Today, the widely dynamic kiwi artist Ella Monnery has been announced to support British chart-topper Sophie Ellis-Bextor on her two-date Aotearoa tour on Tuesday 3 February at Kirikiriroa Hamilton’s BNZ Theatre, and Wednesday 4 February at Otautahi Christchurch’s James Hay Theatre. Monnery will warm the crowd up with her incomparable stage presence before the night rolls into Sophie Ellis-Bextor’s noughties favourites and brand-new pop anthems from her latest album Perimenopop.
Powerhouse vocalist Ella Monnery burst onto the Aotearoa music scene in 2018 and her incomparable talent has since seen her perform at the country’s biggest festivals (Rhythm and Vines, Homegrown, Electric Avenue, Rhythm and Alps, Mardi Gras) she has also fronted major acts such as SACHI and SYNTHONY. Her voice has taken her across the globe as a solo artist performing internationally in Singapore, Mexico, Greece and the Netherlands. Not one for complacently, Ella has now broken into the recorded music scene hitting New Zealand official music charts as a recording artist working alongside Lee Mvtthews, Kings, P-Money, Ekko & Sidetrack and Sly Chaos. A crowd favourite for the National anthem, co-hosting on George FM radio, racking up millions of views on TikTok and reaching the semi-finals on The Voice Australia – Ella’s talent knows no limits and she is now fully stepping into her artistry and embarking on an exciting new chapter as solo artist.
One of the biggest British pop artists to emerge from the 2000s, Sophie Ellis-Bextorestablished herself as a pop diva with smash-hits like Murder On The Dancefloor, Get Over You and Take Me Home. Spanning across seven studio albums, her discography transcends layers of genres from dance-pop and folk to prog-rock and orchestral pop. By 17, she had joined Brit-pop band Theaudience, reaching #22 on the UK charts with their debut album. Following the band's breakup in 1999, Sophie wasted no time launching her solo career, where she would go on to create the iconic disco anthems fans know and love today. Showcasing a blend of '80s-influenced synth-pop and disco, 2001’s Read My Lips, reached number 2 in the UK. and hit the top 20 in several countries around the globe. Making a pop culture resurgence in 2023 after Murder on the Dancefloor was featured in cult film Saltburn, and covered by Royel Otis, Ellis-Bextor’s reach has extended to a new generation of listeners. Proving herself as a timeless pop icon, Sophie Ellis-Bextor will be uniting both new and all-time fans to enjoy her glittery hits in Aotearoa in 2026.
CASUAL HEALING RELEASES SINGLE ‘TELL THE TRUTH’ FROM FINAL EP OF HIS FOUR-EP SERIES
Pōneke-based soulful musician Nikau Te Huki (Ngāti Kahungunu ki te Wairarapa) known to audiences asCasual Healing, has today released ‘Tell The Truth’ - the second single from his final of four EPs embodying the elements. AHI (fire), HAU (wind), WAI (water) and completing the ambitious cycle, ONE (earth) in March 2026 are inspired by Te Taiao - the natural world.
‘Tell the Truth’ is the second single from Casual Healing's EP - ONE (pronounced awe-ne). The fourth and final chapter of the elemental series is a timeless live performance of five new songs written by Nikau Te Huki.
In a classic Aotearoa Roots/Reggae style, Casual Healing provides the latest chapter of the book with ‘Tell the Truth’. Born from the guilt of telling a lie, this song was written in the hopes of encouraging the truth in our lives.
“I lied to my insurance company and it backfired, I decided that day that the truth is the way. The world is full of illusion, smoke and mirrors - so let the truth of the kick and snare shatter the mirror and defuse the smoke.”
Recorded by Mike Gibson at Massey Studio - ‘Tell The Truth’ features an 11-piece band including Luther Hunt, Becky Devine, Sammy Lenati, Joseph Jenkins, Matiu Te Huki, Rudy Matoi, Jordan Gray, Toby Leman, Kaito Walley and Mysty Cooke. Nikau is stoked to have finally broken free from the boundaries of bedroom recording to produce a full band sound, live and direct as an ode to the trail blazers of recorded music.
2025 was a significant year for Casual Healing - writing, recording and releasing his four carefully curated studio EPs that aim to redefine his creative path - and have already been met with acclaim and great warmth from both listeners and the Aotearoa media database.
For over 10 years, Nikau Te Huki has embedded human and spiritual intimacy and connection into the foundation of his artistry. The result has yielded incredible musical results that have mirrored life experiences loved, lived and learned from. His solo project Casual Healing made a stunning debut with the 2024 album DRIFTWOOD, which led to sold-out tours and standout performances at SXSW Sydney, Rhythm & Vines, TSB Festival of Lights and more.
Casual Healing is blazing a trail nationwide to indigenise and revitalise the practise of puoro (music). Leading from the heart as an advocate for musicians and artists of all mediums to be valued as practitioners who provide an essential service, claiming - "it’s art that makes the world go around".
ALI WHITTON RELEASES SECOND SINGLE FROM UPCOMING DEBUT ALBUM ‘HOPEFUL HEART’
Indie-folk singer-songwriter Ali Whitton has today released ‘Hopeful Heart’ - a powerful follow-up to November’s track ‘Quiet My Heart’ ahead of his debut album Between the Forest and the Stars due to release in April 2026.
Ali Whitton’s songwriting journey has taken him from rural North Yorkshire to the stages of London, Paris and Aotearoa - shaped by heartbreak, reinvention, and a lifelong connection to storytelling. Inspired early on by discovering his father’s poetry, Ali learned that songwriting could be a way to process life’s most emotional moments.
After fronting bands and performing solo across Europe, Ali relocated to New Zealand in 2010, where he began releasing music under the name Lost Bird and became a fixture on the local acoustic circuit. A longtime friendship with Ed Sheeranled to a pivotal moment in 2023, when Ali shared a work-in-progress track that sparked a year-long songwriting and recording commitment.
That collaboration has since evolved into Ali’s debut album, co-produced by Dave Khan (Marlon Williams, The Veils, Reb Fountain) and Reb Fountain featuring musicians Gus Agars and Steve Harrop - marking an exciting new chapter in his career.
Today’s release of ‘Hopeful Heart’ gives audiences another sneak peek into what to expect from April’s album release. Lyrically, ‘Hopeful Heart’ is a cynical lament to the optimism and the ‘keeping-on-trying’ mentality of a dreamer, whose heart is always hoping for some big true love and sees only ‘the possible’, and the good in the world, only to be so-often let down. “It really shows the unkindness of our inner voices sometimes, how we are all constantly wrestling with the balance between our hopes and our setbacks.”
Ali’s full body of work encapsulates the spiritof a traveller, moving through the world. In ‘Hopeful Heart’ Ali found himself in the thick of his challenge of writing a song a week for a year. “In between solo parenting and the day job, I had hardly any time to write the song for the week I was in, so the opening line ‘hopeful heart, another song’ was almost expressing exasperation towards the challenge. It ended up being written really quickly and being about the dreamer inside of me that just wants to do music and experience all the beauty in the world versus the reality of the day job, the grind, and the aches of life.”
Today’s single and Ali’s debut album Between the Forest and the Stars showcases a sound that is woody and warm, rich and layered, with Ali’s voice always at the centre, vulnerable yet true. There is comfort in this music, as well as a deep sense of longing.
PLAY IT STRANGE ANNOUNCES COMPETITION DATES AND ALL-STAR LINEUP OF JUDGES FOR 2026
After a record-breaking year of competition entries, producing 876 original songs and waiata, the most in their 23-year history, Play It Strange is thrilled to be back for 2026. Today the charitable trust announces an incredible lineup of 23 world-class artists from throughout Aotearoa, as well as the dates of their 2026 competitions including their Junior, National, Peace Project and Waiata Māori competitions.
Play It Strange CEO Stephanie Brown says: “In 2025, Play It Strange received a record number of song entries from rangatahi across Aotearoa, spanning languages, styles, and genres. Recognising the power of songwriting during the formative teenage years, we’ve brought together 23 established musicians to judge nearly 1,000 original songs written in bedrooms and classrooms across the motu. Our judges span a wide range of musical worlds, ensuring every young songwriter can see themselves reflected in Play It Strange”.
All competitions will open their entries next Monday, 2 February. Entries will then close for the Junior Competition first of all, on Sunday, 3 May, with winners notified by Friday, 22 May. Judges for the junior competition include There’s a Tuesday frontwoman Nat Hutton, young alt-pop songwriter Frankie Venter, award-winning pop icon Boh Runga, reggae and roots trailblazer Laughton Kora, Split Enz alumni and Play It Strange founder Mike Chunn, and soul-pop artist Muroki.
2026 judge Frankie Venter is not only a rising star in Aotearoa’s music scene, but a Play It Strange Alumni who was a finalist in Play It Strange’s 2022 Junior Competition! She says: “It’s such an honour to judge the Junior Competition! Play It Strange is such an incredible organisation for young artists - I’m super excited to hear what people come up with this round! I released my first song through Play It Strange when I was in high school and it was such an awesome kickstart to releasing my own music!"
Sunday, 24 May will then see the Peace Project competition close, with winners being notified by Friday, 12 June. Judged by pop powerhouse and Play It Strange’s very own Paige, genre-blending neo-soul artist Jordyn with a Why, internationally acclaimed soul singer Deva Mahal, award-winning rapper and producer Tom Scott and, once again, Mike Chunn - this competition has been freshly re-named this year to clearly reflect its initiative. The focus is on purpose - using songwriting to respond to the times we are living in and to contribute something meaningful through your art. Entrants are encouraged to write lyrics that reflect their own perspective on peace, whether that relates to personal wellbeing, relationships, community unity, cultural identity, or global issues. Participants are asked to consider why peace matters right now, what it looks like in their own world, and how their song can contribute to the wider project.
Platinum artist Paige returns to the judging panel again this year, after judging the National Competition in 2025. “I’m so passionate about the meaningful and thought provoking songwriting coming out of Aotearoa, especially from our rangatahi. I’ve always loved how in history, music has been shaped by the political and social state of the world and how it’s used to heal us. I’m excited to hear the songs that come out of the Peace Project this year. With the way the world is moving right now we need some good tunes!”
On Sunday 21 June, the Waiata Competition will close, with winners notified by Wednesday 8 July. Powerful wāhine artist Ria Hall, and producer and songwriter Noema Te Hau III will judge this competition, with last year's intake seeing more rangatahi than ever entered. The competition aims to incorporate te reo Māori - whether it’s a few kupu (words) or the entire waiata - to showcase the incredible talent we have in Aotearoa specifically throughout this area of the industry.
Noema Te Hau III is thrilled to be coming on board to judge the Waiata Māori Competition, saying: “Judging the 2026 Play It Strange Waiata Māori Competition is especially meaningful to me because of how waiata Māori has shaped my own creative journey. It’s a privilege to support and uplift rangatahi who are using music to explore identity, perspectives, tell their own unique stories, and carry our culture forward through waiata Māori”.
Play It Strange’s biggest competition of all, the National Songwriting Competition, will close entries on Sunday, 26 July, with winners being notified by Wednesday 19 August.The impressive collection of judges for this year’s National Competition includes pop icon Cassie Henderson, Drax Project’s Shaan Singh, producer and engineer EDY On The Beat, singer-songwriter Riiki Reid, country artist Kaylee Bell, Academy Award-winning songwriter Bret McKenzie, Devilskin lead singer Jennie Skulander, powerhouse singer-songwriter Gin Wigmore, genre-crossing rapper and producer Melodownz, and Play It Strange’s Mike Chunn.
Riiki Reid judges for Play It Strange for the first time this year, and says: “Being a judge in this year's Play It Strange Competition makes me SO excited to witness the new up and coming writers and musicians of Aotearoa. The work that Play It Strange does is so important for our youth - it is a way that we can introduce them into our music industry with the support and guidance they need. There's an enormous amount of talent here and I'm grateful to be able to play a part in spotlighting our talented youth. I have so much hope for the way young artists will positively shape music in our country”.
2025’s four major competition winners included:
Salem Māhia Randall from Tairāwhiti Gisborne (2025 National Songwriting Competition Winner)
Ihaka Whanarere-Tauri from Whanganui (2025 Waiata Māori Competition Winner)
Betty Shen from Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland (2025 Peace Song Competition winner)
Sienna Fitzgerald from Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland (2025 Junior Songwriting Competition winner)
Following last year’s success, Play It Strange awarded these winners prizes including recording their singles in a professional studio, mentoring sessions, radio airplay, Artist Development sessions and inclusion on Play It Strange’s digital albums available on all major streaming platforms.
Behind each entry into a Play It Strange competition, there are hundreds of young people finding their voice, building confidence, and feeling empowered to share their creativity with the world.
The small but mighty team of 3 including Stephanie Brown, Evie Bamford and Paige Tapara showcase creativity, passion, and relentless mahi to mirror the work of founder, Mike Chunn and consistently offer the New Zealand Music Industry and its rangatahi countless opportunities to immerse themselves in songwriting, breaking down barriers and welcoming everyone in with open arms.
Mike Chunn has listened to every single Play It Strange submission for 23 years - more than 7200 songs. Mike says: “The volume of entries is increasing, and the quality is extraordinary. It is a joy to witness the evolution of Play It Strange”.
About Play It Strange:
Established in 2003, Play it Strange runs annual national songwriting competitions for high school students, with finalists awarded a day in a recording studio to professionally record their songs. Play It Strange releases these songs on digital albums and provide mentorship and performance opportunities. Their alumni list includes Kimbra, Georgia Nott of Broods, Liz Stokes of The Beths, Frankie Venter, Annah Mac, Louis Baker, CHAII, Luca George, Ratbag and so many more.
BANISHED MUSIC & STRANGE NEWS PRESENT STRANGE UNIVERSE AUTUMN EDITION - FULL LINEUP REVEALED!
If you weren’t already cancelling all your plans for March, Banished Music and Strange News have just gone and added a whole lot more musical mashed potato to your plate with the extraordinary full line-up for Strange Universe: Autumn edition revealed at last!
That’s right, this phenomenal series of shows in your favourite venues across Tāmaki Makaurau just added 200% more phenom! We’ve gone and added three whole new shows into the mix for your troubles, and announced a bunch of pretty incredible support acts!
One of the UK’s most sought after acts, and an NTS Radio regular, Nabihah Iqbal is coming on back to our shores to throw down a late night DJ set to remember at Neck of the Woods! Opening up the night will be the formidable Tāmaki Makaurau-based Iraqi artist and producer Mariam (Hafleh, Sonic Hapori), spinning for all your Maqams and Mawaals, dancehall, dub, and Raï needs!
Making her Aotearoa debut, it’s the soulfully sublime Los Angeles folk artist Annahstasia, praised by The Guardian for her “superbly written, remarkably moving songs, delivered by a singer who knows exactly how to use her vocals to cut the listener deep”. Joining Annahstasia at Pitt Street Methodist Church is local alternative folk favourite Na’amah Cheiban, whose songs resonate with frank vulnerability and aching sincerity.
Finally, we are unbelievably honoured to announce the long-awaited return of American folk hero Jolie Holland, back at last to perform at Pitt Street Methodist Church as a very special intimate duo. Jolie’s connection with Aotearoa runs deep, recording a recent collaboration with Theia, and a long-standing friendship and collaboration with our old friend Steve Abel. Speak of the devil, we’ve managed to lure Steve away from the Beehive for one night only, set to perform his first solo show in longer than we care to imagine.
But wait… that’s not all!
Norwegian duo of the moment Smerz have invited the one-and-only Erny Belle to join the bill at Double Whammy for one of her only shows of the season! Smerz are absolutely dominating the world circuit at the moment, and this new addition makes the show truly unmissable.
Flying Nun favourite The Bats are celebrating their 2025 already-classic album Corner Coming Up, inviting the wonderful HalfSisteR to open for them at the iconic Hollywood Avondale! HalfSisteR are newly minted, and feature members of Jean-Paul Sartre Experience, Superette, Drorgan, and more!
Set to join American psych lord Ty Segall and his scorching band on his grand return are none other than Japan’s most dangerous band, Guitar Wolf! The Powerstation is set to have its foundations put to the test once and for all with this rock’n’roll collision for the ages!
Anatolian psych-folk sensation Derya Yıldırım & Grup Şimşek will transform Double Whammy into something truly magical, now with added sorcery thanks to an all-star live incarnation of Noa Records mainstays WAIWHAI.!
Eternally excellent Swedish noise makers Les Big Byrd will be joined by the fiercest trio in the land right now, Sulfate! Reunited, reinvented, and fully reinvigorated, you won’t experience a deeper head trip than a Sulfate show any time soon, and we’re stoked to have them on the bill.
“Woah, turns out we’re even more crazy than we were when we thought we were crazy before!”
- Reuben Bonner, CEO of Banished Music
Yes, it’s time to ramp things up and really get the party started with this wild line-up of good times. March will never be the same again… And you better believe we are planning Strange Universe WINTER Edition already…
STELLAR LINEUP ADDITIONS AND PARTNERSHIPS ANNOUNCED FOR CENTRE COURT SOUNDS 2026
Auckland’s most unique summer music experience, Centre Court Sounds, is well and truly back. Following the city’s staple annual ASB Classic, February 21st 2026 will see the Manuka Doctor Arena transform the space into an intimate live music venue for one unforgettable night.
Today’s news sees the addition of three incredible acts to the 2026 lineup, as well as the official partnerships being announced.
Following the city’s staple annual ASB Classic, Centre Court Sounds returns to theManuka Doctor Arena on February 21st 2026 - transforming the space into an intimate live music venue for one unforgettable night.
Centre Court Sounds is proud to partner with Mānuka Phuel, a New Zealand-made, all-natural energy drink brand known for delivering clean, functional energy using premium local ingredients - making them the perfect presenting partner for the 2026 event.
Piper-Heidsieck Champagne joins as a luxury partner, bringing over two centuries of French champagne excellence and adding a touch of celebration and sophistication to the Centre Court Sounds experience.
Rounding out the lineup, Steinlager, one of New Zealand’s most iconic beer brands, comes on board as a partner, synonymous with quality brewing and great moments shared with friends and live music.
Joining the iconic kiwi pair SACHI, Sydney-based electronic duo Bag Raiders and five-piece alt-rock group NO CIGAR - will be music collective Flamingo Pier (DJ Set), breakout dance powerhouse Bontempo and multi-talented radio host and DJ Sin.
Born in New Zealand and formed in London, Flamingo Pier are a globally recognised dance act at the forefront of contemporary electronic music, blending house, disco, funk, and jazz with live instrumentation and electronic production. The trio - Luke Walker, Dom Jones, and Brad Craig - first gained international attention through releases on Kitsuné and Soundway Records, with their music featured on BBC Radio 1, KEXP, and Netflix, and praised by Rolling Stone as “dancefloor legends.” Their releases have topped charts, surpassed millions of streams, and taken them to major festivals and sold-out shows across Europe, the US, and New Zealand. For Centre Court Sounds, Flamingo Pier will perform as a duo, with Luke and Dom delivering their signature joyful, high-energy live show.
Bonnie, or Bontempo - which translates to “good times” - lives by the music motto “there is no such thing as a guilty pleasure”, and is known for flouting the norm. Her sets are a captivating, dynamic trip through a range of genres, which has made her a favourite for dancers across the nation during her six years DJing. Bontempo has performed at many of Aotearoa’s most esteemed events, with sets at R&A, Splore, Flamingo Pier, Two Minds Festival, R&V, Baseline, and Le Currents, to name a few. Her vast music knowledge is evident in her sets, and her ability to connect to the audience and create a collective energy is unparalleled.
Co-host of George FM Drive, New Zealand’s leading dance and electronic radio show, Sin is a key figure in Aotearoa’s dance music scene and a trusted voice in electronica. Her reputation as a selector has seen her perform at major festivals including Electric Avenue, Rhythm & Vines, Homegrown, Hidden Valley and Hidden Lakes - including Boiler Room sets - and share stages with global heavyweights such as Fatboy Slim, Groove Armada, Solardo, Ewan McVicar and Eli Brown. Her sound has taken her from Fiji’s Your Paradise to international stages in Perth, Miami, the UK and Europe, with standout moments including a four-date Australian tour in 2024 and a six-show UK and European run in 2025 featuring a sold-out headline show at Brixton Jamm and festival slots at Boomtown and Liquicity. Known for building high-energy, dancefloor-first sets spanning house, techno and rave-inspired heaters, Sin brings an electrifying presence to the Centre Court Sounds lineup.
Centre Court Sounds co-creator Harry Gorringe says “Centre Court Sounds is all about covering the court, a full day rallying through genres in the heart of Auckland, with something for everyone in the stands. With Flamingo Pier, Bontempo and SIN joining SACHI, Bag Raiders and No Cigar, it’s a lineup that serves from first ball to match point.”
General Admission and Premium General Admission tickets are selling fast, and can be found at centrecourtsounds.flicket.co.nz.
Positioned in the heart of late summer - that sweet spot where the weather is warm and the pace of life hasn’t fully accelerated - Centre Court Sounds is designed for guests seeking a final escape before autumn arrives, blending premium live music with a relaxed, sun-soaked atmosphere.
The Manuka Dr Arena will undergo a full transformation, with lush greenery, resort-style landscaping, turf underfoot, and intimate design elements reshaping the iconic venue iboutique summer festival setting. Leading brands will activate across the venue with curated food, bars, tasting experiences, and premium lounges - elevating Centre Court Sounds into one of the country’s standout hospitality-led music events.
The centre-court layout places fans just metres from the stage, delivering unbeatable sightlines and proximity across suites, premium seating, VIP lounges, on-court GA areas, and dedicated hospitality zones. With its central position and non-residential surroundings, Manuka Dr Arena is uniquely positioned for a high-energy summer event - with no noise restrictions and effortless transport options.
Following updates required for ATP regulations during the ASB Classic - including the demolition of the original Robinson Stand - the arena’s redevelopment has created an entirely new opportunity for Centre Court Sounds. For this year’s event, the temporary Robinson stand will be fully repurposed into a bespoke, purpose-built stage, complete with backstage and sidestage lounge spaces reminiscent of the premium tennis environment fans know and love. This redevelopment allows Centre Court Sounds to expand to a 3,000-person capacity, with a configuration tailored specifically for live music.
2026’s Centre Court Sounds will see an atmosphere full of new and improved offerings off the back of a successful first year in operation. Attendees can expect a larger GA footprint on centre court, a reimagined premium hospitality layout, VIP Booths and VIP Lounge experiences inspired by the ASB Classic and a completely new way to experience a live concert inside one of Auckland’s most iconic venues.
GLOBAL SYNTHONY PHENOMENON RETURNS HOME AS MĀNUKA PHUEL SYNTHONY FESTIVAL FINAL LINEUP IS ANNOUNCED
Duco Touring has today revealed the final additions to the Mānuka Phuel SYNTHONY Festival lineup, confirming SYNTHONY artists ahead of the festivals highly anticipated return to Auckland Domain on Saturday 21 March 2026.
The announcement comes off the back of an extraordinary 12 months for SYNTHONY globally, cementing the format as one of New Zealand’s most successful music exports. Across 2025 and early 2026, SYNTHONY completed a nine-city European tour (with all but two shows sold out), debuted in North America in Calgary, Canada, and made its U.S. debut in Orlando performing alongside the world-renowned Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. The brand has also just wrapped its fifth Australian tour, culminating in a standout performance on the steps of the Sydney Opera House, welcomed in 2026 as the New Year’s Eve midnight act at Rhythm & Alps, and will make its Middle East debut in Dubai following their flagship event Mānuka Phuel SYNTHONY Festival.
Rising pop powerhouse Cassie Henderson, award-winning country-pop star Kaylee Bell, electrifying rock frontwoman Jennie Skulander, and legendary electronic and drum & bass vocalist P Digsss are newly confirmed as the latest vocalists set to take the stage as part of SYNTHONY No.7, delivering the next evolution of the genre-defying SYNTHONY experience. Fans can also expect the return of beloved SYNTHONY collaborators Sarah-Grace Williams and the Auckland Philharmonia.
Also joining the stacked lineup as SYNTHONY artists is Ilan Kidron, Emily Williams, Jujulipps, Lewis McCallum, Nate Dousand and Ventura Black.
These final announcements complete a lineup that spans electronic, live band, DJ, orchestral and vocal performance.
The 2026 festival will additionally see previously announced Faithless (Full Live Band), Peking Duk, Shapeshifter, Kaylee Bell, Nice ’n’ Urlich, Made You Look, Hot Dub Time Machine, The Black Seeds, The Exponents, and the powerful return of SYNTHONY No.7, alongside a full-scale Pepsi DJ Stage featuring Beccie B, Flamingo Pier (DJ Set), Pixie Lane x Kazi Flip, Scary B. Mean, Take Em To Church, and Tim Phin.
“After taking SYNTHONY to stages around the world over the past year, it’s always special to bring it home to Auckland Domain. Mānuka Phuel SYNTHONY Festival remains our biggest event globally, and SYNTHONY No.7 is shaping up to be one of our most ambitious and exciting editions yet,” says David Higgins, Founder of Duco Touring.
The 2025 edition of Mānuka Phuel SYNTHONY Festival saw a sold-out crowd of 40,000, a $1.8 million production, and a 2,000-strong crew, firmly cementing the festival as a cornerstone of the New Zealand summer events calendar.
MĀNUKA PHUEL SYNTHONY FESTIVAL
Saturday 21 March, 2026
Auckland Domain
FAITHLESS (FULL LIVE BAND) (UK)
PEKING DUK (AU)
SHAPESHIFTER
SYNTHONY No.7 (NEW SET LIST)
HOT DUB TIME MACHINE (AU)
KAYLEE BELL
MADE YOU LOOK
NICE 'N' URLICH
THE BLACK SEEDS
THE EXPONENTS
PEPSI DJ STAGE
BECCIE B
FLAMINGO PIER (DJ SET)
PIXIE LANE X KAZI FLIP
SCARY B. MEAN
TAKE EM TO CHURCH
TIM PHIN
SYNTHONY ARTISTS
CASSIE HENDERSON
KAYLEE BELL
P DIGSSS
JENNIE SKULANDER
EMILY WILLIAMS
ILAN KIDRON
JUJULIPPS
LEWIS MCCALLUM
NATE DOUSAND
VENTURA BLACK
Over 25,000 tickets have already sold for the event with less than two months to go. In addition to General Admission (All Ages) tickets, fans can secure Premium GA tickets (18+), Amex VIP Garden, or Amex VVIP Garden all-inclusive options.
To purchase tickets, register for updates, or for more information, go to: SYNTHONY.COM
HELIOS: BREATHTAKING SIX-METRE SUN ART INSTALLATION LANDS IN AUCKLAND FOR THE FIRST TIME
Aucklanders are guaranteed a little extra sunshine this summer, as Auckland Live presents Helios - a breathtaking, larger-than-life artwork created by renowned UK artist Luke Jerram. Arriving in New Zealand for the first time, Helios is both a scientific wonder and a multi-sensory artwork, offering a rare opportunity to visualise the beauty and complexity of our closest star.
The first chance to catch a glimpse of Helios in Aotearoa will be at the opening night of the brand-new New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC) on Thursday 12 February. Following the showing at the NZICC, Helios will move to its week-long home in the Concert Chamber, Auckland Town Hall from Saturday 7 March until Sunday 15 March. Helios will be presented in association with the Te Ahurei Toi o Tāmaki Auckland Arts Festival.
Measuring six metres in diameter and created at a scale of 1:230 million (each centimetre represents 2300km of the sun’s surface), Helios is constructed from approximately 400,000 images of the Sun’s surface. These images combine photography by astrophotographer Dr Stuart Green with data from NASA solar observations. Internally lit, this spherical installation allows for a safe yet awe-inspiring examination of the Sun’s extraordinarily detailed surface, revealing features such as sunspots, spicules and filaments.
Named after the ancient Greek sun god – symbolic of time and life, Helios blends real solar imagery with animated lighting accompanied with an immersive surround-sound composition by Duncan Speakman and Sarah Anderson, resulting in a powerful and unforgettable experience. Exhibition creator Luke Jerram has also produced several other astronomical artworks, including Museum of the Moon, Gaia and Mars.
Director of Auckland Live, Daniel Clarke is thrilled to bring Helios to Aotearoa for the first time, saying:
“Presenting Helios as a free public exhibition reflects our commitment to opening up Auckland’s civic spaces for shared cultural experiences. Bringing an international artwork of this scale into the Auckland Town Hall creates an opportunity for people to come together, slow down and encounter something extraordinary in the heart of the city.”
Viewing of Helios in the Concert Chamber at Auckland Town Hall is free and open to everyone, with no booking required at any time. A programme of associated free events will be announced in the coming weeks.
RHYTHM AND VINES WELCOME IN THE NEW YEAR
After an electric four days in Tairāwhiti, Gisborne, 22,000 Kiwis welcomed in the new year at New Zealand's iconic New Year's music festival, Rhythm and Vines.
Not a dry eye was in sight as festival-goers watched the world famous Countdown Video bring them into 2026, with a nostalgic look back on some of the key moments.
With over 100 acts delivering magical sets in the vines from December 28 until the early hours of January 1, the East Coast township welcomed in the 23rd year of the festival this year.
Day one, Camper's Night, kicked off with the official Waiohika Warmup - featuring two stages in full flight, the Rhythm Stage and Cellar Stage - with a strong offering of the best up-and-comers in kiwi music. Some highlights included ELLA MONNERY, INMOTION, MYLEN and MIKEYY.
On day two, thousands of festival-goers were treated to standout performances from KID CUDI, mosh favourites TURNSTILE, future popstar INJI through to the future in drum and bass PIRAPUS and DJ to the stars A-TRAK.
Day three saw all four stages stacked as punters soaked up tunes from MARIBOU STATE, L.A.B, BL3SS, LEE MVTTHEWS, and the history-making SUPERGRANS DJ Set.
Day four of R&V provided magical sets from KANINE, NOTION, Kiwi classics HOMEBREW and CORRELLA, as well as R&V Veteran and King of Drum and Bass - WILKINSON, keeping the party going well into the early hours.
Following a SOLD OUT festival in 2025, Rhythm and Vines are thrilled to announce their short but hotly anticipated R&V2026 Advance Sale to launch on January 14, 2026!
This exclusive advance sale will offer:
- Limited release of camping passes - secure your preferred campsite early
- 3-day festival passes at the lowest prices possible, starting from
- Single day passes - perfect for those wanting to join us for specific days
- First release pricing - the best value tickets of the year
R&V LEGENDS - New Loyalty Ticketing Scheme
Introducing R&V LEGENDS, the brand new loyalty ticketing scheme designed to reward our most dedicated festival-goers. Return customers will enjoy exclusive benefits, priority access, and special perks as a thank you for your continued support of Rhythm and Vines. More details about R&V LEGENDS and how to register will be announced in the coming weeks.
Head to rhythmandvines.co.nz/tickets for details.
About Rhythm and Vines
Rhythm and Vines is New Zealand's iconic New Year's music festival, held annually at Waiohika Estate in Gisborne. As the first city in the world to see the sunrise, R&V offers a world-class music festival experience, leading the way in festival safety, sustainability, and accessibility.
Held each year at the stunning Waiohika Estate, on the East Coast of New Zealand, in the beautiful township of Tairāwhiti | Gisborne, Rhythm and Vines offers festival-goers the chance to be the first in the world to welcome the first sunrise at one of the world's premier music festivals. The award winning music festival opens up to campers from December 28, with the festival officially kicking off on December 29, through to the first sunrise on January 1.
The festival successfully raised $40,000 for the Gisborne Mayoral Relief Fund and will now focus it’s fundraising efforts to SugerGrans Tairāwhiti. In the years prior to the Gisborne floods, Rhythm and Vines successfully raised over $62,500 for Lifeline.
FOXY AND HILLIER DELIVER BIG ON AND OFF THE COURSE AT MĀNUKA PHUEL CHASING THE FOX
Mānuka Phuel Chasing the Fox delivered a thrilling night of sport, entertainment, and generosity on Friday 12 December at Royal Auckland and Grange Golf Club, with New Zealand’s top golfers and a stacked field of challengers coming together to raise life-changing support for charities across New Zealand.
Ryan Fox and Daniel Hillier proved too strong for their competitors on the course, but the real winners were the charities. Event partner Mānuka Phuel and Matt Pringle of Mānuka Doctor donated a total of $300,000, including $15,000 to each of the other charities represented by competing teams, and a transformative $150,000 to Starship Foundation, ensuring the evening had a lasting impact off the green.
Big Buddy charity received a $30,000 donation, after the event’s $15,000 prize for the winning team was awarded to Fox, who then matched the amount himself to double the donation.
“I love that this event is about more than just golf,” says Fox. “Big Buddy does incredible work, and seeing the wider impact for all of the charities through Matt and Mānuka Phuel’s incredible $300,000 donation is something I’m really proud to be a part of.”
Adding to the charitable impact on the night, Kiwibank’s ‘Birdies for Bucks’ challenge brought extra excitement to hole five. For every birdie made, Kiwibank donated to charity, and when birdies proved elusive, players were challenged to dig into their own pockets, delivering plenty of hype and good-natured humour. The initiative raised more than $90,000 for charity, further amplifying the event’s impact beyond the leaderboard.
Blending high-performance golf with live music, culture and a festival atmosphere, the final party hole once again delivered unforgettable scenes. The event was capped off by a live DJ set from international star CYRIL who jumped straight up on stage after playing golf with Sir John Keys and Max Keys. Local favourites Tim Phin, Dick Johnson, Dan Aux, Karn Hall and Grant Marshall also performed DJ sets, continuing the party atmosphere into the night.
Kiwis tuned in for nationwide coverage on TVNZ 1 and TVNZ+. Australian fans caught the action on Fox Sports Australia - available on Kayo Sports and Foxtel, and global fans tuned in to DANZ.com.
With elite athletes, media personalities and sporting legends all taking part, Chasing the Fox once again proved that competition, community and generosity can go hand in hand, delivering unforgettable moments for fans and life-changing support for charities across New Zealand.
BRITOMART'S TAKUTAI SQUARE GOES FULL FANZONE FOR THE ASB CLASSIC
Tennis fans in Auckland don’t need to miss a match in the ASB Classic, with Britomart’s Takutai Square becoming a fanzone that will screen every match of the tournament for free.
The ASB Classic team is working with Tātaki Auckland Unlimited and Britomart Group to ensure as many Aucklanders and visitors as possible get to experience the thrill of the matches.
“The magic of the fanzone in Takutai Square is that it gives so many more people the chance to catch the action in the ASB Classic,” says Tracy Magan, ASB Classic Event Director. “It’s our way of sharing the energy of the event with the city and giving everyone the chance to enjoy the tennis in a fun, free way.”
A big outdoor screen by Monstavision with a SKY feed is being set up in Takutai Square so anyone can watch the tennis matches beaming live from Manuka Doctor Arena, from morning until late in the evening.
“Takutai Square is already one of the city’s most inviting public spaces, so we’re delighted to be able to amplify the summer action by offering everyone the opportunity to relax in a bean bag on the lawn in the sun to watch the tennis,” says Britomart Group’s Jeremy Hansen. “It’s very generous of the team at the ASB Classic to share their world-class tournament with the city in this way.”
This year’s ASB Classic is shaping up to be one of the best tournaments yet, featuring WTA stars Elina Svitolina, Emma Navarro and wildcards Venus Williams, Sloane Stephens and Katie Boulter. The men’s tournament includes defending ATP champion Gael Monfils, Stan Wawrinka, Ben Shelton, Casper Ruud and Jakub Mensik.
Play in the ASB Classic commences on Monday 5 January and concludes with the men’s final on Saturday 17 January. Tickets to the matches at Manuka Doctor Arena are available at this link. Every match will be screened live in Takutai Square, with open access and no ticketing.
THE LAST SPLORE - END OF AN ERA
In a statement issued today, Splore Festival’s long-time owner, John Minty, has decided Splore 2026 will be the last, due to lower than hoped for ticket sales.
Minty says “I have been involved with Splore at Tāpapakanga for 20 years and I feel now is a time to move on. I am incredibly proud of all that the festival has achieved and the devoted crew and Splorers who have created such magic and community over that period. However, it’s becoming more difficult to sustain a festival of Splore’s quality and depth so rather than diluting it I’d rather it finish with a bang”.
He says after 18 years of financial viability the festival hit headwinds with costly Covid postponements and cancellations and the cost of living crisis which led, for the first time, to low ticket sales for the 2024 event.
“We took a rest last summer hoping things would pick up for the 2026 event but so far that hasn’t happened to the degree that we wanted”.
A hoped for lifeline from the Government’s $70 million Event Boost Fund was not forthcoming despite a comprehensive and what he thought was a very persuasive application.
Splore is an independent, Aotearoa-owned and is meticulously curated by artists, thinkers and creatures of the night. Supporting independent culture is an act of community care, says Minty, a choice to uplift the real human-scale experiences in an age of corporate mega-festivals and supermarket-brand entertainment. Debuting in Kariotahi in 1998, Splore has been Aotearoa’s longest running music and arts camping festival.
Splore 2026 features its usual over-the-top, eclectic, original and diverse programme of music, art, performance, wellness and family activities. The music programme includes Sister Nancy, Nightmares on Wax, Mind Enterprises, General Levy, Tami Neilson, Miss Kaninna, Parson James, Illustrious Blacks, Beatles Dub Club, Coco Solid, Christoph El Truento, Te KuraHuia, Romi Wrights, Jess B, Franca, Dick Move, Estere, Half Queen and many more.
Last week’s Performance and Wellbeing announcement outlined the eclectic 2026 performance, cabaret and wellbeing programme, the much-loved Lucky Star coffee cart turned entertainment extravaganza, a new creative collaboration with Auckland Pride and a sneak peek at some of the artists shaping today’s visual culture in the soon-to-be-announced visual arts programme. Extended information about this year’s 160+ strong lineup can be found here.
The ever popular Lucky Star zone will be back exclusively at Splore with a huge line up that almost qualifies as a festival in its own right, featuring Dylan C, Patsy Skeet, Sanoi, Mermaid Bait, Zuke, Nikita Tu-Bryant and many more.
Also back is a comprehensive Wellness Programme featuring yoga and meditation, special screenings of the ‘Three Days in February’ film by Serena Stevenson and a chill music ‘After Dark’ programme.
Splore’s ever-popular cabaret show moves to Main Stage, featuring Chris Oh, House of Coven as well as roving performers popping up all around the park. A children's programme is also featured.
In its time running, Splore has been more than a festival - it has been a living, breathing playground for self-expression, a place where music, art and nature collided to create moments of pure freedom and connection. It has always stood for authenticity, inviting people to show up exactly as they are, to dance barefoot, to discover new sounds, and to find kinship among like-minded souls. As this chapter comes to a close, the spirit of Splore lives on in every shared sunrise, every painted body, and every beat that brought us together.
“So for all Splorers out there let’s make this 2026 event a beautiful, farewell celebration party on the beach” - John Minty, Splore Festival Director.
Photo: Splore’s Festival Director John Minty and Brazilian DJ Luísa Viscardi
SPLORE FESTIVAL 2026
February 20-22 2026, Tāpapakanga Regional Park
INTERNATIONAL GUESTS
Röyksopp (dj set) (NO) || Sister Nancy (JM) + Legal Shot (FR) || Nightmares on Wax (UK) || General Levy (UK) + Joe Ariwa (UK) || Mind Enterprises (ITA) || Parson James (USA) || Miss Kaninna (AU) || C.Frim (AU) || Illustrious Blacks (USA) || Beatles Dub Club (UK) || Franca (DE)
LOCAL LIVE & DJS
Tami Neilson || Coco Solid || Jess B || Christoph El Truento (live) || Estère || Dick Move || Romi Wrights || Te KuraHuia || Benny Salvador || Chiccoreli + Tali || DylanBiscuit b2b ajhoneysuckle || BBYFACEKILLA b2b Snakelegs || GoldTooth || Half Queen || ilish || Kaiviti || Marjorie Sinclair || NymphLoads || ORIKoL || Vercetti || WAEWAEXPRESS || Arcadia || Love Language || Hudge || Bobby Brazuka || Dastardly Bounder || DJ Banty || Rose Alice
PERFORMANCE + CABARET
Chris Oh! || The Butterfly Who Flew Into The Rave || House of Coven || Oblivion Westwood || The Conservatory || Chemistry Roller Crew || Tyler Nacho || Blip The Siren || Cirque du Solittle || Flame Entertainment || Fraser Hooper || Free Hugs || Kayla Paige || Letitia Lickkit || The Dynamic Duo || The Paul Klaass Street Show || The Snacrobats
THE LUCKY STAR PRESENTS
AlleyKat || ASHEZ || Barn Dance with a Twist || Benthamism || Breath Wright || Ceci Leemeco || Conrad Coom ||
Culture Embassy || Darcy & Daisy Lammington || Dylan C || Harry Charles || JJ’s Reggae Bingo || Libby K || Lord Woo || Loop Electronica Sessions || Lucky Star All Stars Band || Mamadafunk || Matt Rapid & Elise Adlam || Mermaid Bait || Mix n Match || Mozzarella Cheese Making Rave || msjos || Narzys Birdie Bonanza || Nikita 雅涵 Tu-Bryant ||
Patsy Skeet || Pretty Fly & A White Guy || Princess Room || Queen B & The Nobles || Ravensdaughter || Rock N Roll Alley || Sanoi || Sister Act || Stevie T || Take ‘Em To Church || The Fantastic Mr Penguin || The Huneybee Wild || The Mara || Tommy and The Woo || Tysonidero || Zuke
WENDY’S WELLNESS
FACILITATORS: Amanda Wright || Chardin || Christine Spicer || Claire Conza || Franki Cole || Joanna Walden || Julia Vajda de Albuquerque || Katie Greengrass || Kiri Walden || Lauren Filer || Loren Honey || Louise Mills || Maryam Al-Roubaiai || Maya Nova || Meg Bell || Raquel Minh || Sarah Spence || Summer Knight || Tor White ||
Taane Mete + Jock Barnes Graham || Tracey Bennett || Zoe Kee-Sue
PRACTITIONERS: Christopher Jones || Jackie Segers || James Hancox || Kimberly Mabbett || Lana Raill || Laura Jean || Phoebe Hart || Rā Balderas
AFTER DARK: Chloe Palmer || Deep Dive || Love Language || Misled Convoy || Nikita 雅涵 Tu-Bryant || Three Days In February || Toroa || Xuno’s Conscious Audio Creations
WELLNESS POP-UP: Em Wafer || Kayla Gordine || Serena Stevenson
TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW
FOLLOW SPLORE
WEB | INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | YOUTUBE | FACEBOOK
THE SHAPESHIFTING SOUND OF PAN AMSTERDAM HITS TĀMAKI MAKAURAU
Presented by The Tuning Fork, Pan Amsterdam, a musical enigma wrapped in an enduring riddle, comes to Tāmaki Makaurau for a one-night only on January 25. His creator is a jazz musician from Houston who’s found fame working with Detroit punk rock God, Iggy Pop, and British indie royalty, Metronomy, and now makes shapeshifting, adventurous hip hop out of the music’s spiritual home, New York.
Pan Amsterdam and his creator Leron Thomas’ creative endeavours have been touched by music’s rare capacity to connect kindred spirits. Over the years, he’s rubbed shoulders with an early incarnation of Destiny’s Child (as a child he won a talent competition in Houston alongside Beyonce and co, and even attended the same Performing Arts school), played with jazz great such as Robert Glasper, Charles Tolliver and Roy Hargrove, and performed with hip hop/neo-soul luminaries such as Kanye West, Lauryn Hill, Bilal, Erykah Badu and Mos Def.
For complete tour and ticket information, visit: tuningfork.co.nz
PAN AMSTERDAM
THE TUNING FORK
AUCKLAND
25 JANUARY
TICKETS ON SALE FROM WEDNESDAY 17 DECEMBER, 9AM
For complete tour and ticket information, visit: tuningfork.co.nz
About Pan Amsterdam
Pan Amsterdam is a musical enigma wrapped in an enduring riddle. His creator is a jazz musician from Houston who’s found fame working with Detroit punk rock God, Iggy Pop, and British indie royalty, Metronomy, and now makes shapeshifting, adventurous hip hop out of the music’s spiritual home, New York. He’s an irreverent character born out of frustration and named after a misunderstanding, yet one who’s on the verge of releasing his fourth album of truth-slaying, genre-crossing rhymes and beats. So, who is Pan Amsterdam? Everything you want him to be. And more besides.
Pan Amsterdam and his creator Leron Thomas’ creative endeavours have been touched by music’s rare capacity to connect kindred spirits. Over the years, he’s rubbed shoulders with an early incarnation of Destiny’s Child (as a child he won a talent competition in Houston alongside Beyonce and co, and even attended the same Performing Arts school), played with jazz great such as Robert Glasper, Charles Tolliver and Roy Hargrove, and performed with hip hop/neo-soul luminaries such as Kanye West, Lauryn Hill, Bilal, Erykah Badu and Mos Def.
NEW ZEALAND’S BIGGEST BAND ARE BACK WITH THEIR LATEST SINGLE ‘WE MADE IT’ - OUT ON 12 DECEMBER 2025
SIX60 announce the release of their latest single, “We Made It”, out today Friday 12 December 2025. “We Made It” channels SIX60’s signature fusion of pop and reggae — the sound of summer and true roots music.
The track celebrates gratitude, growth, and taking a moment to appreciate how far you’ve come. Whether it’s a major milestone or just the feeling of hitting Friday and heading for the beach, “We Made It” captures that universal sense of celebration.
As the year wraps and a new one begins, this song delivers the uplifting message listeners are looking for: We made it. We celebrate life. And we keep moving forward.
SIX60 has recently performed on 11 December 2025 in the heart of Sydney Harbour as part of the ‘On The Steps’ series. They will bring the same show that has sold out world-famous venues and helped them become New Zealand's first true ‘stadium band’. This show will treat audiences to the band’s beloved classics, along with brand-new music live from their new album before its release.
“We Made It” is available now STREAM/LISTEN HERE
Images and Media assets here
For more information please contact:
Bex Martelletti // 818
bex@818.co.nz
+64 27 528 6839
ARTIST BIO
From humble beginnings in a student flat in Dunedin to becoming the highest-selling live band in New Zealand history, SIX60’s journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. Known for their electrifying live shows, the band has sold out iconic venues including Eden Park, Western Springs, the Hordern Pavilion, Riverstage, and even a memorable halftime show at a sold-out Accor Stadium for the State of Origin in 2023 — cementing their reputation as a once-in-a-generation live phenomenon.
Their success extends far beyond the stage. In 2025, the Aotearoa Music Awards named SIX60 the country’s first-ever Chart Icon, recognising a record-breaking career that includes more than 1,200 weeks on the New Zealand music charts, four #1 albums, and 48 platinum-certified singles.
With the recent completion of their fifth studio album, SIX60 continues to evolve while staying true to their roots — inspiring fans around the world and shaping the future sound of Aotearoa/New Zealand.
SPLORE FESTIVAL SHARES PERFORMANCE AND WELLBEING OFFERINGS FOR 2026
New Zealand’s most loved independent music and arts festival, Splore, returns to Tāpapakanga Regional Park from 20–22 February 2026 for its 20th year at the stunning beachside location. Today Splore reveals its eclectic 2026 performance, cabaret and wellbeing programme, confirms the much-loved Lucky Star coffee cart turned entertainment extravaganza is back, announces a new creative collaboration with Auckland Pride and drops a sneak peek at some of the artists shaping today’s visual culture in the soon-to-be-announced visual arts programme.
These sit alongside the already announced, scene-defining music line-up, expertly co-curated by Shaquille Wasasala (Half Queen) and long-time Splore director John Minty. Across six stages, stellar international and Aotearoa artists will bring cutting-edge sounds and future cult favourites to one of the most beautiful festival sites in the world.
Now more than 25 years in, Splore has carved out its place as a fiercely independent cultural beacon for Tāmaki Makaurau. The festival’s world-building goes far beyond the music, with exquisite art installations, eclectic performance and cabaret, spaces for wellness and self-expression, and room for the whole whānau, kids included, to plug into the magic. Inclusive and carefully curated, Splore is an arcadian utopia, a candy store of experiences and discoveries for the curious and open-minded.
The Performing Arts programme for 2026 brings home a wave of world class Kiwi talent who have been winning awards and hearts overseas. Chris Oh!, phenomenal Boylesque superstar and bonafide Splore icon, will tear up Main Stage, then teach a free Saturday workshop for anyone keen to learn his sexy, sassy moves. The Butterfly who Flew into the Rave lands with the full-force choreography that powered an eighteen month international tour. Much loved clown Fraser Hooper returns after a huge year in Europe. Rock ’n’ roll street-show legend Paul Klaass, one of Aotearoa’s most charismatic carneys, comes back fresh from London and Edinburgh seasons. Aerial star Oblivion Westwoodcontinues her wild rise above it all.
This year, Splore’s iconic cabaret steps out of the Naked Eye Stage and storms Main Stage for a bold Saturday night takeover. Festival Director John Minty’s decision to hand cabaret a prime slot shows just how central performance is to Splore’s DNA. Long-time cabaret writer and Splore performance director Emma Herbert Vickers delivers M O R T A L Fever Dream, a one-off show created just for Splore and choreographed with World of WearableArt’s Kayla Paige. Auckland Fashion Week darlings and ballroom icons House of Coven bring runway drama and ballroom flair. Tāmaki Makaurau’s sharpest parkour acrobats and dancers from The Conservatory Studios will be popping up all over the site. Cirque du Solittle, the irreverent ASMR Bar and visiting Los Angeles artist Tyler Nacho hold court in the Not Very Big Top. All around them, roving characters drift past like escapees from a Dalí painting or a freaky future, while roller skaters, dancers, free hugs and acrobats appear right when you need them.
At the beating heart of Splore is Lucky Star, which in 2026 is appearing exclusively at Tāpapakanga. Lucky Star first rolled in as a humble coffee caravan and juice bar and from day one just blew up with its own life and energy. “It was wild, irreverent and more than a bit chaotic, yet it always just worked,” says Festival Producer Fryderyk Kublikowski. Over time the Splore crew let it grow and mutate until it became a beloved world within the festival on its own terms.
Run by Mels Berg and Jonas Karsten, Lucky Star mirrors their free-roaming life on the road. When they’re not travelling Aotearoa with a convoy of house trucks and The Extravaganza Fair, or living on their slice of paradise halfway up Mt Taranaki, they roll into Tāpapakanga with a loyal cast of friends and build a buzzing hub that feels like a circus sideshow, backstreet dive bar and a community living room all at once. “We showed up slinging espresso, but Lucky Star was always going to misbehave. Every Splore we tilt things a bit further, from the Portal to late-night disco, ridiculous fashion shows to sunrise bliss-out DJ sets. It is chaos in the best way and Splore gives us the canvas to splash all our colours around,” says Berg.
Berg is also a skilled music and entertainment curator, threading her playful ideas of good times through the Lucky Star programme with top live acts, the finest DJs and antics that draw in, ambush and completely beguile the up-for-it crowd.
For 2026, the line-up is exclusive to Lucky Star. Bass innovator ASHEZ brings high energy, international festival fire. Afro-rooted ensemble Culture Embassy and brass-fuelled party band Mermaid Bait keep the dancefloor at full tilt, while songwriter and performer Nikita 雅涵 Tu-Bryant carves out intimate pockets of song and storytelling. Long time Splore favourite Dylan C returns with the emotional, journey style DJ sets that have become the stuff of late night legend. New for this year, Lucky Star teams up with Loop Recordings Aot(ear)oa for the Loop Electronica Sessions, serving up heady sets from the label’s extended whānau Harry Charles, Sanoi, Zuke. Across the weekend, Lucky Star regulars like Mamadafunk and vinyl diggers Pretty Fly & A White Guy hold the thread with deep soul and disco grooves. And, the not to be missed Mozzarella Cheese Making Rave. Mixing cheese science with cheese maestro Wallace Wensleydale, from fresh milk to fully stretched mozzarella, churn out laughs, lore and lactose in a high energy unforgettable cheese string rave. Prepare for culture. Literally.
Wendy’s Wellness returns in 2026 as Splore’s sanctuary on the hill, where yoga, sound, movement and mischief all share the same mat. The programme threads together breathwork and beach yoga with Taane Mete and Jock-Barnes Graham, a new Run Club with Kayla Jade Gordine that explores hidden corners of Tāpapakanga, Human Design insights from Christine Spicer, and Sonic Flow, a Qigong and Double Gong Journey with the only forty inch Atlantis Gong in Aotearoa. Twerkwerk® brings booty medicine for the soul, Tor White’s Ahoy Griefy invites grief onto the dancefloor, and guided life drawing sessions offer a different kind of stillness and self discovery.
By night the zone shape-shifts into After Dark. The 2026 programme opens with screenings of Serena Stevenson’s Splore film Three Days in February, including a special live remix of the soundtrack, then slides into deep, late night sets from Misled Convoy, Nikita, Love Language, Dive Deep, Toroa, Xuno and Chloe Palmer with VJ Crockstar on visuals. Around them, a village of practitioners offers massage, tarot, palm readings, reiki and reflexology, with sessions available to pre book in the week before the festival. Take the goat track and you will find a whole ecosystem of wellbeing waiting at the top.
Splore 2026 will again turn Tāpapakanga into a living gallery, with large-scale beings, illuminated forms and site-specific works threading through the pōhutukawa shoreline. Visual Arts Producer Shea O’Neill says, “This year we are reimagining the Tāpapakanga environment with colour, bold shapes, movement and light, turning the groves into curated art spaces for Splorers to explore day and night.” For now, Splore can confirm work byLisa Reihana and Trace Element, with the full visual arts line-up still under wraps.
Still to come are full details of the weekend-long kids zone programme and a series of spoken word forums, all set to add even more layers to Splore’s world.
Topping today’s announcements is PrideXSplore, a new collaboration between the Splore Festival Charitable Trust and Auckland Pride. On Saturday 21 February, the queerest day of the festival, Auckland Pride will bring a busload of party people from Karangahape Road to Tāpapakanga for a one day Splore hit. The PrideXSplore pass includes return transport, a guided queer crew experience and a built in posse of rainbow pals to explore, swim and dance with.
In true community style, once 15 tickets are purchased, Splore will gift the remaining 40 places to queer and trans community members who have registered but may not have the means or access to get to Splore.PrideXSplore is about putting the originators of rave and house culture back at the centre of the floor. “We are proud to help give the dancefloor back to some of the people on the margins who built it in the first place,” says Festival Producer Fryderyk Kublikowski. “The queens, the queers, the artists and the unclassifiable beings who deserve a space to be at the rave.”
Splore Festival 2026 takes place from 20 to 22 February at Tāpapakanga Regional Park. Splore is the only place you can experience, Lucky Star and Wendy’s Wellness and Mainstage Cabaret together under one sky this summer. With 140+ acts collectively involved in Splore as of now, there are still more to be announced, bringing the total lineup to over 200.
SPLORE FESTIVAL 2026
February 20-22 2026, Tāpapakanga Regional Park
INTERNATIONAL GUESTS
Röyksopp (dj set) (NO) || Sister Nancy (JM) + Legal Shot (FR) || Nightmares on Wax (UK) || General Levy (UK) + Joe Ariwa (UK) || Mind Enterprises (ITA) || Parson James (USA) || Miss Kaninna (AU) || C.Frim (AU) || Illustrious Blacks (USA) || Beatles Dub Club (UK) || Franca (DE)
LOCAL LIVE & DJS
Tami Neilson || Coco Solid || Jess B || Christoph El Truento (live) || Estère || Dick Move || Romi Wrights || Te KuraHuia || Benny Salvador || Chiccoreli + Tali || DylanBiscuit b2b ajhoneysuckle || BBYFACEKILLA b2b Snakelegs || GoldTooth || Half Queen || ilish || Kaiviti || Marjorie Sinclair || NymphLoads || ORIKoL || Vercetti || WAEWAEXPRESS || Arcadia || Love Language || Hudge || Bobby Brazuka || Dastardly Bounder || DJ Banty || Rose Alice
PERFORMANCE + CABARET
Chris Oh! || The Butterfly Who Flew Into The Rave || House of Coven || Oblivion Westwood || The Conservatory || Chemistry Roller Crew || Tyler Nacho || Blip The Siren || Cirque du Solittle || Flame Entertainment || Fraser Hooper || Free Hugs || Kayla Paige || Letitia Lickkit || The Dynamic Duo || The Paul Klaass Street Show || The Snacrobats
THE LUCKY STAR PRESENTS
AlleyKat || ASHEZ || Barn Dance with a Twist || Benthamism || Breath Wright || Ceci Leemeco || Conrad Coom || Culture Embassy || Darcy & Daisy Lammington || Dylan C || Harry Charles || JJ’s Reggae Bingo || Libby K || Lord Woo || Loop Electronica Sessions || Lucky Star All Stars Band || Mamadafunk || Matt Rapid & Elise Adlam || Mermaid Bait || Mix n Match || Mozzarella Cheese Making Rave || msjos || Narzys Birdie Bonanza || Nikita 雅涵 Tu-Bryant || Patsy Skeet || Pretty Fly & A White Guy || Princess Room || Queen B & The Nobles || Ravensdaughter || Rock N Roll Alley || Sanoi || Sister Act || Stevie T || Take ‘Em To Church || The Fantastic Mr Penguin || The Huneybee Wild || The Mara || Tommy and The Woo || Tysonidero || Zuke
WENDY’S WELLNESS
FACILITATORS: Amanda Wright || Chardin || Christine Spicer || Claire Conza || Franki Cole || Joanna Walden || Julia Vajda de Albuquerque || Katie Greengrass || Kiri Walden || Lauren Filer || Loren Honey || Louise Mills || Maryam Al-Roubaiai || Maya Nova || Meg Bell || Raquel Minh || Sarah Spence || Summer Knight || Tor White || Taane Mete + Jock Barnes Graham || Tracey Bennett || Zoe Kee-Sue
PRACTITIONERS: Christopher Jones || Jackie Segers || James Hancox || Kimberly Mabbett || Lana Raill || Laura Jean || Phoebe Hart || Rā Balderas
AFTER DARK: Chloe Palmer || Deep Dive || Love Language || Misled Convoy || Nikita 雅涵 Tu-Bryant || Three Days In February || Toroa || Xuno’s Conscious Audio Creations
WELLNESS POP-UP: Em Wafer || Kayla Gordine || Serena Stevenson