ACCLAIMED MĀORI SOUL SINGER TEEKS ANNOUNCES FIRST EVER SPARK ARENA SHOW

AUCKLAND, NZ (August 29, 2022) – Live Nation has today announced that award winning Māori artist TEEKS (Te Karehana Gardiner-Toi) will be returning to the stage for an immersive, up-close and personal Auckland show this November. Experience TEEKS making history in a special in-the-round stage setting at Spark Arena for one show only, November 12th. Being his first ever arena-headlining show, this is TEEKS as you’ve never seen him before. 
 
Tickets for this show go on sale at 11am Tuesday August 30 from livenation.co.nz
 
Following the huge success of his sold-out Matariki shows with the NZSO and two Australian shows this year and a sold-out ‘Something to Feel’ debut album release tour, TEEKS has received global acclaim for his mahi on and off stage. ‘Something to Feel’ debuted at #1, with the single ‘First Time’ reaching #1 on Spotify and Apple, securing gold status in Aotearoa and South Africa, and amassing over 17 million streams. In 2021, TEEKS finished the year with three Aotearoa Music Awards for Best Solo Artist, Best Soul/R&B Artist, Best Māori Artist and Best NZ Act at the MTV EMAs.
 
Bursting onto the scene in 2017 with his EP The Grapefruit Skies, the world came to know TEEKS (Ngāpuhi, Ngāi Te Rangi, Ngāti Ranginui), with gold certified singles ‘If Only’ and the iconic ‘Never Be Apart’. By 2019, the Māori artist from the Far North had captivated the industry’s imagination as his towering potential came into focus. What really sealed the deal was his concerts, where an ostensible initial shyness quickly gave way to rare level of vulnerability. Speaking of TEEKS’ momentous, sold-out headliner show at Auckland’s Town Hall with the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra, The New Zealand Listener said his performance had the “emotional punch as, say, Adele’s version of ‘Someone Like You’ at the Brits in 2011.”
 
From performing in intimate venues to historical town halls, TEEKS is one live act you won’t want to miss.

“Teeks has an uncanny knack for singing with a gravitas that makes you feel like you are in a stadium, but at the same time as if he is singing for you and you only.” – New Zealand Herald

“His ballads, like soothing balms for heartache, and his stage presence, endearing and utterly likeable, are universally appealing – and his motley crew crowd are a testament to that.” – Stuff

“New Zealand’s soulful singer to know” – American Vogue

TEEKS
NEW ZEALAND 2022

SPARK ARENA, AUCKLAND
SATURDAY, 12 NOV

TICKETS ON SALE TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 1 AT 10AM NZT
Live Nation and Ticket Agent pre-sale: 9am Wednesday August 31 – 9am Thursday September 1

For complete tour and ticket information, visit: thisteeks.com & www.livenation.co.nz

AUCKLAND LIVE PRESENTS PICK & MIX 2022

Auckland’s much-loved, free family-friendly programme, Auckland Live Pick & Mix, makes a welcome return with a short taster for 2022.

Featuring a renowned kapa haka troupe and an immersive app-based adventure, two perfect ways to be inspired by the creativity of the performing arts.

Pick & Mix offers performances and workshops, a fantastic opportunity for curious young audiences to try out new artforms and learn some new skills in a safe, relaxed environment together with some of Aotearoa’s most talented artists and performers.  

First up is Te Wehi Haka, The Haka Experience! With a free kapa haka performance that celebrates Te Ao Māori (the Māori world) alongside a fun and interactive workshop where everyone gets to learn more about Toi Māori (Māori art forms) and gain some new te Reo Māori kupu (words). The Haka Experience! is presented in celebration of Te Wiki o te Reo Māori, Māori Language week.

In November, Binge Culture (Whales) returns with a free app-guided immersive adventure, Who What Where Now. Participants will go on an adventure around the Aotea Centre and Aotea Square – including behind-the-scenes areas that are not generally open to the public. 

Discover different characters, activities, and surprises on this interactive adventure that is guaranteed to stimulate the imagination and inspire creativity. This event will be great fun for everybody and can be completed solo or in groups of 2-6 people. Who What Where Now was commissioned by Auckland Live, celebrating an exciting direction in hybrid arts experiences. These experiences integrate technology and immersive theatrical storytelling in an exciting way that families can enjoy together.

Auckland Live Pick & Mix aims to immerse audiences into the world of performing arts by providing everyone, especially families, with free high-quality arts performances and workshops designed to inspire and open doors to discover the wonder of live arts and entertainment.

Auckland Live Pick & Mix is free to attend, however bookings are essential due to limited venue capacity. Registering for a free ticket is the best way to secure your spot. Tickets are available now for The Haka Experience! and can be booked at aucklandlive.co.nz. Registration for Who What Where Now will be available later this year. You can sign up to a waitlist to be the first to hear when tickets are released at aucklandlive.co.nz

For full details of the Auckland Live Pick & Mix programme, venues and timings, visit: www.aucklandlive.co.nz/event/pick-and-mix 

AUCKLAND LIVE PICK & MIX EVENTS: 
Suitable for ages 4 to 10+  

The Haka Experience!
10am, Sat 17 Sep – Auckland Town Hall | Hōro ā-Tāone o Tāmaki Makaurau
10am, Sun 18 Sep – Bruce Mason Centre

Who What Where Now
Sun 6 Nov – Aotea Square | Aotea – Te Papu Tū Wātea and Aotea Centre | Aotea – Te Pokapū 

FIRST RELEASE OF ACTS FOR RHYTHM AND VINES 2022 AS THE FESTIVAL CELEBRATES ITS 20 YEAR ANNIVERSARY

After having a year off, Gisborne’s award-winning multi-day music festival returns with its first release of acts tasked with bringing the party to the 20th anniversary celebration of Rhythm and Vines.

The first announcement and day split includes:

DEC 29

CHASE & STATUS (DJ SET), CAMELPHAT, ANDY C, FOLAMOUR, LASTLINGS, SPACEY JANE, TSHA, ALICE AGNES, BARRY CAN'T SWIM, DJ SEINFELD, ESTÈRE, GRAFIX, HARRIET JAXXON, JESS RHODES, MELL HALL, SURE BOY

DEC 30

DIMENSION (LIVE), BONOBO (DJ SET), SKREAM (DUBSTEP SET), CROOKED COLOURS, GLAIVE & ERICDOA , LADYHAWKE, EMWA, GEORGIE RIOT, KIKI ROCKWELL, KINK (LIVE), PRETTY GIRL, SAMMYTHESINNER, SHANTI CELESTE, SOFIA KOURTESIS, WIRI DONNA

DEC 31

ALISON WONDERLAND, FRICTION, COSMOS MIDNIGHT, FLAVA D, LEE MVTTHEWS, PROSPA, ASSOCIANU, DENA AMY, DJ MARKY, GERD JANSON, GODLANDS, HALOGENIX, KITO, SAMMY VIRJI, SIN, TS7

CLICK HERE FOR FESTIVAL MARKETING ASSETS

The opening night of Rhythm and Vines features headline performances from CHASE & STATUS, CAMELPHAT and ANDY C. It has been eight years since UK drum and bass legends CHASE & STATUS last performed at Rhythm and Vines. With four albums and two legendary performances at Rhythm and Vines under their belt, it makes perfect sense to have one of the globe’s biggest drum and bass artists headline the opening night of Rhythm and Vines 20th anniversary celebration. Joining Chase and Status on the opening night, is the undisputed King of D&B and RAM Records head honcho ANDY C, returning for his second appearance at the festival. Rounding off the first night is a NZ exclusive performance from electronic producer-duo CAMELPHAT, who most notably are responsible for 2017 breakthrough, Grammy nominated hit “Cola”. Lovers of house, disco and all things dance floor are also given a treat with performances from hotly tipped TSHA, French house and disco producer FOLAMOUR, Swedish producer DJ SEINFELD and Scotland born house maestro BARRY CAN’T SWIM. Western Australian indie rockers SPACEY JANE also make their debut performance at Rhythm and Vines, with more acts to be announced in November.
 

Night two of Rhythm and Vines features a NZ exclusive live set from UK drum and bass producer DIMENSION (LIVE). Audiences will be treated to an audio and visual treat with anthems including “Desire”, Offender, and “Love to Give” to name a few. No surprises that Auckland lists high on Spotify stream locations, placing second below his hometown of London. Critically-acclaimed British musician and producer BONOBO will bring his globally respected ambient electronica vibe to the festival. A cult following, his unique jazz infused, trip hop and world music will have the Cellar Stage forest dancing till close. SKREAM returns to the festival bringing his highly respected Dubstep set. The last time Skream, aka Oliver Jones, performed at Rhythm and Vines in 2016, he proposed to his girlfriend Chloe on stage (she said yes!). The second night also features performances from New Zealand indie legend LADYHAWKE, who returns to Waiohika after 14 years, with debut performances from Australian indie group CROOKED COLOURS, hyper pop GLAIVE & ERICDOA and more.

Australian producer ALISON WONDERLAND makes her highly anticipated return to Waiohika Estate on New Year’s Eve. Globally renowned for big stage performances at Tomorrowland and being the highest billed female DJ in Coachella history, she will be tasked with bringing in the iconic New Year’s Eve time slot, sending 23,000 festival fans flying into 2023. And Drum and Bass icon FRICTION is no stranger to New Zealand fans, with regular tours and festival slots, he gets his shot to bring his anthemic crowd pleasers to the Vines Stage on New Year’s Eve. Featured performances also include Kiwi heroes LEE MVTTHEWS, UK garage and grime producer FLAVA D, and Australian house duo COSMO’S MIDNIGHT. Performances to watch out for include South African-born, Australian-raised DENA AMY (who once featured on Flight of the Conchords) through to ASSOCIANU (side project of Tove Lo). The most popular night, Rhythm and Vines is world famous for its New Year’s Eve show, including the infamous countdown video and fireworks show providing the ultimate send off into the New Year. And of course, the holy grail for festival fans across the globe is to be the first to welcome in the first sunrise in the world.

NEW DAVID FARRIER FILM EXPLORES AN INCREDIBLE TRUE STORY OF PSYCHOLOGICAL WARFARE

The new investigative film from David Farrier, Mister Organ, has been selected to have its world premiere next month at the prestigious Fantastic Fest 2022 in Austin, Texas.

Mister Organ sees journalist and filmmaker David Farrier (Tickled, Dark Tourist), unwittingly drawn into a dangerous game of cat and mouse with a mysterious individual clamping cars and creating havoc in his neighbourhood.

The clamper is revealed to be Michael Organ and as Farrier delves deeper into his background he falls into a thrilling and tension filled three year long investigation — unearthing a trail of multiple court cases, inflated claims of royal bloodlines and ruined lives, in this incredible true story of psychological warfare.

Mister Organ will be released in New Zealand cinemas from Thursday 10th November 2022.

Directed and produced by David Farrier, of the newsletter Webworm and co-host of the Flightless Bird podcast, Executive Producer Ant Timpson (Come To Daddy) and produced by Emma Slade (Nude Tuesday, The Justice of Bunny King) and Alex Reed (There’s No “I” in Threesome, The Girl on the Bridge).

The film is made with investment from the New Zealand Film Commission and MUBI. The film is distributed in New Zealand/Australia by Madman and international sales are being handled by Submarine and UTA.

SOL3 MIO ANNOUNCE ‘THE COMING HOME TOUR’ FOR OCTOBER 2022

Operatic pop vocal trio SOL3 MIO have today announced dates for New Zealand as part of The Coming Home Tour. Shows are confirmed for Auckland, Christchurch, Napier and Wellington in October 2022.

Comprised of Samoan-descended brothers Pene and Amitai Pati - both tenors - and their baritone cousin Moses Mackay, the group fuses classical, opera, and pop music with a playful wit and frequent nods to their Samoan heritage.

The Coming Home Tour will include songs from their third studio album Coming Home, featuring a mix of contemporary hits and well-known classics, including lead single E Ipo.

All three are classically trained and had been pursuing their own careers when, in 2008, Pene and Moses found themselves in the backing choir for famed Italian star Andrea Bocelli. The inspiration they felt from that concert stayed with them, and in 2011 they united with Amitai for a series of fundraising concerts that would launch their career as SOL3 MIO.

By 2013 they signed with Universal and recorded their self-titled debut, a collection of traditional and popular songs that immediately topped the New Zealand Albums Chart and became the biggest-selling album in the country that year. SOL3 MIO’s success continued in 2014 with the release of a four-song EP, a holiday single, and appearances around the world. Their 2015 follow-up album, On Another Note, also reached number one in New Zealand led by the single I See Fire, a cover of Ed Sheeran's song from The Hobbit soundtrack.

PRODUCTION COMMENCES FOR PIKI FILMS’ NEW FILM STARRING ERANA JAMES AND RIMA TE WIATA

Production is underway for Piki Films’ new feature film starring Erana James, Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei and Waikato Tainui (The Wilds, The Changeover), Nathalie Morris (Bump, Petrol), new talent Manaia Hall, Ngāi Tūhoe, Ngāti Manawa, Ngāti Pukenga, and acclaimed actor Rima Te Wiata, Ngāti Raukawa (Hunt for the Wilderpeople, Housebound).

From the production house behind NZ box office hits Jojo Rabbit, Baby Done, Hunt for the Wilderpeople and The Breaker Upperers, the film follows the friendship of three misfit teens trapped at an institution inconveniently situated on a tiny island. The school’s mission is to transform delinquents from barbarism to domestication.

Directed by Josephine Stewart-Te Whiu, Ngāpuhi and Te Arawa (Waru, Ani), the film is written by cartoonist and writer Maddie Dai, whose work features in the New Yorker, with additional writing from Stewart-Te Whiu.

Director Josephine Stewart-Te Whiu said: “The strength and friendship in these young women is funny and inspiring, and to bring this film to life is my teenage dream. It’s a privilege to be working with such an incredible cast and crew in Christchurch.”

It will be produced by Morgan Waru of Piki Films, Ngāti Porou (Baby Done) and Polly Fryer (The Golden Hour). The film features Ōtamahua Island and is being made with support from Te Hapū o Ngāti Wheke.

The film is made with investment by The New Zealand Film Commission, the New Zealand Government’s Screen Production Grant, Fit Via Vi, Screen CanterburyNZ, Department of Post, Native Audio, and Kiwibank. The film is distributed in New Zealand by Madman and Piki Films and in Australia by Madman.

‘CYCLORAMA’, NZ’S FIRST E-BIKE FESTIVAL TO DEBUT THIS LABOUR WEEKEND

Cyclorama, New Zealand’s first e-bike festival is set to debut this Labour Weekend (22nd and 23rd October) in Arrowtown offering the ultimate weekend destination for the growing numbers of e-bike riders.

The brainchild of Film and TV producer Dave Gibson, and curated after research from festivals around the world, Cyclorama offers riders from New Zealand and abroad the chance to ride spectacular trails while experiencing aspects of the Whakatipu that make it such a renowned destination. Whether you are into wine, beer, gin, food or bird watching - there is a ride and stunning views for you to lap up.

Cyclorama offers six carefully designed and curated rides suitable for all ages and fitness levels. Riders are welcome to bring their own e-bike to the festival or secure a bike from one of the local rental suppliers. E-Bike experience is not specifically required and there’s no need for a high level of fitness to enjoy many of the rides.

All rides start and finish in Arrowtown at the Cyclorama Festival Village which will house various e-bike retailers and accessory providers. In addition there will be e-bike activities set up to complement Arrowtown’s great cafes, bars, restaurants and shops.

“It’s fantastic to be welcoming a new bike-focused event to the region,” says Destination Queenstown Marketing & Communications Director, Sarah O’Donnell. “We are very excited to be hosting the inaugural Cyclorama e-bike festival in our region, showcasing both the amazing biking in our region but also the huge range of world-class experiences that Queenstown is renowned for. It’s shaping up to be an outstanding programme of activities and we look forward to welcoming visitors here.”

Tickets are limited and are on sale now from the website www.cyclorama.co.nz

THE RIDES

TOUR DE GOURMET

Tour de Gourmet offers riders a spectacular ride through the Central Otago countryside with featured degustation style foodie stops along the way.

Largely based around Arrowtown, Lake Hayes and Dalefield, riders will be treated to delicious locally sourced food with matched beverages at four very special locations.

This ride has sessions across both the Saturday and Sunday and includes food and beverages at each stop.
 

GINOLOGY

This ride gives riders the unique opportunity to blend your own craft gin under the expert guidance of renowned Fenton Street distiller Stuart Green. After riding to a colourful taxidermist’s studio on the Arrow River Bridges trail, Stuart will guide riders nose and palate through a gin tasting session, while he regales the group with the tales that made Fenton Street an award-winning distillery. Following that, riders will have the chance to make their own gin by selecting from a range of botanicals, then blending them into their very own exclusive gin to take home. 

THE HOP TRAIL

This ride is an adventurous 50 km ride highlighted with tastings at some of the best craft breweries in the Wakatipu basin.

Travelling across a rarely accessed track riders will head to Arthur’s Point where riders have craft beer tastings at both Cargo Brewing and Canyon Brewing, choosing one location for their late lunch. Lager, IPA, Pilsner, Wheat, Porter, Hazy…maybe even a seltzer, a radler or a cider will be available at each of the two breweries offering different tastings.

Then it’s back to Arrowtown via the occasionally challenging Lower Shotover/Kimi Ākau Trail (and a diversion around the slip). In Arrowtown, riders will choose to try a Lake & Wood brew at Slow Cuts from local brewer Jay Sherwood or choose from a wide selection of craft beers at The Fork and Tap where there will be live music.

RIDE TO THE SKY

Local e-MTB guide, Shay Muddle normally guides riders up Grant Peak. For Cyclorama he will guide riders up one of his favourite and hard to access rides – Mt Rosa. 

Shay will transport the bikes out to Gibbston Valley to save batteries for the breath-taking one hour ride up the hill. Although moderate experience is required, this is a chance for riders to take themselves to the next level and do something a bit different with a guide. 

PEDDLING PINOT

Riders will head along the Arrow and Kawarau Rivers taking in all the sights en route to Gibbston Valley and to Valli vineyard where they will meet Grant Taylor amongst his vines. 

Grant will share the reasons why he grows pinot grapes here and what’s special about the land and the varietal. Together they will ride through the vines to Kinross for a tasting showcase which will demonstrate the different nature of terroir by comparing pinot noir from his Gibbston and Waitaki vineyards.

A delicious lunch with Grant in the Kinross Wine Garden will be served with an accompanying glass of wine.

AWAKE WITH THE BIRDS

Riders will enjoy a gentle early morning e-bike ride around Lake Hayes with the chance to spot pukeko, crested grebes, black shag, New Zealand scaup, white-faced herons, black swans, kingfishers, waterfowl and coot. 

October is a great month for bird watching and riders will be guided by zoology graduate, eBirder and experienced nature guide Petrina Duncan alongside bike pro Tony Moore. Binoculars are supplied or you may bring your own. 

The ride includes brunch at The Dishery on return to Arrowtown, where riders can relax, debrief on what they have seen and watch the Festival Village come alive from their own special table.

TRAILER UNVEILED FOR UPCOMING KIWI FILM ‘MILLIE LIES LOW’ STARRING ANA SCOTNEY AND RACHEL HOUSE

The enthralling trailer for upcoming Kiwi film Millie Lies Low has today been released, ahead of the comedy-drama’s general release on September 29th. Bringing the story of Millie to life is actor, artist and theatre-maker Ana Scotney (Cousins, The Breaker Upperers), Kiwi acting stalwart Rachel House (Bellbird, Hunt for the Wilderpeople), and is supported by Chris Alosio, Jillian Nguyen and Sam Cotton. The film has screened at prestigious film festivals SXSW, Berlinale, Sydney Film Festival and the New Zealand International Film Festival, and will soon screen in Melbourne and Edinburgh.

Millie Lies Low is Michelle Savill’s feature film directorial debut, with Millie’s story inspired by her own. When heading to France to screen her award-winning short film Ellen is Leaving at the Clermont-Ferrand International Short Film Festival, Savill arrived to the airport to discover her flight had left 24 hours earlier. While a kind airline staffer saved the day, it inspired the story behind Millie Lies Low, where our main character isn’t quite so lucky.

Co-written by Savill and Eli Kent (Coming Home in the Dark), Millie Lies Low follows Millie, an architecture student on her way to New York for an internship, before a moment of panic causes her to miss her flight. Unable to afford another ticket, and worried about the shame of confessing to her friends and family, she hides out in Wellington until she can scrounge together the money for another flight. Keeping her loved ones in the dark starts to backfire, causing Millie’s world to crumble around her.

Director Michelle Savill is thrilled to share Millie Lies Low with Kiwis: "It has been great to share the film with audiences around the world and I am now looking forward to bringing it back home."

Lead actress Ana Scotney adds: “I am so excited we are finally getting to share Millie Lies Low with Aotearoa after such a wild two years! It’s been an honour to be part of this film and share a performance that reflects such an anxious time. I hope you all enjoy the ride!”

CEO of Rialto Distribution Kelly Rogers says: “We are thrilled and excited to be releasing Michelle’s wonderfully entertaining film to Kiwi and Australian audiences in a golden year for local films.”

Produced by Desray Armstrong (Coming Home in the Dark, Juniper) and Angela Littlejohn (Juniper, The Drivers Wife: The Legend of Molly Johnson), Millie Lies Low was made with financing from the New Zealand Film Commission, Images and Sound, Rialto Distribution and private investors. The film was completed with funding from the New Zealand Government’s Screen Production Recovery Fund.

Rialto Distribution will distribute the film in New Zealand and Australia.

TRAILER RELEASED FOR KIWI DRAMA FEATURE FILM PUNCH

The trailer for local drama film Punch has today been unveiled ahead of its nationwide general release on September 8th, 2022. The film stars British actor and Oscar nominee Tim Roth (Bergman Island, Rob Roy, Pulp Fiction, Tin Star), alongside rising Aotearoa talent Jordan Oosterhof (Cul De Sac) and Toi Whakaari graduate Conan Hayes (Sweet Tooth).

Welby Ings, whose award-winning short films have screened at more than 80 international festivals, is writer and director for the project. Punch is a contemporary love story about loyalty and redemption.

The story follows seventeen-year-old small-town golden boy and boxing hero, Jim (Oosterhof), who carries the hopes and dreams of his father Stan (Roth) on his shoulders. His growing relationship with local boy, Whetu (Hayes), forces him to confront the truth about his sexuality, navigating isolation, hypocrisy and the brutality of small town life.

Punch had been a long-time passion project for writer and director Welby Ings: “I am so proud of this story - rarely told – it’s a homage to a truth-facing, compassionate world. Sometimes adversity is beautiful. Punch is like that. I fought for 15 years to bring the story into the light. Magnificent cast and crew wrestled the film from between the jaws of Covid-19 and the country that I love unfolded a breathtaking landscape.”

Ings adds: “Punch is really the story of anybody who has fought to find their place in the world, even when this means losing the things that keep you safe.”

Punch received its world premiere at the Whānau Mārama New Zealand International Film Festival 2022 this past weekend. It will screen in 14 centres around New Zealand as part of the festival in the lead-up to its nationwide cinema release on September 8th, 2022.

Punch is produced by Catherine Fitzgerald (Coming Home in the Dark, Bellbird) of Blueskin Films, and Robin Murphy (Lowdown Dirty Criminals, Births, Deaths and Marriages) for Robin Murphy Productions. The film is made with investment from The New Zealand Film Commission, and the New Zealand Government’s Screen Production Grant and Screen Production Recovery Fund. Punch is distributed byVendetta Films in New Zealand and Australia with international sales by The Yellow Affair.

SPRING CITY PRESENTS GROOVE ARMADA LIVE

One of the globe's biggest electronic dance acts GROOVE ARMADA will be touring their full live band experience across New Zealand this Spring as part of their 25 Years farewell tour. The 4 date tour will feature performances at QEII PARK in CHRISTCHURCH on THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24 2022, CHURCH ROAD WINERY in NAPIER on FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25 2022, and TSB ARENA, WELLINGTON on SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 27 2022. The Auckland performance on SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 26 2022 will see Groove Armada headlining the return of the SPRING CITY MUSIC FESTIVAL, taking place at the stunning AUCKLAND DOMAIN.

For over two decades GROOVE ARMADA has been established as one of the planet's best loved and biggest selling dance acts. Since debuting in 1997, they’ve proved that it’s possible to bravely explore a multitude of sounds while achieving critical and commercial success. It’s a trait that is apparent within a selection of their best loved songs. From the dancehall dub of ‘Superstylin’ to the crossover pop of ‘Song 4 Mutya (Out of Control)’ and from the dancefloor-igniting ‘I See You Baby’ to the woozy sunset vibes of ‘At The River’, Groove Armada have consistently and uncompromisingly followed their own vision.

What the duo - Tom Findlay and Andy Cato - have achieved must’ve seemed unthinkable when they first met at university back in the nineties: three UK Top 10 albums; three Grammy nominations; a BRIT nomination; and a succession of hit singles that are still being discovered by new fans to this day. Despite having formed a quarter-of-a-century before streaming exploded, they still command the attention of almost two million monthly listeners at Spotify. They’ve also collaborated with or remixed countless high profile artists, notably Madonna, Paul Simon, Fatboy Slim, Calvin Harris, Neneh Cherry and Bryan Ferry.

Fans of Groove Armada can expect to experience the live show with the full band at each of the 4 shows, with support acts to be announced. The full Spring City Music festival lineup to be released at a later date.

ONEREPUBLIC ANNOUNCE ‘LIVE IN CONCERT’ NEW ZEALAND TOUR

AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND, Monday July 25, 2022 – GRAMMY® nominated, multi-platinum selling band OneRepublic announce their return to New Zealand in 2023 for two shows in March 2023. The band will perform in Auckland on March 16, followed by Wellington on March 18. Special guest for OneRepublic’s New Zealand dates is hip-hop force Masked Wolf.
 
OneRepublic, fronted by the enigmatic Ryan Tedder, have provided some of the most memorable and successful pop hits of their generation, including chart and streaming smashes “Apologize”, “Stop and Stare”, “Rescue Me” and “Counting Stars”.  The band has blasted back into global charts with their smash hit “I Ain’t Worried” which is featured in the blockbuster movie, Top Gun: Maverick. The video, directed by Isaac Rentz, includes stunning footage from the film. It has already chalked up more than 1.3 million streams in New Zealand.

Hailing from Australia, opening act Masked Wolf (aka, Harry Michael) is a passionate and powerful rapper and singer, having amassed over 2 billion streams and counting. Following the release of his hit songs "Speed Racer", "Night Rider" and "Water Walkin", he unveiled "Astronaut in the Ocean" which quickly incited millions of TikTok videos.

Live Nation pre-sale commences 11am on Wednesday, July 27, concluding at 11am on Friday, July 29.

General public tickets on sale Friday, July 29 at 12.00pm. For complete VIP, tour and ticket information, visit: livenation.co.nz 

OneRepublic are riding high following the release of their 5th studio album Human. The album includes tracks which combined have over 2.5 billion global streams, “Run”, “Somebody To Love”, “Wanted”, “Didn’t I”, “Better Days” and “Rescue Me”, which has been certified RIAA Gold (US).

ONEREPUBLIC
NEW ZEALAND 2023

AUCKLAND, SPARK ARENA THURSDAY, MARCH 16
WELLINGTON, TSB ARENA SATURDAY, MARCH 18

PRE-SALE AND ON SALE TICKETING INFORMATION:

Live Nation pre-sale commences on Wednesday, July 27 at 11am, concluding at 11am on Friday, July 29.

General public tickets on sale Friday, July 29 at 12.00pm. For complete VIP, tour and ticket information, visit: livenation.co.nz

For complete tour, ticket and VIP Experience information, visit: livenation.co.nz

About OneRepublic
Grammy nominated OneRepublic, is comprised of singer/songwriter and lead vocalist Ryan Tedder, guitarists Zach Filkins and Drew Brown, keys Brian Willett, bassist and cellist Brent Kutzle, and drummer Eddie Fisher. The band released their debut set Dreaming Out Loud in 2007. The release included the 20mm selling smash single “Apologize,” which shattered digital sales and airplay records worldwide and received a Grammy nomination. The band’s sophomore album, 2009’s Waking Up, produced the hit singles “All the Right Moves,” “Secrets” and “Good Life.” The certified-platinum album Native followed in 2013, featuring the No.1 hit and 41 million selling single “Counting Stars.” OneRepublic released Oh My My, their fourth full-length album in 2016 and their latest album, Human, dropped on August 27, 2021. OneRepublic has amassed 35 billion global streams with 646 million of these streams coming from Australia. Album Naïve and single “Stop and Stare” have been certified Platinum by ARIA, “Rescue Me” is Double Platinum, “Something I Need” is 3 x Platinum with “Apologize” at 8 x Platinum and “Counting Stars” a massive 14 x Platinum.

JENNIFER CONNELLY AND BEN WHISHAW SET TO STAR IN ALICE ENGLERT’S ‘BAD BEHAVIOUR’

Academy Award winner Jennifer Connelly is set to star with BAFTA Award Winner Ben Whishaw in BAD BEHAVIOUR, Australian/New Zealand actress and filmmaker Alice Englert’s directorial debut. The film is a dark comedy about Lucy (Connelly), a former child actress who seeks enlightenment at a retreat led by spiritual leader Elon (Whishaw) while she also navigates the close yet turbulent relationship with her stunt performer daughter, Dylan (Englert).

Connelly can currently be seen starring in TOP GUN 2: MAVERICK opposite Tom Cruise. The blockbuster premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in May, opening in theatres Friday, May 27th and has broken records grossing over $1 billion worldwide.

Whishaw can most recently be seen in the lead role of Adam Kay's hit TV series adaptation of THIS IS GOING TO HURT and in the reprise of his role as “Q" in the hugely anticipated James Bond blockbuster NO TIME TO DIE.

Supporting cast includes New Zealand’s own Ana Scotney, who most recently starred in the Berlin and SXSW premiering drama comedy MILLIE LIES LOW, SAG Award®- winning actress Dasha Nekrasova (SUCCESSION) whose directorial debut, THE SCARY OF SIXTY FIRST, won Best First Feature at the Berlin Film Festival in 2021, Karan Gill (I MAY DESTROY YOU) and Marlon Williams (SWEET TOOTH).

Englert, who wrote the screenplay and is also directing the film, can most recently be seen in the Sundance 2022 premiering film YOU WON’T BE ALONE by Goran Stolevski and Starz's upcoming series reimagining DANGEROUS LIAISONS alongside Kosar Ali and Lesley Manville. She came on the scene in Sally Potter’s feature GINGER & ROSA and Britt Poulton and Dan Savage’s THEM THAT FOLLOW alongside Olivia Colman and Walton Goggin. Englert has also played in several acclaimed series such as Netflix’ show RATCHED, BBC series TOP OF THE LAKE and BBC One and Netflix’s THE SERPENT. As a filmmaker, Alice has made two shorts, THE BOYFRIEND GAME & FAMILY HAPPINESS, that have screened at premiere festivals around the world including Berlin, Toronto, MIFF and BFI London. THE BOYFRIEND GAME also won her a writing award at Melbourne’s St Kilda and was featured on Vimeo’s “Staff Picks."

BAD BEHAVIOUR is produced by Desray Armstrong and Molly Hallam, and executive produced by Stephen Braun of Bee-Hive Productions. The independent film's production is financed with funds from the New Zealand Film Commission, the New Zealand Screen Production Grant, Fulcrum Media Finance and Bee-Hive Productions with additional support from AHI Films and Images&Sound. CAA and Verve Ventures will co-represent the sale of North America with Protagonist Pictures handling ROW sales. AHI Films will distribute theatrically in Australia and New Zealand.

Connelly is repped by CAA, RMS and The Lede Company; Whishaw by CAA, Hamilton & Hodell, Peikoff Mahan and CLD Communications; Englert by CAA, Hamilton & Hodell, HLA Management, United Management and Narrative PR; Scotney is repped by Gail Cowan Management and MGMT Entertainment; Nekrasova by Gersh, Management 360, ID and Gochman Law Group; Gill by Grandview and The Artists Partnership; Williams by CAA and Heartstop Music. Bee-Hive Productions is represented by Verve.

TRAILER RELEASED FOR MURU A RESPONSE TO THE TŪHOE RAIDS

FROM WRITER AND DIRECTOR TEAREPA KAHI, MURU WILL RELEASE IN NATIONWIDE CINEMAS ON SEPTEMBER 1ST

On the eve of Matariki, the trailer for new action-drama film Muru has today been unveiled ahead of its nationwide general release on September 1st, 2022. From award-winning writer and director Tearepa Kahi (Poi E: The Story of our Song, Mt. Zion), world renowned actor Cliff Curtis and artist Tame Iti, the film is a response to the 2007 Tūhoe raids. Muru is a Māori concept for reconciliation and forgiveness. The film has today been announced to open the Whānau Mārama: New Zealand International Film Festival on July 28th at Auckland’s The Civic.

Filmed in Te Urewera and Rūātoki, Muru stars Cliff Curtis (The Dark Horse, Avatar 2), Jay Ryan (IT Chapter Two, The Furnace), Manu Bennett (The Hobbit trilogy) and Simone Kessell (Obi-Wan Kenobi). Support cast includes Ria Te Uira Paki (The Dead Lands), Roimata Fox (Waru), Poroaki Merritt-McDonald (Savage) and Tame Iti as himself.

Tearepa Kahi’s previous feature films Mt. Zion and Poi E: The Story of our Song both set local box office records. Kahi commented: “Working alongside Cliff and our incredible cast, in Tame’s backyard, in Tame’s native tongue, was a shared dream we’ve been working on for a long time. I’m hopeful that national recognition of Matariki, a month-long commitment to Reo Māori through Mahuru Māōri, means we’re ready as Aotearoa to open ourselves to a film like Muru."

Lead producer Reikura Kahi (Poi E: The Story of our Song) said Muru is a powerful and revealing te reo Māori language film with strong performances from a dream cast: “Muru is not a re-creation of the events, but a story which weaves the deep past and the recent present together, in order to reach a place, we deserve now more than ever.”

Lead actor and executive producer Cliff Curtis added: “My movies in Hollywood are for the most part entertainment. But at home in Aotearoa, every few years I am privileged to work with story weavers like Tearepa and Reikura Kahi to make cinema such as Muru that is profound, heartfelt and meaningful. This film is a work of love, conflict and forgiveness. See it. Discuss it. Share it.”

NZIFF General Manager Sally Woodfield said “Whānau Mārama: New Zealand International Film Festival is extremely proud to open our 2022 festival with the World Premiere of Tearepa Kahi’s te reo Māori film Muru. It’s incredibly special for the festival to celebrate its return to Auckland’s The Civic by presenting this powerful retelling of such a significant episode of Aotearoa’s history and we can’t wait to bring the film to festival audiences around the country.”

Kahi worked with cinematographer Fred Renata (Poi E: The Story of our Song, Mt. Zion), Academy Award winning editor John Gilbert (Hacksaw Ridge, The Lord of the Rings) and composer Mahuia Bridgman-Cooper (Shadow in the Cloud) to bring Muru to life. Reikura Kahi is the lead producer, alongside producers Selina Joe and Tame Iti.

Muru is the first feature film to be funded under Te Tumu Whakaata Taonga - New Zealand Film Commission’s He Pounamu Te Reo Māori Feature Film Fund. NZFC Pouwhakahaere Te O Kahurangi Waaka says: “Muru is a significant film in many ways. Firstly, as the first film to be supported through Te Rautaki Māori’s He Pounamu Te Reo Māori Feature Film Initiative. Secondly, it is another signature film for writer/director Terepa Kahi, his producer wife Reikura and their creative team. Thirdly, it is also very important as a film that supports the Iwi of Tūhoe, acting as a response to and insight into the traumatic impact of the police actions on their communities. A stellar cast of experienced and emerging Māori and te reo talent ably share the Iwi perspective on the events.”

The film was made with additional investment from Arclight Films International, Te Māngai Pāho, NZ On Air/Irirangi Te Motu, Three, Imagezone and Images & Sound. Muru is being distributed in New Zealand and Australia by Rialto Distribution, with Arclight Films International handling rest of world sales.

Muru is confirmed to open the Whānau Mārama New Zealand International Film Festival in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin, with a special screening in Whakatāne, ahead of its nationwide general release on September 1st 2022.

LIVE NATION & SECRET SOUNDS PRESENT CONAN GRAY

Live Nation & Secret Sounds have today announced that platinum-selling singer songwriter Conan Gray will be heading to New Zealand for a show at Auckland’s Spark Arena on November 13. The tour will see the Gen-Z pop-king visit Aotearoa for the first time ever, with a host of new tracks from his hugely anticipated new album Superache under his Valentino belt.
 
Tickets for all shows go on sale at 9am, Monday June 27 through livenation.co.nz.
 
Conan Gray fan club members can be among the first to secure tickets during an exclusive presale starting at 9am, Tuesday June 21.
 
My Live Nation & Secret Sounds members can secure tickets during the exclusive presale beginning at 9am, Wednesday June 22.
 
Since releasing original demos on his YouTube channel at the age of 15, Conan Gray has emerged as one of the most distinguished pop stars of his generation. Gray released his debut album Kid Krow in 2020, reaching #5 on the Billboard 200 and #1 on the Billboard Pop Albums chart. The record became the biggest new artist debut of the year, and spawned global platinum hits Maniac and Heather, the latter of which saw Sir Elton John publicly praise Gray for being the only artist on the Spotify Top 50 to have written the song entirely on their own. Sir Elton John is not the only one providing acclaim, with Gray also receiving unanimous support from leading tastemakers including Vogue, GQ, V Man, Paper, The FADER, Billboard, NPR, MTV, i-D, Wonderland, Clash and Notion.
 
Conan Gray has entranced audiences with his impressive stage presence with standout appearances including Late Night with Seth Myers, The Late Late Show with James Corden, The Today Show and finally, his breathtakingly beautiful set at Coachella 2022. Gray recently wrapped up his sold-out Conan Gray World Tour and is now ready to take Superache on the road.
 
Anxiously anticipated by fans, Gray’s sophomore album Superache is set to be released alongside tickets to the Auckland show on Monday June 27, and promises to be as unflinchingly authentic and original as ever. The record features cathartic single Memories which has already amassed over 32 million Spotify streams and 5.6 million YouTube views on the music video since it dropped in April. Memories incited critical acclaim with The FADER dubbing it one of the “10 songs you need in your like this week”. Gray followed the track with his most recent release Yours proving that Superache will see Conan Gray reach another creative stratosphere all together.
 
Eleven out of the twelve Superache tracks are produced and co-written by Hot 100 Producer of the Year and longtime collaborator Dan Nigro; The Exit, People Watching and Disaster’are co-written by fellow pop sensation Julia Michaels; while Cirkut (The Weekend, Katy Perry, Ava Max) produced Disaster, which was mixed by Serban and Mitch McCarthy (Olivia Rodrigo). 
 
Beyond music, Gray has recently caused a stir in the world of high fashion, making his Met Gala debut in a stunning Valentino look. He also boasted a custom hot pink Valentino ensemble when he played Coachella. Don’t miss the now fashion and modern pop music icon when he performs for one night only in Auckland this November.

CONAN GRAY

SPARK ARENA, AUCKLAND
SUNDAY NOVEMBER 13

TICKETS ON SALE MONDAY JUNE 27, 9am
Artist presale: Tuesday June 21, 9am – Wednesday June 22, 8am
Live Nation / Secret Sounds presale: Wednesday June 22, 9am – Monday 27 June, 8am

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

CRS & LIVE NATION PRESENT GEORGE EZRA

CRS & Live Nation have today announced that British award-winning, multi-platinum selling musician George Ezra is returning to New Zealand for one show, headlining Auckland’s Spark Arena on October 25th.

Tickets go on sale at 12pm Monday, June 13 through livenation.co.nz. Vodafone customers can be among the first to secure tickets during an exclusive presale, starting at 12pm Wednesday, June 8. Head to vodafone.co.nz/music. My Live Nation members can secure tickets during the pre-sale beginning at 1pm Friday, June 10.
 
The announcement follows the release of Ezra’s brand new single Green Green Grass, the second single from his forthcoming album Gold Rush Kid. Kiwi fans will have the opportunity to see Ezra perform his third studio album live in Aotearoa in all its glory after its release on June 10.
 
Described as an irresistibly joyful song about making the best of things, the accompanying music video directed by Isaac Ravishankara stars actresses Amy Stoch (Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure) and Michele Matheson (Revenge of the Nerds 3). The song follows Anyone For You as the second single from Ezra in four years, since the release of his award-nominated and chart-topping sophomore album Staying at Tamara’s.  
 
Ezra received critical acclaim for his two previous studio albums Wanted on Voyage and Staying at Tamara’s, both of which reached number 1 in the UK and sold millions around the world. The third single Shotgun from his second album earned him his first number 1, and secured him the 2019 Brit Award for British Male Solo Artist. 
 
Ezra will play his biggest headline show to date in London this July with special guests Blossoms, Holly Humberstone, Mimi Webb, The Big Moon, Mychelle, and the London International Gospel Choir. The performance kicks off an 11-date UK arena tour, before Ezra travels down under to perform in Aotearoa. 
 
Marking Ezra’s first live shows in almost three years, tickets for George Ezra’s New Zealand show will go quick. Fans can gain first dibs tickets in the Vodafone presale kicking off Wednesday June 8, or at the Live Nation presale on Friday June 10. 

GEORGE EZRA

SPARK ARENA, AUCKLAND
TUESDAY OCTOBER 25

TICKETS ON SALE 12PM, MONDAY JUNE 13
Artist Fanclub / Spotify /
Vodafone presale: Wednesday June 8, 11am
Live Nation pre-sale: Friday June 10, 1pm – Monday June 13, 11am

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

About Live Nation Entertainment
Live Nation Entertainment (NYSE: LYV) is the world’s leading live entertainment company comprised of global market leaders: Ticketmaster, Live Nation Concerts, and Live Nation Media & Sponsorship. For additional information, visit livenationentertainment.com.