIXIES NEW ZEALAND TOU

July 17, 2025 818

 Auckland-based two-piece band Elliot & Vincent have today been announced as the support for the Pixies 2025 tour across New Zealand. Featuring drummer and vocalist Elliot Finn and guitarist Vincent Cherry, the pair will be joining the alt-rock legends on both the stops throughout their New Zealand tour. 
 
Each tour stop has two dates – seeing Pixies play fan favourite albums, 1990’s Bossanova and 1991 follow up Trompe Le Monde in their entirety on the first night, followed by a cross catalogue set and songs from their new album The Night The Zombies Came on the second night.

The first shows kick off at Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland’s Town Hall on November 23 and 24, followed by Pōneke, Wellington’s St James Theatre on November 26 and 27 - with the final Wellington date now sold out. 
 
Tickets for Pixies 2025 New Zealand tour with Elliot & Vincent can be found at livenation.co.nz.
 

35 years since their groundbreaking Platinum-certified album Doolittle catapulted the band into the UK Top Ten, and 20 years since their celebrated reformation at Coachella, Pixies are deep into their second act, and in the midst of a creative purple patch.

Elliot & Vincent play primal rock and roll that connects with the tradition of break-out avant garde that runs from The Stooges and Suicide through testifying soul and garage rock, marrying lucid edge-of-the-world Flying Nun-isms with a wild style that is pure crank. Their debut single, Doberman, was released at the stroke of midnight, as they opened for spiritual forefathers The Jesus and Mary Chain, salivating over pop/rock instants illuminated by a singing drummer with alla the punk rock élan of a switchblade Karen Carpenter huffing on rockabilly energy and a guitarist that tears melodic epiphanies from six bloodied strings, like yr every fantasy of two chords as the keys to the kingdom. Australasia: prepare to meet your maker. - David Keenan 

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PLAY IT STRANGE LAUNCH PODCAST 'ON THE RECORD WITH REI' BREAKING INTO THE MUSIC INDUSTRY IN AOTEAROA

July 13, 2025 818

Play It Strange is thrilled to announce the upcoming release of On The Record with Rei, a podcast for the next generation of musicians in Aotearoa. Hosted by award-winning artist and Play It Strange alumni Rei - he goes on the record with artists, producers and industry insiders - providing a digital backstage pass to breaking into the music industry in Aotearoa.

The 10-episode podcast launches on all podcast platforms from Monday 21 July with all episodes out on the same day. On The Record with Rei features an array of incredible voices within the music industry and aims to educate and entertain, acting as a ‘toolkit’ for emerging musicians, helping them navigate the industry and their careers - from songwriting tips to publicity, to how to apply for funding and secure radio play. Guest and topics include: 

1. The Art of Songwriting with Don McGlashan
2. Music Production for Beginners with Emily Wheatcroft-Snape
3. Nailing Your Studio Session with Chris van de Geer
4. Music Publicity 101 with Heidi Ettema
5. Claiming Space as an Artist with PAIGE
6. Getting Your Music on Student Radio (+ Why It Still Matters) with Aneeka Moheed
7. Song Rights & Royalties with Mike Hall
8. The Inside on Industry Funding with Teresa Patterson
9. Looking After Yourself as an Artist with Hollie Smith
10. The Business of Being an Artist with Dave Johnston

Founded in 2003 by Mike Chunn of Split Enz, Play It Strange has been supporting young songwriters for more than two decades. They run national youth songwriting competitions, with over 170 finalists awarded a day in a recording studio to professionally record their winning tracks. They then release these songs on digital albums, provide performance opportunities, and take them backstage to major concerts and festivals to experience the industry firsthand. Their next frontier is being able to provide more pastoral care around entering the music industry – hence, this podcast.

Recently taking the reins of CEO of Play It Strange from founder Mike Chunn, Stephanie Brown says that the need for this podcast is vital to continue pushing the mahi that they deliver.

“Every week, we’re asked the same questions by emerging artists, their parents, and their music teachers - about publicity, radio play, rights and royalties, music funding, and so much more. That’s what sparked this podcast: how can we share this information far and wide, in a way that’s accessible to emerging musicians across the motu? It’s important to meet rangatahi where they are, which is why we’ve made the podcast available on podcast platforms Spotify, Rova and Youtube - as well as rolling out over 40 clips on Instagram and Tiktok to incorporate a visual, shorter-form element. The style of the podcast is a way to disseminate sometimes overwhelming information in a bite sized, easy to digest way - learning from some of the best in the business. My hope is that On the Record with Rei helps break down the barriers for those who don’t know where to start - and acts as a toolkit that empowers, motivates, and gives confidence to the next generation of songwriters and musicians.”

The perfect fit for a podcast host was someone who was well across the topics being covered whole-heartedly, as well as the ethos of Play It Strange. Rei (Ngāti Raukawa, Ngāti Pākeha) is exactly this, being an alumni of Play It Strange, as well as an incredible bilingual Urban and Electronic musician in his own right.​ His cheeky tongue-in-cheek māori-isms and deep understanding of the music industry was key in bringing the podcast and its insightful conversations throughout episodes to life. When asked about his involvement, he says:
​
“I was super stoked to host On the Record with Rei. Play It Strange’s kaupapa totally aligns with my own, so getting the opportunity to have some deep kōrero with some of Aotearoa's top artists AND helping empower the next generation of Aotearoa songwriters at the same time!?? That's dream mahi right there. I wish there was a poddy like this out there when I was getting started in the industry.”
 
Iconic Auckland recording studio Bigpop Studios co-founder Chris van de Geer, a wealth of knowledge in the industry, says:

"At Bigpop Studios we were absolutely thrilled to be the podcast partner for the brilliant Play It Strange On the Record with Rei series. It was awesome working with the Play It Strange team and hosting such a wide array of highly esteemed and experienced guests into our studio space, who all shared great insight and resources for artists at all stages of their musical journey. Bigpop has been providing studios, engineers and producers for Play It Strange artist projects for many years, and it's amazing to see the support and nurturing of young Aotearoa talent, which Play It Strange provides, result in an ever increasing quality in both songwriting and finished recordings from these young artists."

On The Record with Rei launches on Monday, July 21st on podcast platforms Spotify, Rova, Youtube and online on Instagram and Tiktok. You can follow the journey and see exclusive sneak peek clips on their Instagram at @playitstrange.pod!

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ICONIC KIWI DUO SACHI ANNOUNCES AUCKLAND AND WELLINGTON SHOW

July 10, 2025 818

One of New Zealand's most celebrated live acts, dance music duo SACHI have today announced two shows across Pōneke and Tāmaki Makaurau. August will see SACHI head to Pōneke, Wellington’s San Fran on Thursday, August 21, followed by Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland’s Studio the Venue on Saturday, August 23.
 
Tickets for SACHI’s shows in Wellington and Auckland will be available to purchase by the General Public on Tuesday, July 15 at 12pm local time.

Mastercard cardholders have special access to presale tickets in New Zealand. Mastercard Presale starts Friday, July 11 at 12pm and ends on Monday, July 14 at 12pm local time. Plus, preferred ticket access to some of the best tickets are available from Tuesday, July 15 at 1pm local time. Check out priceless.com/music for details.

One NZ customers can be among the first to secure tickets during a 48-hour presale starting Friday, July 11 at 12pm local time. Head to one.nz/music.

My Live Nation members will also be able to secure tickets during the presale which commences on Monday, July 14 at 1pm until Tuesday, July 15 at 11am local time. Fans can register for access at livenation.co.nz.

Dominating festivals not only in New Zealand but around the world, their success has even seen the pair become the first New Zealand act to play at Belgium’s Tomorrowland festival — one of the most prestigious electronic music festivals in the world.

One of the duo’s earliest champions was renowned producer Diplo. The duo, consisting of Will Thomas and Nick Chrisp, found him on the streets of Auckland, New Zealand and slipped a USB through the window of his SUV. Their efforts paid off when he soon responded and offered a coveted co-sign by playing early tracks No More and Hold On on his Diplo & Friends BBC Radio 1 Show. In the aftermath, SACHI exploded as a homegrown phenomenon, achieving two chart-topping platinum-certified singles, No More and Shelter, as well as an official remix of Lorde’s hit single Green Light alongside Montell2099.

Between 2016 and 2021, SACHI rolled out a series of three EPs: Lunch With Bianca, Nights With Ruby, and Breakfast With Ella, amassing more than 50 million streams across the trio of projects. Each of the EPs’ title characters represents a different phase of SACHI’s discography — from their introduction on Lunch With Bianca, to establishing themselves internationally on Nights With Ruby (created while living in LA pre-pandemic), to the full-circle evolution of their most refined and lustrous body of work to date, Breakfast With Ella. While each project takes listeners on an eclectic journey traversing club-ready BPMs from dazzling four-on-the-floor disco-house rhythms to euphoric powerhouse dance-pop hooks, the thread tying each installment of the celebrated trilogy together is found in SACHI’s intention to create dance music whose emotion is as convincing as its ability to make you move.

2023 saw SACHI tour their headline show across their home territory to sold-out crowds and introduced “CLUB SACHI” — a sold-out three-date 360 club experience for fans. Collaborating closely with Human Person, the LA-based creative house behind Swedish House Mafia, SZA, and Billie Eilish’s touring live shows, SACHI’s live show has been elevated to surreal new heights. “Ever since we started making music, we wanted to create moments to share with friends,” the boys explain. “We want to give everyone an uplifting and euphoric experience. Our music paints this picture of different energies coming together as a whole.”

After back-to-back New Zealand festival headline sets this past summer, SACHI are working towards their highly anticipated new music, which promises to return to the heart of their rave-oriented roots while always continuing to keep their audience guessing — they might even get a sneak peek of this magic during these upcoming tour dates.



SACHI - WELLINGTON AND AUCKLAND AUGUST 2025

Presented by Live Nation and George FM


SAN FRAN, WELLINGTON                   THURSDAY, AUGUST 21 
STUDIO THE VENUE, AUCKLAND         SATURDAY, AUGUST 23

TICKETS ON SALE TUESDAY 15 JULY AT 12PM


Mastercard and One NZ Presales: Fri 11 Jul, 12pm > Mon 14 Jul, 12pm local
Live Nation Presale: Mon 14 Jul, 1pm local > Tue 15 Jul, 11am local
General Public Onsale: Tue 15 Jul, 12pm local


For complete tour & ticket information, visit: livenation.co.nz

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FREAK SLUG ANNOUNCES OCTOBER TOUR DATES IN AUCKLAND AND WELLINGTON

July 9, 2025 818

Manchester based musician Freak Slug - the project of Xenya Genovese - will be welcoming audiences in Pōneke Wellington and Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland into her dreamy indie-pop world this October. Freak Slug performs at San Fran on October 20th and The Tuning Fork on October 21st with her Big Candles tour.
 
Tickets will be available to purchase by the General Public on Friday 11 July at 10:00am local time.
 
My Live Nation members will also be able to secure tickets during the presale which commences Thursday 10th July from 10:00am local time. Fans can register for access at livenation.co.nz.
 
The name ‘Freak Slug’ encapsulates Xenya’s artistic world perversely and perfectly. Known for following the beat of her own drum, Xenya’s releases under the name Freak Slug so far include debut 2020 EP Videos and its viral hit Radio (23 million streams and counting), and follow-up EPs I’m In Love (2022) and Viva La Vulva (2023). Having shown listeners her more “summery, happy sound”, she then delivered a more grungy-feel with debut album I Blow Out Big Candles, furthermore pushing the diversity of her sound.
 
Hugely influenced by ‘90s cult heroes including Ride, Mazzy Star and Stephen Malkmus, Freak Slug is all about hitting a mood. Everything that fuels her creative output is raw, authentic, sometimes weird, but always totally true self-expression. I Blow Out Big Candles is a strong statement of all of this and more. Down there, picking through the curious mix of sounds and feelings, from nostalgic, ‘90s-influenced and dreamy as well as eccentric and experimental, lives Freak Slug. The 10-track project gives listeners a taste of what they will be in for at her Aotearoa shows, a journey of both soft soulfulness and sonic songwriting, all laid out on the table.
 
I Blow Out Big Candles is as fearless a record as Xenya herself and was met with features and reviews throughout some of the most prestigious radio and media platforms in the United Kingdom. With her 4 piece band, Freak Slug has performed at SXSW Austin – and was the most searched UK artist at the 2025 edition - alongside many other showcases and festivals. Earlier this year Freak Slug completed her Big Candles tour of the US, CA, UK and EU taking in 40 cities including sold out dates in LA, Chicago, Seattle, London, Paris and Amsterdam, she also has a busy summer of festivals festival with a headline slot on the alcove stage at Latitude.

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LEWIS CAPALDI ANNOUNCES 2025 NEW ZEALAND TOUR DATES

July 6, 2025 818

After two years away from the spotlight, global superstar Lewis Capaldi is well and truly, back. Back in the charts with his huge new single Survive, back in the headlines after his surprise and magnificent return to Glastonbury Festival and, this November and December, back on tour in New Zealand at Christchurch’s Wolfbrook Arena and Auckland’s Spark Arena presented by Secret Sounds, Live Nation and WME.
 
For people who purchased tickets to Lewis’s previously cancelled 2023 tour, a Past Ticket Holders Presale will go live on Thursday 10 July, 11am (local) until Monday 14 July, 11am (local). Those customers will receive an email from Secret Sounds with presale access information.
 
A Secret Sound presale will occur Friday 11 July, 11am local until Monday 14 July, 11am local. Sign up now to access at secretsounds.com.
 
Tickets will be available to the General Public to purchase from Monday 14 July, 12pm local.
 
These dates will be the first time Lewis has returned to Aotearoa since his Auckland Town Hall performance in 2019. His new track Survive sees him reunited with close collaborator Romans, who co-wrote his global megahit Someone You Loved, that extraordinarily turned 10x Platinum earlier this year.

On Friday 27th June, a headliner-sized Pyramid Stage crowd at Glastonbury Festival embraced the emotion of Lewis’s emergence into the sunshine for a powerful, hit-laden half-hour. “Second time’s a charm on this one,” said Lewis. “I just wanted to come and finish what I couldn’t finish last time.” That he emphatically did, with his soaring vocals leading the crowd through classics Before You Go, Grace, Hold Me While You Wait, Bruises, Forget Me, a first live showing of Survive, and a unifying performance of Someone You Loved. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house.
 
Lewis’s performance at Glastonbury arrived off the back of a run of Scottish warm up shows in May that saw him return to the stage as a guest of mental health charity CALM, in celebration of Mental Health Awareness Week. With no pressure, and no level of expectation, the shows allowed Capaldi the space to gauge his comfort and emotional response before returning to the spotlight - a move which ended up proving nothing short of a triumph.

Lewis’ last release, the hit-stacked record Broken By Desire To Be Heavenly Sent, scored him his second UK number 1 album, creating another three heartbreaking UK number 1 singles, Pointless, Wish You The Best and the Platinum-certified Forget Me working with hitmakers including Max Martin (Taylor Swift, The Weeknd), Malay(Lorde, Frank Ocean), and longtime collaborator Phil Plested (James Bay, Bastille).

The album also gained widespread critical acclaim from the likes of The Guardian, New York Times, NME, Rolling Stone, GQ, Stereogum & many more. It also topped airplay charts, smashing an impressive 95,000 units, outselling the rest of that week’s Top 10 combined, as well as outselling first week sales of his own monumental debut album Divinely Uninspired To A Hellish Extent.

April 2023 saw the global Netflix release of Lewis’ compelling, raw and honest feature-length, GRAMMY®-nominated music documentary ‘Lewis Capaldi: How I’m Feeling Now’ - available to watch on the platform now. The documentary shot straight to the top of the Netflix chart, making it the most watched film on the platform since its release.

Lewis’ subsequent success stems back to 2019’s multimillion selling debut Divinely Uninspired To A Hellish Extent, which propelled Capaldi from bedroom musician to superstar. Few had seen a debut release quite like it, becoming the biggest selling UK album of both 2019 & 2020, spawning two UK number 1 singles, bagging a few BRITs and a GRAMMY® nomination, with one of those number 1’s becoming a smash hit on both sides of the globe in Someone You Loved which as well as recently going 10x Platinum, is also the UK’s most streamed song of all time & the world’s fourth highest ever streamed song.

After weathering the kind of storm that few can prepare for, Lewis Capaldi returns with a renewed sense of purpose. Survive proves that even in the darkest moments, there’s still strength in showing up. As he marks a new era, Lewis isn’t just surviving, he’s returning even stronger, heart wide open, and ready to step out again.

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PREPARE TO FALL IN LOVE: TRENT DALTON’S LOVE STORIES COMES TO THE CIVIC, AUCKLAND THIS OCTOBER

July 1, 2025 818

Auckland Live, in association with Auckland Writers Festival, proudly presents the New Zealand exclusive season of Love Stories — the critically acclaimed stage sensation by Trent Dalton, direct from standing ovations and five-star raves in Australia. This heart-expanding theatrical gem plays just five performances at The Civic, Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, from Thursday 16 October to Sunday 19 October.

Adapted for the stage by award-winning playwright Tim McGarry and directed by Sam Strong (the creative team behind the smash-hit page-to-stage adaptation of Boy Swallows Universe), Love Stories invites audiences into Dalton’s world: a city street corner, a battered Olivetti typewriter, and a single question posed to strangers passing by - “Can you please tell me a love story?”

“In a time when we need joy more than ever, Love Stories lifts the spirit.” - Arts Hub
 
From strangers to soulmates, parents to children, friends to lifelong companions, the stories collected and celebrated in this remarkable production traverse the full spectrum of human love. Weaving real-life encounters with music, laughter, movement, and tenderness, Love Stories is an unforgettable tribute to the beauty, fragility, and fierce resilience of the human heart.

“It dives into the chaos of love – the joy, the pain, the laughter, the heartbreak ... sending you back to the streets feeling just a little more alive” - The Guardian

Trent Dalton reflected on the production’s journey from the streets of Brisbane to The Civic in Auckland:
 
“Early this year, the extraordinary gang from Auckland Live walked me into that hallowed Civic theatre in the heart of that glorious city. They showed me exactly what it will feel like to walk into Love Stories come showtime. The theatre ceiling literally shimmered with a blanket of stars. That theatre - that city, their writer’s festival - embodies everything the play is about … community, dreams, storytelling, connection, love in all its tricky and wondrous forms. I kinda lost my mind with the joy and possibility of it all. It’s a dream come true for me, to create a piece of art that adds to a history of NZ culture - theatre, books, film, music, art - that has inspired me since I was a teenage writer wannabe who could only dream of having something he wrote travelling across the ditch, all the way to paradise. Thank you Auckland Live, from the bottom of my heart. And thank you dear Auckland!”
 
Daniel Clarke, Director of Performing Arts at Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, leading Auckland Live commented:
 
“I saw the very first pitch of this work at idea stage and knew that it would be a winner. And it has been. Thousands of people across Australia have seen this play since its world premiere at Brisbane Festival. This is a beautiful work, full of heart and innovatively staged; we can’t wait to share this stunning production with the audiences of Aotearoa. It is the perfect spring show - love will be in the air!”
 
Love Stories was originally commissioned and produced by Brisbane Festival and Queensland Performing Arts Centre. The production features additional writing and story by Trent Dalton and Fiona Franzmann, with choreography by Nerida Matthaei, design by Renee Mulder, lighting by Ben Hughes, and original music and sound design by Stephen Francis.
 
Don’t miss this moving celebration of humanity, connection, and the stories that bind us.
 
Presales are on now, ahead of the general onsale on Thu 3 July, 9 AM. With just five performances, audiences are encouraged to book tickets early to secure their seats for this strictly limited season. For more information, go to aucklandlive.co.nz

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KIWI DJ MESSIE ANNOUNCES ALL NIGHT LONG TOUR IN AUCKLAND AND WELLINGTON

July 1, 2025 818

Wellington-based DJ phenomenon MESSIE, aka Tessa Hills has today announced two All Night Long DJ sets across Pōneke and Tāmaki Makaurau. Gaining international attention after opening for one of the United Kingdom’s most coveted DJs Fred again.. and remixing his song ‘places to be’ which now has over 2.6M listens on Spotify alone, MESSIE is quickly becoming one of the most exciting new names to watch in New Zealand.

Audiences will be able to enjoy MESSIE’s high-energy, electrifying set for literally the entire night - with these two shows running until the early hours of the morning. Saturday, September 13th will see her take over Auckland’s Studio the Venue, before heading to Wellington’s San Fran the following Saturday, September 20th. 

Tickets for MESSIE’s All Night Long tour in Auckland and Wellington will be available to purchase by the General Public on Friday 4th July at 12:00pm.

My Live Nation members will also be able to secure tickets during the presale which commences on Wednesday 2nd July from 11:00am until Friday 4th July at 11:00am. Fans can register for access at livenation.co.nz.

MESSIE is taking Aotearoa’s electronic dance music scene to filthy new levels. As a former drummer, her passion for drumming was the pipeline for her falling in love with genres like Garage, Breakbeat, and Jungle. She has since expanded her sound and it’s safe to say each set will keep you guessing what will come next as she effortlessly merges genres such as Baile Funk, Ghetto Tech, Jersey Club, Juke, Afro beat inspired drums, Techno and many more global club soundscapes that encompass her high energy DJ sets. MESSIE’s sets are guaranteed to be bootleg heavy with something for everyone as she draws from her own music taste of rap and grime, to early 2000’s singalongs, girl-boss anthems and queer music culture in the form of edits you’d never expect.

Alongside her headline tour around Aotearoa in mid 2024, MESSIE has now brought her fresh, high-energy club music to Glastonbury, Reading & Leeds, R&V, Beyond The Valley, Wildlands, Love Saves The Day, Gemfest & Outro Festival. With slots at Pohoda Festival, Hidden Festival, Motion, Truck Festival, AIASOUND and All Points East locked in for the second half of 2025, there is no slowing her down.

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ROCK MEETS RAVE: COMBO TICKETS NOW AVAILABLE

June 27, 2025 818

This July, two powerhouse live music experiences will collide in one epic night at Spark Arena. Mānuka Phuel FULL METAL ORCHESTRA and SYNTHONY ORIGINS will perform back-to-back – with fans now able to purchase exclusive combo tickets for the ultimate musical double-header.

Combining the raw intensity of rock and metal with the pulsing energy of classic dance anthems, this is a genre-bending night like no other.

Presented by Duco Touring and Liberty Stage, Mānuka Phuel FULL METAL ORCHESTRA is a symphonic showdown where metal meets majesty. Featuring a 29-piece orchestra, 5-piece band, iconic guest vocalists, and led by conductor Sarah-Grace Williams, the show brings to life legendary tracks from Metallica, Iron Maiden, Black Sabbath, AC/DC, and more – all reimagined with soaring strings and epic visuals.

After a short reset, the party continues with a special edition of SYNTHONY – taking fans back to where dance music all began with SYNTHONY ORIGINS.

“We’re proud to bring two world-class productions to Spark Arena in one night, offering fans an unprecedented live music experience,” says David Higgins, Founder of Duco Touring. “Whether you're into the power of rock or the pulse of dance music, this combo ticket offer is about giving people the chance to immerse themselves in both – all under one roof, on one unforgettable night.”

A tribute to the golden era of dance music, SYNTHONY ORIGINS will reimagine classic anthems by Darude, Eric Prydz, Faithless, Avicii, Fatboy Slim, Tiësto and more – brought to life by a live orchestra, DJs, vocalists, and immersive visuals.
It’s a throwback to the sounds that shaped the dancefloor – from underground clubs to global anthems – reimagined with the full SYNTHONY treatment.

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WINNERS ANNOUNCED FOR THE PLAY IT STRANGE PEACE SONG COMPETITION

June 25, 2025 818

Play It Strange is thrilled to today announce the winners of the Peace Song Competition, generously sponsored by The Wright Family Foundation. This year’s competition saw an overwhelming number of talented young musicians showcasing their creativity and passion for music, with a record-breaking 194 songs entered. We are excited to share that we have 52 exceptional finalists who have impressed our judges Bic Runga, Mike Chunn, Dave Johnston and Dianne Swann with their outstanding songwriting.

First-place goes to Betty Shen from Long Bay College for her track 'At least, I'll try'.

Betty Shen was a Play It Strange finalist twice last year, with her songs ‘Willow’s Song’ and ‘Sweet Potato’, available on Spotify here. Betty also had the winning album artwork on the 2024 Peace Song competition album.

Betty will receive a one-on-one mentoring session with Bic Runga, a $1,000 Rockshop gift card, a performance opportunity at Play It Strange’s annual awards, and an interview on 95bFM with their song played on the radio. Betty will work with a composer to create a backing arrangement for a quartet of orchestral instruments from Auckland Philharmonia’s Learn & Participate programme, who will also join Betty in the recording studio to professionally record her winning track. She will also receive an artist development mentoring session with SOLE Music Academy. 

All 52 finalists (list here) will receive a professional recording of their song in a studio of their choice, with an incredible opportunity to work alongside some of New Zealand’s most recognised producers and engineers. Once recorded, these songs will be compiled into digital albums and uploaded to Spotify and Bandcamp.

Guest judge Bic Runga says about the entries in this year's Peace Song Competition:
"It's been a real privilege to hear what's on the minds of so many talented young people expressed through songwriting. Comparing them is almost impossible, as every single one has something special to say. I can't wait to hear the top songs recorded as an album, many of them I can't get out of my head, the quality is truly exceptional." 

Guest judge Dave Johnston says about the entries in this year's Peace Song Competition:
“It’s been fantastic to observe the incredible variety of song styles submitted for this year’s Peace Song competition, and an absolute pleasure to hear the work of so many talented young songwriters. Congratulations to the winners and to everyone who had the courage to submit one of their creations!”

Play It Strange Founder Mike Chunn says of the winning song:
"The song “At least, I’ll try” is a weaving masterpiece whereby Betty Shen from Long Bay College takes her musical adventure with a lyrical engagement and we, the listeners, find ourselves in a riveting environment. There is magic in this song. And I congratulate Betty in the highest fashion. It’s a triumphant song and is a winner that walks with true pride."

Play It Strange CEO Stephanie Brown says:
"The entries into this year's Peace Song Competition have truly blown us away, and all 194 songs are deserving of a prize. The musical talent of rangatahi across Aotearoa is astounding. We can’t wait to share the recorded songs with you once the albums are published later in the year. There are already many songs that are on repeat on my playlist!"

Guest judge Dianne Swann’s message for those who aren’t finalists this year:

About Play It Strange:
Play It Strange was established in 2003 by cofounders Mike Chunn of Split Enz and Bill Moran, COO of New Zealand Treasury at the time. Their purpose is to provide an outlet for creative expression for secondary school-aged students in Aotearoa.

They run annual national songwriting competitions, with finalists awarded a day in a recording studio to professionally record their songs. Play It Strange provides a platform for emerging musicians to showcase their talents, through mentorship, performance opportunities, radio play and more. Their alumni list includes Kimbra, Georgia Nott of Broods, Liz Stokes of The Beths, Annah Mac, Louis Baker, and CHAII.

While many alumni have turned that passion into full-time music careers, there's inspiring stories every day from past alumni who now have careers as music teachers, in music therapy, and even teaching music in prisons.

ImpactLab recently calculated our tangible social return, stating Play It Strange increases specialised skills, improves mental health, increases creativity, and increases confidence. ImpactLab calculates the social value for each participant generated to be $1273, and that every year, Play It Strange delivers $619,926 of measurable good to New Zealand society.

Extensive research highlights the positive impact of music and the arts on emotional well-being, personal development, and cognitive skills in young people. Studies show music education improves academic performance, self-esteem, and social engagement. Their competitions provide young people with this opportunity.

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FAULTY TOWERS THE DINING EXPERIENCE RETURNS TO AOTEAROA

June 19, 2025 818

Following a widely popular Aotearoa run in 2024, the comedic culinary adventure like no other Faulty Towers The Dining Experience will make its return in October 2025. This year will see shows in Christchurch, Wellington, Whanganui, New Plymouth, Rotorua, Tauranga and Auckland.

The international smash-hit has been entertaining audiences across the globe for over 28 years. A loving tribute to Fawlty Towers, the BBC TV series written by John Cleese and Connie Booth, audiences are invited to step inside the television series and become part of the action itself.

Highly improvised, interactive and a fully immersive experience, audiences will enjoy an action filled and unforgettable night, with a delicious ‘70s-style three-course meal and 5-star comedy. Guests are not just audience members, but highly esteemed guests of Basil, Sybil, and Manuel.

The longest running Fawlty Towers show of any kind worldwide was devised by Kiwi Alison Pollard-Mansergh, who is also the artistic director and writer of this show. Growing up surrounded by the arts, Alison started her first theatre business at 15. She went on to launch Faulty Towers The Dining Experience in 1997 and played Sybil for many years, being involved in the production all the way up to 2019. 

Producer and Programmer Jared Harford is thrilled to be back to New Zealand after last year's successful run of shows, and says a return was always on the cards. “We were completely blown away with the response last year and knew right away that we would be back. Touring such a world class show such as this around Aotearoa has been a dream, and I hope one that I never wake from.”

Faulty Towers The Dining Experience is a globe-trotting tour-de-force that has been smashing records, and collecting accolades since its humble beginnings in 1997. Touring globally in 43 countries, and welcoming well over 1 million guests through its doors, 2025 sees the show celebrate 28 years of touring worldwide, and its 13th year of the highly successful West End residency in London.

The show is now the longest running immersive production, the longest running Fawlty Towers production in the West End, and the longest running show based on a TV series in the West End. It is also the longest-running Fawlty Towers production of any kind running worldwide.

This smash hit has been labelled “theatre at its startling best” (Best of Theatre, London West End) as the iconic trio brings the famous British BBC series to life in a dining experience like no other.

The cast for 2025 mirrors that of 2024 - including kiwi Jed McKinney as Basil, Eilannin Harris-Black as Sybil and Michael Gonsalves as Manuel. And producer Jared Harford, Palmerston North Local, wants everyone to know that it’s the only town to have named a rubbish dump after John Cleese - Mt Cleese.

Tickets are on sale now at www.faultytowersnz.com  for all shows except for Rotorua - which launches on July 1st. You can call 07 351 8957 to be placed on the waiting list. More locations are to be announced - if you’re interested in hosting a show in your region or want to know more, contact morgan@818.co.nz.

Fawlty Towers, the BBC TV series scripts are not used in Faulty Towers The Dining Experience; this show uses its own original scripts and format.

"If you're looking for an evening of hilarity with a side of delicious nostalgia, this dining experience is not to be missed."
BlackGuard Reviews – Auckland 2024

‘"Deliciously unforgettable.” 
Regional News – Wellington 2024

"A raucously hilarious and wonderfully chaotic dining experience."
 The Movie Army – Auckland 2024

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