This September, Aotea Square will transform into a larger-than-life game board as Checkmate, a colossal interactive chess-inspired installation, lands as part of Auckland Live’s brand new Youth arts festival, We The Young.
Created by internationally renowned artists Amigo & Amigo, Checkmate invites visitors of all ages to step inside a whimsical world where oversized Bauhaus-inspired chess pieces tower above the crowd. More than just a game, it’s a chance to immerse yourself in art, design, and movement - for free.
Opening Saturday 13 September, and running until Sunday 5 October, this bold installation is one of over 20 performances, workshops and activations across We The Young, Auckland Live’s first ever arts festival created exclusively for tamariki and rangatahi. With interactive art, family-friendly theatre, and loads of outdoor fun, We The Young is set to take over the city’s iconic venues including Aotea Centre, Aotea Square, and Auckland Town Hall.
Daniel Clarke, Tātaki Auckland Unlimited Director of Performing Arts, leading Auckland Live says: “Checkmate is a brilliant example of the kind of interactive art we’re proud to bring to public spaces through We The Young. It’s playful and beautifully crafted - inviting tamariki, rangatahi, and their whānau to experience creativity on a monumental scale. This installation captures the spirit of the festival: imaginative, inclusive, and unforgettable.”
Alongside Checkmate, the We The Young line-up features a playful mix of performances and experiences for all ages. Highlights include Creation Creation, a big-hearted theatre work tackling life’s biggest mysteries through real interviews; Paper Planet, an enchanting interactive forest installation; and The Tantrum, a joyful dance-theatre show exploring childhood emotions. Little ones can enjoy Up and Away, a gentle sensory performance for pre-walking babies, while Pīpī Paopao brings waiata and Te Taiao to life through te reo Māori.
There’s also The Imaginarium, a one-day creative sensory experience for Disabled and non-disabled youth, the epic Stand Up Stand Out youth talent final, and physical theatre workshops from Massive Company. For those at home, The Valentina offers a magical illustrated audio journey through space. A variety of free experiences can be enjoyed including A Taste of Art Battle – Young Guns, Little Language Lounge, and a live 95bFM Kids Show broadcast, along with free outdoor fun in Aotea Square, including Dance-O-Mat.
With tickets across the festival priced to keep experiences accessible, and over half of them completely free, We The Young promises to be a landmark new fixture on Auckland’s arts calendar.
Tickets and programme details at www.aucklandlive.co.nz/event/we-the-young.
SUPPORT ANNOUNCED FOR SACHI’S AUCKLAND AND WELLINGTON SHOWS
One of New Zealand's most celebrated live acts, dance music duo SACHI have today announced a list of supporting artists across their August shows in Pōneke and Tāmaki Makaurau. August will see SACHI head toPōneke, Wellington’s San Fran on Thursday, August 21, followed by Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland’s Studio the Venue on Saturday, August 23. Tickets are still available but selling fast - available to purchase by the General Public now for both shows at livenation.co.nz.
Support acts in Pōneke include electronic trailblazers BRODERBEATS b2b FFAR and Dani Kotrotsos. In Tāmaki Makaurau, we’ll see the energy continue with sets from Mikeyy b2b Tuid and Vitamin Cos b2b Jamil Śabda, setting audiences up for SACHI.
Aware of the abundance of talent in the electronic scene in Aotearoa, SACHI took to their social media to gather recommendations of artists in Auckland and Wellington to open these shows. With the post garnering impressive pickup, the support acts were hand-picked by the boys who are thrilled to have them on board.
SACHI add:
“We are so pumped to have such an incredible lineup of opening DJ's going back to back on this tour. We put the call out to the community to comment their favourite artists and the response was absolutely mad! So we decided to go even harder and give more artists an opportunity to be part of this - get ready for some never before seen B2B sets in Welly and Auckland."
Dominating festivals not only in New Zealand but around the world, their success has even seen the pair become the first New Zealand act to play at Belgium’s Tomorrowland festival — one of the most prestigious electronic music festivals in the world.
One of the duo’s earliest champions was renowned producer Diplo. The duo, consisting of Will Thomas and Nick Chrisp, found him on the streets of Auckland, New Zealand and slipped a USB through the window of his SUV. Their efforts paid off when he soon responded and offered a coveted co-sign by playing early tracks No More and Hold On on his Diplo & Friends BBC Radio 1 Show. In the aftermath, SACHI exploded as a homegrown phenomenon, achieving two chart-topping platinum-certified singles, No More and Shelter, as well as an official remix of Lorde’s hit single Green Light alongside Montell2099.
Between 2016 and 2021, SACHI rolled out a series of three EPs: Lunch With Bianca, Nights With Ruby, and Breakfast With Ella, amassing more than 50 million streams across the trio of projects. Each of the EPs’ title characters represents a different phase of SACHI’s discography — from their introduction on Lunch With Bianca, to establishing themselves internationally on Nights With Ruby (created while living in LA pre-pandemic), to the full-circle evolution of their most refined and lustrous body of work to date, Breakfast With Ella. While each project takes listeners on an eclectic journey traversing club-ready BPMs from dazzling four-on-the-floor disco-house rhythms to euphoric powerhouse dance-pop hooks, the thread tying each installment of the celebrated trilogy together is found in SACHI’s intention to create dance music whose emotion is as convincing as its ability to make you move.
2023 saw SACHI tour their headline show across their home territory to sold-out crowds and introduced “CLUB SACHI” — a sold-out three-date 360 club experience for fans. Collaborating closely with Human Person, the LA-based creative house behind Swedish House Mafia, SZA, and Billie Eilish’s touring live shows, SACHI’s live show has been elevated to surreal new heights. “Ever since we started making music, we wanted to create moments to share with friends,” the boys explain. “We want to give everyone an uplifting and euphoric experience. Our music paints this picture of different energies coming together as a whole.”
After back-to-back New Zealand festival headline sets this past summer, SACHI are working towards their highly anticipated new music, which promises to return to the heart of their rave-oriented roots while always continuing to keep their audience guessing — they might even get a sneak peek of this magic during these upcoming tour dates.
WINNERS ANNOUNCED: 2025 PLAY IT STRANGE NATIONAL SONGWRITING COMPETITION
Play It Strange is thrilled to announce the winners of the 2025 National Songwriting Competition for high school students in Year 9-13, sponsored by The Lion Foundation. This year’s competition attracted a record-breaking 474 entries, a testament to the array of passion, creativity and talent among Aotearoa’s next generation of songwriters.
Play It Strange CEO, Stephanie Brown states:
“Knowing that 474 young songwriters and bands across the motu have written songs, finished songs, and had the confidence to submit them to a competition is truly mindblowing. It is a privilege for us to see inside the hearts and minds of rangatahi across Aotearoa. The quality of entries was truly outstanding, which is why we are recording 74 finalists this year: the most recordings out of any of our competitions, ever, since we started in 2003”.
Each song was reviewed by their panel of nine respected judges: Troy Kingi, Mike Chunn, PAIGE, Elliette Roslin (Founder of Elliette's Music Academy) Laughton Kora, KINGS, Matt Kidd (Co-Managing Director at Universal Music NZ), Josh Fountain andRebel Reid, who will also go on to mentor the winner. They are proud to share that from these entries; 74 outstanding songs were selected as winners.
All 74 winners receive a $50 Rockshop gift card and a day in a professional recording studio of their choice to record their song, granting them the incredible opportunity to work alongside some of New Zealand’s most recognised producers and engineers. The recorded songs get released onto digital albums via Spotify, Apple Music and Bandcamp.
First place goes to Salem Māhia Randall from Gisborne Boys High School with his stunning song ‘A girl named Abigail.’
At just 16 years of age, Salem Māhia is a 3-time Play It Strange finalist (in 2023, 2024 and 2025), in 2023 won Rockquest Solo-Duo and in 2022 won Whakaata Māori TV’s singing series 5 Minutes of Fame. You can find his music on Spotify here.
Salem will also receive:
A $10,000 music promotional package from NZ On Air
$1,500 Rockshop gift card
A mentor session with musician and Play It Strange alumni Rebel Reid
A full day in a recording studio of your choice
An interview with 95bFM and the finished track played on the radio
A performance at our Annual Awards later this year and a full day of workshops
A 1:1 Artist Development Online Session with Sacha Vee, Platinum Award Winning Artist and Founder of SOLE Music Academy
Competition Judge and Play It Strange Marketing Manager at Play It Strange, Paige states:
“It’s been so amazing hearing the amount of talent coming out of Aotearoa. It's hard to believe that most of these songs were written and produced by high school students. We are feeling really excited about the future of the music industry here in NZ.”
The strength in talent meant that second and third place were decided only by a couple of points difference. Second place has been awarded to Anamika Jones from Trinity Catholic College for her song ‘Testing my Patience’ who receives a $500 Rockshop gift card. Third place goes to Shakira Lui from Southern Cross Campus for her song ‘Bluebird,’ who receives a $200 Rockshop gift card.
All 74 finalists will become part of the Play It Strange alumni community, gaining access to performance opportunities, mentoring, ticket giveaways, backstage experiences, and lots more throughout the year!
About their sponsorship of the competition, Lion Foundation CEO Tony Goldfinch says:
“The Lion Foundation are incredibly proud to support the Play it Strange Secondary Schools Songwriting Competition, which continues to attract more young, talented songwriters from across Aotearoa New Zealand every year. Congratulations to Salem Māhia Randall for taking first place - Salem has already achieved so many goals in his songwriting journey, and this reflects true passion and never giving up on what he loves. Congratulations too to all songwriting entrants - is truly amazing to witness the exceptional artistry and innovation that emerge from these young musicians”.
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 onto digital albums and provides mentorship and performance opportunities to further develop young artists in Aotearoa. 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.
FIRST LINE-UP ANNOUNCED FOR MĀNUKA PHUEL SYNTHONY FESTIVAL 2026
Duco Events has today revealed the first wave of artists set to take the stage at Mānuka Phuel SYNTHONY Festival, returning to the Auckland Domain on Saturday 21 March 2026. The line-up features both local and international acts Faithless (Full Live Band) (UK), SYNTHONY No. 7, Peking Duk(Australia), Hot Dub Time Machine (Australia), The Black Seeds and The Exponents.
Leading the charge is iconic British electronic dance act Faithless (Full Live Band), returning to perform in New Zealand for the first time in over two decades and playing their first live shows in eight years. With a 25-year legacy, 20 million album sales, 10 Top 10 singles and streams nearing one billion, Faithless are true festival royalty. Kiwi fans can expect an electrifying live set packed with classics like Insomnia, God Is A DJ and We Come 1, alongside powerful new material that marks an exciting new chapter for the band. This long-awaited return to the stage is a celebration of dance music’s golden era, complete with abstract visuals, immersive lightscapes and laser-led moments that promise a full sensory experience.
Also on the line-up is ARIA Award-winning electronic duo Peking Duk, made up of music producers Adam Hyde and Reuben Styles. They first broke out in 2012 with a Passion Pit bootleg, and cemented their place in the scene with their 2014 smash "High", which went triple platinum and won Best Dance Release at the ARIA Awards. Known for their huge energy and genre-blending sound, Peking Duk continue to dominate stages at festivals like Australia’s Splendour in the Grass, Falls Festival, and Spilt Milk, and now - Mānuka Phuel SYNTHONY Festival!
The 2026 festival will mark the global premiere of SYNTHONY No.7 - featuring a brand-new set list created exclusively for next year’s event. Festivalgoers will experience multiple tracks that have never been performed at any SYNTHONY show in its eight-year history, all reimagined with Auckland Philharmonia conducted once again by Sarah-Grace Williams.
Known for their infectious grooves and boundary-crossing fusion of funk, dub, soul and roots-reggae, Wellington’s The Black Seeds are set to join the stage at Mānuka Phuel SYNTHONY Festival next year. The band have built a global following off the back of platinum-selling albums and an electrifying live show led by vocalists Barnaby Weir and Daniel Weetman.
Also on the lineup are beloved Kiwi band, The Exponents! The band will reunite exclusively for this festival, marking their first Auckland performance in three years. Led by Jordan Luck they are set to play all their crowd favourites, including ‘Why Does Love Do This To Me’, ‘I’ll Say Goodbye (Even Though I’m Blue) and ‘Who Loves Who The Most’.
The final act in the initial lineup announcement is Australian party-starter Hot Dub Time Machine, known for his epic decade-spanning sets. Hot Dub is a main stage regular at festivals all over the world, including Europe’s legendary Tomorrowland, Benicassim, and Coachella in the USA.
This first release offers just a taste of what’s to come, with more local and international acts to be revealed later this year.
The 2025 edition of Mānuka Phuel SYNTHONY Festival saw a sold-out crowd of 40,000 descend on Auckland Domain, with a $1.8 million production and 2,000-strong working crew. Mānuka Phuel SYNTHONY Festival has fast become a landmark moment on the summer calendar - blending electronic music, orchestra, visuals and nostalgia into NZ’s biggest one-day music event.
Duco Events Founder David Higgins commented: "We are excited to bring Faithless, one of the most iconic names in dance music, to Auckland for Mānuka Phuel SYNTHONY Festival 2026. This year’s lineup showcases a strong mix of international artists and leading talent from Aotearoa. We are continuing to elevate the festival in 2026, with enhanced sound, world-class visuals, creating a premium live experience for all attendees."
“At our core, Manuka Phuel is all about energy reimagined and giving people the fuel for unforgettable experiences. This partnership is built on a shared vision to push creative boundaries, reimagine what we know and energise audiences - 2026 is shaping up to be the biggest, boldest chapter yet for both Manuka Phuel and Synthony” said Alex McDonald, Co-Creator of Mānuka Phuel.
Tātaki Auckland Unlimited CE, Nick Hill adds: “We’re delighted to again be supporting this world-class event which is a cornerstone of Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland’s summer events line-up. The calibre of local and international artists appearing at this festival is second-to-none and we look forward to welcoming music fans, whānau and visitors from around the region and the motu to this extraordinary event.”
SIR DAVE DOBBYN ANNOUNCES REGIONAL TOUR OF SELECTED SONGS IN OCTOBER AND NOVEMBER
One of the country’s most treasured musical voices, Sir Dave Dobbyn, has today announced five regional tour dates around Aotearoa New Zealand. This news comes off the back of his hugely successful sold-out Auckland Town Hall show for the Live Nation’s Auckland Winter Series.
On Friday October 31st, Sir Dave will be visiting The Opera House in Pōneke, Wellington, before heading to Ahuriri, Napier’s Municipal Theatre on Tuesday November 4th. He’ll then head to Papaioea, Palmerston North at Regent on Broadway on Wednesday November 5th, Ōtepoti, Dunedin’s Town Hall on Friday November 7th, and finishing on Sunday November 9th at Ōtautahi, Christchurch’s James Hay Theatre.
Tickets for Sir Dave Dobbyn’s ‘Selected Songs’ tour will be available to purchase by the General Public on Monday, August 11 at 11am local time.
Mastercard cardholders have special access to presale tickets in New Zealand. Mastercard Presale starts Thursday, August 7 at 11am and ends on Monday, August 11 at 10am local time. Plus, preferred ticket access to some of the best tickets are available from Monday, August 11 at 11am local time. Check out priceless.com/music for details.
One NZ customers can be among the first to secure tickets during the presale starting Thursday, August 7 at 11am and ending on Monday, August 11 at 10am local time. Head to one.nz/music.
My Live Nation members will also be able to secure tickets during the presale which commences on Friday, August 8 at 11am until Monday, August 11 at 10am local time. Fans can register for access at livenation.co.nz.
With over 45 years as a recording artist, Sir Dave Dobbyn has shaped the sound of Kiwi music, penning the soundtrack to generations of New Zealand lives. From iconic anthems to an extraordinary catalogue of deeper cuts, Dobbyn’s set promises an unforgettable journey through one of the nation’s most storied songwriting legacies.
Diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in 2022, Dobbyn declared it “business as usual” – and continues to inspire with his unmistakable voice and enduring presence on stage. Recognised with a Knighthood in 2021 for his services to music, Dobbyn remains one of New Zealand’s most revered cultural figures.
If the popularity of Sir Dave Dobbyn’s Auckland show in June is anything to go by, audiences will want to grab tickets as soon as possible before they sell out.
For complete tour, ticket and event information, visit: www.livenation.co.nz
AUCKLAND LIVE LAUNCHES A FESTIVAL OF ARTS, IMAGINATION AND ADVENTURES - WE THE YOUNG IN TĀMAKI MAKAURAU THIS SEPTEMBER
Auckland Live proudly presents the inaugural We The Young, a festival of arts, imagination and adventures, created for Auckland’s tamariki and rangatahi. Running from Tuesday 16 September to Sunday 28 September 2025, this inclusive festival that celebrates young people and their loved ones will feature over 19 live performances, creative workshops, interactive art experiences, and free outdoor fun.
We The Young marks Auckland Live’s first ever arts festival exclusively for young audiences, with shows to entertain six month olds, to sixteen year olds. The festival will take over some of the city’s most iconic venues, Auckland Town Hall, Herald Theatre, Aotea Centre, The Civic and Aotea Square.
Daniel Clarke, Director of Performing Arts at Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, leading Auckland Live says: “We The Young is our response to enhancing Auckland’s cultural offering, giving tamariki and rangatahi the chance to experience and participate in imaginative, world-class artforms. This festival is about recognising their place in our creative community today, while nurturing the artists and audiences of tomorrow. Our vision is to see We The Young become a signature annual event on Auckland’s arts calendar, complementing our existing performing arts programme.”
Rosa Strati, Creative Producer at Auckland Live, says: "We The Young is a vibrant celebration of our incredible young people in Tāmaki Makaurau and we are committed to ensuring high-quality, age-specific arts experiences are accessible for everyone. Our programme includes multiple highly-visual, sound-based and NZSL interpreted events, every single show has a relaxed session available and we even have a digital work you can enjoy without leaving your home. We The Young has been designed with families in mind - over half of our shows are completely free and prices for those shows that are ticketed, have been set to be accessible and affordable.”
Young audiences can expect a diverse line-up of shows and experiences, including Creation Creation, a playful, big-hearted theatre work from Australia for ages 10+. The show tackles life’s biggest mysteries like “Are aliens real?” and “Is it possible to lick your elbow?” through interviews with people aged 8 to 102. Full of laughs, Creation Creationwill show at Herald Theatre from 25-28 September.
Paper Planet is an enchanting international installation where children and families have the opportunity to build a forest from cardboard and paper, transforming it into a living, breathing world of creatures, costumes, and stories. Presented at the Aotea Centre from 25-28 September.
The Tantrum, a joyous dance-theatre work for 3-8 year olds, exploring big emotions and the creative chaos of childhood. With shows on 20-21 September at Herald Theatre, The Tantrum uses music, dance and the imagination to tackle big, unruly, hard-to-figure-out emotions.
Up and Away is a gentle, sensory performance designed for pre-walking babies, offering a unique first theatre experience. Presented at the Aotea Centre from 16-21 September, Up and Away creates a cosy, safe space in an intimate and welcoming atmosphere.
Waiata, whānau, and the wonders of Te Taiao (the natural world) will be brought to life at Pīpī Paopao on 27–28 September at the Concert Chamber, Auckland Town Hall. Created by Rutene Spooner, this vibrant, interactive performance for kids aged 3-7 years celebrates the beauty of te reo Māori.
The Imaginarium is a playful and welcoming one-day event for Disabled and non-disabled young people alike. Led by an experienced team of artists and support crew, attendees will be guided through hands-on, inclusive workshops that celebrate individuality, imagination, and joy. Taking place on 20 September in the Hunua & Waitākere Rooms at the Aotea Centre.
Stand Up Stand Out (SUSO) is the thrilling grand final of Auckland’s premier youth talent competition, showcasing the city’s most promising singers, musicians, and dancers. Happening at Auckland Town Hall on 20 September, this free, ticketed event sees Auckland’s rising stars go head-to-head in five finale categories.
Massive Company will be running physical theatre workshops for ages 12-16, helping young people unlock confidence and creativity through movement and storytelling at the Concert Chamber, Auckland Town Hall on 23 and 25 September.
The Valentina is an audio adventure available online, blending theatre, illustration, and sound to whisk young listeners on a cosmic journey alongside Valentina Tereshkova, the first woman in space. Ticket holders will be given six month access to this YouTube performance.
We The Young also features a vibrant free programme designed to transform Aotea Square into a hub of playful activity. Families can dance up a storm at the Dance-O-Mat, unleash creativity at A Taste of Art Battle – Young Guns, discover global tales in the Little Language Lounge, or join in the fun of a live broadcast of the beloved 95bFM Kids Show.
During the festival, Aotea Square will come alive daily with free, hands-on fun for the whole whānau from Saturday 20 to Sunday 28 September. Surrounding the ticketed events, families can make a full day of it with a lively mix of creative activities, from imaginative Junk & Craft sessions and whimsical Tea Parties, to Circus Workshops with Te Kura Maninirau and traditional Māori games with Ngaa Taonga Taakaro. These playful, interactive experiences are designed to spark imagination, get tamariki moving, and create joyful memories, all at no cost.
Adding to the festival’s mission to make arts accessible for all, many events are relaxed performances, highly visual, or audio-based, welcoming neurodiverse audiences and ensuring young people of all abilities can participate.
The festival will also feature Stage Play, a specially curated, subsidised schools programme offering primary school groups a day-long adventure through performances, workshops and a behind-the-scenes glimpse into The Civic’s magical world.
With tickets across the festival priced to keep experiences accessible, and many free activities on offer, We The Young promises to be a landmark new fixture on Auckland’s arts calendar.
Tickets and programme details at www.aucklandlive.co.nz/event/we-the-young.
KELI HOLIDAY ANNOUNCES SEPTEMBER TOUR DATES ACROSS AOTEAROA
Australian indie/alt artist Keli Holiday has today announced three tour dates across Aotearoa, New Zealand. He will be heading to Ōtautahi Christchurch on Wednesday 10th September at Loons, followed by a stop in Pōneke Wellington on Thursday 11th September at San Fran, and finishing in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland at The Tuning Fork on Friday 12th September.
Tickets for Keli Holiday’s tour will be available to purchase by the General Public on Friday 1st August at 12:00pm local time.
Mastercard cardholders have special access to presale tickets in New Zealand. Mastercard Presale starts Wednesday July 30 at 11:00am and ends on Friday August 1 at 11:00am local time.
My Live Nation members will also be able to secure tickets during the presale which commences Thursday 31st July from 11:00am until Friday 1st August at 11:00am local time. Fans can register for access at livenation.co.nz.
Keli Holiday is from the mind of a man living off of nothing but new order records, beer, sleepless nights and the sheer excitement and love of exploring an unknown city named New York. This project was created by Adam Hyde (one half of multi ARIA award winning, 10x platinum selling duo Peking Duk) who had come off the back of a 2 month North American tour with back to back dates. He was told he had time for a holiday when he got home but instead of flying to a beach somewhere he decided to use an old guitar he had sitting in his bedroom to create something special. Two years later and the marriage of longing for that holiday he'll never get back mixed with the strumming of that dusty old guitar birthed a love child named Keli Holiday.
MĀNUKA PHUEL SYNTHONY FESTIVAL TO RETURN IN MARCH 2026
Duco Touring has today announced the date for New Zealand’s biggest one-day music event Mānuka Phuel SYNTHONY Festival, returning in 2026! The festival will take place on Saturday 21 March, 2026 and will return to Auckland Domain.
The 2025 event had record-breaking attendance, with the headline act SYNTHONY performing to an impressive sold-out crowd of 40,000. The $1.8 million dollar production featured 2000 working personnel plus 316 artists and performers.
Following a successful double-header event this weekend at Spark Arena, with 10,000 Kiwi’s attending Mānuka Phuel FULL METAL ORCHESTRA and SYNTHONY ORIGINS, Duco Touring are excited to continue to bring high-quality experiences to New Zealanders year-round.
Duco Touring Founder David Higgins commented: “After a massive turnout in 2025, and an incredible atmosphere across this weekend’s events, we knew we had to bring SYNTHONY Festival back to the Domain. In 2026, we’re planning to scale up every aspect, from the stage production to the artist line-up. SYNTHONY Festival will continue to be a destination event for fans nationwide.”
Described as “an enduring success” and “enjoyable for everyone” (NZ Herald) and “a magical farewell to summer” (RNZ) following Mānuka Phuel SYNTHONY Festival 2025, punters can expect the same unparalleled festival experience, local and international artists, world-class immersive visuals, and some of the biggest dance tracks of all time reimagined.
“Following the roaring success of last year, we’re proud to once again come on board as the headline sponsor for Mānuka Phuel SYNTHONY Festival 2026,” said Alex McDonald, Co-Creator of Mānuka Phuel. “Our partnership with SYNTHONY across multiple events in 2025 has proved to be the perfect collision of energy, sound, and culture — and embodies everything Mānuka Phuel stands for.
We’re proud to return in 2025 to phuel what we believe is one of the most powerful and unmissable live music experiences Auckland has to offer.”
Mānuka Phuel SYNTHONY Festival 2025, Auckland Domain
Tātaki Auckland Unlimited’s CE Nick Hill says: “We’re proud to support the return of Mānuka Phuel SYNTHONY Festival in 2026. Last year’s event was a phenomenal success, drawing a record-breaking crowd and creating an unforgettable experience in the heart of Auckland. It’s exactly the kind of world-class, homegrown event that showcases our region’s energy, creativity and love of music. We’re thrilled to invest in its future on behalf of Auckland Council and can’t wait to see it light up the Domain once again.”
The first, stellar line-up will be revealed in early August. Presale registration is open now, with presale and general on-sale mid-August.
GAME, SET, SUMMERTIME THE ASB CLASSIC RETURNS FROM 5 - 17 JANUARY, 2026
ASB Classic summertime crowds at The Serve (2025)
Get ready for world-class tennis, summertime vibes and unforgettable moments on and off the court. The ASB Classic 2026 will see the WTA women’s tournament run from Monday 5 – Saturday 10 January, followed by the ATP men’s event from Sunday 11 – Saturday 17 January, all held at the Manuka Doctor Arena in central Auckland.
New Zealand’s premier tennis event will once again serve up two thrilling weeks of top-tier WTA and ATP competition, set against the buzz of Auckland’s favourite summer playground. Following record-breaking ticket sales at this year’s tournament, the ASB Classic has cemented its place as a must-attend event on the Auckland summer calendar.
“We’re incredibly excited to welcome tennis fans back to the Manuka Doctor Arena this January,” comments Tournament Director Nicolas Lamperin. “From thrilling on-court action to vibrant fan experiences, food, and entertainment, the ASB Classic offers something for everyone.”
Player announcements will be made in the coming months. Last year’s top tier field included tennis legends Australian Open champion Madison Keys, Wimbledon runner-up Amanda Anisimova, Naomi Osaka, Ben Shelton, Gaël Monfils, and local hero Lulu Sun. The Serve will return with some of NZ’s best entertainment, food and beverage offerings, providing the perfect place to meet with friends and soak up the off-court atmosphere.
Tickets will go on sale in August, with fans encouraged to join The Classic Club to access exclusive pre-sales, offers and the latest tournament news. Ground passes, premium seats, and hospitality options will be available - with strong early interest expected following last summer’s sell-out sessions.
KŌANGA FESTIVAL UNVEILS FULL LINE-UP FOR THIS SEPTEMBER IN TĀMAKI MAKAURAU
Kōanga Festival, a captivating celebration of Māori performing arts, has unveiled its dynamic hōtaka (programme) for the 2025 event. Returning to Te Pou Theatre for two packed weekends from 12 to 21 September, the 2025 programme champions new Māori voices and work across theatre, music, and dance, from powerful play readings and live gigs, to a fun-filled community Whānau Day.
Kōanga is a time when te taiao comes to life with new growth. Kōanga Festival cultivates new ideas and shares the bounty of new narratives through Māori performing arts. Now in its 11th year, Kōanga Festival is where Māori stories are crafted, shared and embraced.
This year’s headline show What Happened To Mary-Anne? is a bold, high-energy rock show created by award-winning performer and writer Brady Peeti. Featuring a live band and original music, the show is an unflinching, electric ride through love, identity, and memory. What Happened To Mary-Anne? takes place on three nights only from Friday 19 - Sunday 21 September.
Festival favourite Whānau Day, taking place Saturday 13 September, is an open, free festival day for all to enjoy. Expect a magical storytelling grove, kai stalls, a rangatahi curated outdoor music stage, kapa haka, kids’ theatre, games, and more. It’s a celebration of storytelling that the whole whānau can experience together.
“Kōanga Festival 2025 shares the talents of excellent Māori performing arts makers, and nurtures new stories for the stage, with a focus on crucial voices at crucial times; futuristic thinking, urban Māori stories and electrifying performances.” says Amber Curreen, Artistic Director.
From Friday 19 - Saturday 20 September, emerging Māori playwrights will present their newly developed works following three months of creative development through the Kōanga Playwrights Programme. With limited capacity, these readings offer a rare first-look at the future of Māori theatre. This year’s playwrights are Leigh Minarapa (Ngāti Rangitihi) with ‘Te Koha’, Lila Māhina Black (Ngāti Raukawa) with ‘Strange Signals: Aliens in Aotearoa’, Zody Takurua (Ngā Rauru) with ‘WHŌRE’, and Ngahiriwa Rauhina (Ngāti Whakaue, Tuhourangi ki Wahiao, Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Ngāti Awa, Ngāi Tūhoe, Ngāti Raukawa) presenting the only te reo Māori work within the Kōanga Playwrights Programme, ‘Te Tau E’. ‘Te Tau E’ marks Kōanga alumnae Ngahiriwa Rauhina’s first full-length mainstage work presented entirely in te reo Māori.
“It's the first time we’ve had so many works dealing directly with Māori futurism and critical contemporary kaupapa.” says Amber Curreen in regards to the Playwrights Programme. “At this time when there’s so much disruption in the world our artists will do what they do best and come together to imagine new pathways forward.”
Atamira Dance Company will be presenting two unique showings within the festival underKia Pohewatia their choreographic residency programme with Rachel Ruckstuhl-Mann (Kāi Tahu, Kāti Māmoe, Rangitāne) and Samara Reweti (Ngāti Ranginui, Ngāi Te Rangi, Ngāti Uenukukopako). Kia Pohewatia is dedicated to supporting Māori choreographers in developing new works. Through studio time, mentorship, and collaboration with Atamira artists, this residency offers a space for research, experimentation, and the early shaping of future projects.
“Kōanga is a time for nurturing fresh, new narratives, and Kia Pohewatia embodies this by providing a platform for Māori choreographers Rachel Ruckstuhl-Mann and Samara Reweti to dream, experiment, and share early-stage works that invite audiences into their evolving creative journeys. It will be exciting to witness these unfolding new offerings as they are shared with the public.” says Bianca Hyslop (Te Arawa, Ngāti Whakaue-kaipapa, Tūhourangi-Ngāti Wāhiao, Pākehā), Artistic Director of Atamira Dance Company.
13 Sept | Whānau Day (Free event)
14 Sept | Atamira Dance Company Presents: Kia Pohewatia with Rachel Ruckstuhl-Mann
19 - 21 Sept | ‘What Happened To Mary-Anne?’ - Brady Peeti
19 Sept | Play Readings Pōmere by Leigh Minarapa with ‘Te Koha’ & Ngahiriwa Rauhina with ‘E Tau e’
20 Sept | Play Readings Pōhoroi by Lila Black with ‘Strange Signals: Aliens in Aotearoa’ & Zody Takurua with 'WHŌRE'
21 Sept | Te Arero Toi Reo Māori Playwrighting Wānanga and Atamira Dance Company Presents: Kia Pohewatia with Samara Reweti
“It will be a beautiful, big and audacious ten days at Te Pou - we look forward to seeing you there!” Amber Curreen.
KŌANGA FESTIVAL
12 - 21 SEPTEMBER
TE POU THEATRE, TĀMAKI MAKAURU
Full programme and tickets at www.koangafestival.nz
Image: Brady Peeti, What Happened To Mary-Anne?
Shanghai Symphony Orchestra’s landmark 2026 tour of New Zealand, Australia and Singapore
In a historic collaboration of Eastern and Western traditions, China’s pioneering Shanghai Symphony Orchestra is set to tour New Zealand, Australia and Singapore in March. The Orchestra will be led by its renowned Music Director, Long Yu – hailed by The New York Times as “the most powerful figure in China’s classical music scene.”
Founded in 1879, the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra (SSO) is Asia’s oldest orchestra and a driving force in shaping China’s classical music landscape across three centuries. It is internationally recognised for its performance on the Oscar and Grammy-winning Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon soundtrack – a landmark moment in Chinese musical history. The Orchestra has performed at Carnegie Hall, the Berliner Philharmonie, Amsterdam’s Concertgebouw, the BBC Proms and the Edinburgh International Festival.
The 2026 tour features works by two of China’s most prominent contemporary composers: Elliot Leung, the youngest-ever recipient of the 2023 Huabiao Award for Outstanding Composer, and Qigang Chen, praised by The Guardian for achieving a “sustained dialogue between Chinese and Western classical and cultural traditions.” These are presented alongside works by Tchaikovsky and Rachmaninov, performed by celebrated soloists Jian Wang (cello) and Serena Wang (piano), who makes her Australasian debut.
A vibrant centrepiece of the program is Leung’s Chinese Kitchen: A Feast of Flavours – an evocative ten-movement suite, with each piece inspired by a traditional Chinese dish.
Shanghai Symphony Orchestra Music Director, Long Yu said: “It is an honour to be embarking on this special tour with Shanghai Symphony Orchestra in March 2026. As Asia’s oldest symphony orchestra, SSO has undertaken many important international tours throughout its 146 year history. This tour marks the Orchestra’s return to Australia and New Zealand, in addition to its Singapore debut. Collaboration is at the heart of what we do at Shanghai Symphony Orchestra, and we are glad to be sharing the stage with two internationally-acclaimed Chinese musicians for this tour – cellist Jian Wang and pianist Serena Wang – to perform a programme of Chinese and Western music. We are particularly looking forward to introducing audiences to Elliot Leung’s symphonic suite 'Chinese Kitchen: A Feast of Flavours' - a work commissioned and premiered by SSO last year - in addition to Qigang Chen’s piano concerto 'Er Huang', as they celebrate the profound depth of Chinese culture."
Bernie Haldane, Kaitohu Toi Artistic Director, Te Ahurei Toi o Tāmaki Auckland Arts Festival said: "We are honoured to welcome the world-renowned Shanghai Symphony Orchestra to Tāmaki Makaurau for this special New Zealand exclusive, in partnership with our esteemed colleagues in Australia and Singapore. This marks the first time in more than 25 years that an international symphony orchestra will perform in our city — a momentous occasion for our audiences and arts community. We’re especially looking forward to sharing a selection from Chinese Kitchen: A Feast of Flavours, a piece that reflects Chinese culture through music — a powerful reminder of how music can connect us across borders and traditions."
Melbourne Symphony Orchestra CEO Richard Wigley said: “The MSO has a long tradition of partnering with our orchestral friends and colleagues in Asia and beyond. It’s wonderful to be able to present this tour of the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra alongside co-presenters Sydney Opera House, Auckland Arts Festival and Singapore Symphony Orchestra. This will be a truly cross-cultural program showcasing the extraordinary history of Chinese musicians performing eastern and western compositions.”
Sydney Opera House CEO Louise Herron AM said: “At the Sydney Opera House, we believe in the transformative power of creative collaboration. This tour from the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra is an opportunity to connect more deeply with the community around us and also with our friends across the region. It’s been three decades since we’ve seen these formidable musicians in Sydney, and I’m looking forward to hearing them perform in our upgraded Concert Hall for the first time.”
Kenneth Kwok, CEO of Singapore Symphony Group said: “We are delighted to partner the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra on their tour of Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore. This collaboration deepens the cultural ties between Singapore and Shanghai - two dynamic global cities with enduring connections. Long Yu has been a long-time friend of the SSO, and we warmly welcome him and the orchestra for their debut performance in Singapore. I look forward to hearing them at the Esplanade Concert Hall.”
The tour is organised by the award-winning classical music agency Askonas Holt, who have been bringing the world's greatest orchestras to audiences around the world for decades, and next year celebrate their 150th anniversary.’
BORDERLINE ANNOUNCE CHRYSALIS EP RELEASE TOUR AROUND NEW ZEALAND AND AUSTRALIA
Rapidly rising indie-pop outfit Borderline have today announced a variety of New Zealand and Australia dates for their 6-stop Chrysalis EP Release Tour. Throughout August and September, Borderline will be heading across New Zealand - to Te Awanui Tauranga, Pōneke Wellington, Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland and Ōtahutahi Christchurch - as well as two Australian dates in Melbourne and Sydney.
Tickets for Borderline’s Chrysalis EP Release Tour will be available to purchase by the General Public on Thursday 24 July at 1:00pm local time.
My Live Nation members will also be able to secure tickets during the presale which commences Wednesday 23 July from 12:00pm until Thursday 24 July at 12:00pm local time. Fans can register for access at livenation.co.nz or livenation.com.au.
Borderline is what happens when four best friends grow up making music together and never stop. The New Zealand quartet - Ben Glanfield (vocals/guitar/keys), Jackson Boswell (drums/vocals), Matthew McFadden (lead guitar), and Max Harries (bass) - channel deep connection into a sound that’s as expansive as it is intimate. Blending shimmering pop, funk grooves, and soaring indie-rock anthems, Borderline is quickly becoming one of the most exciting new bands to break out of the Southern Hemisphere.
BORDERLINE - CHRYSALIS EP RELEASE TOUR
Presented by Live Nation
TOTARA ST, TAURANGA, NZ FRIDAY, AUGUST 22
SAN FRAN, WELLINGTON, NZ THURSDAY, AUGUST 28
TUNING FORK, AUCKLAND, NZ FRIDAY, AUGUST 29
LOONS, CHRISTCHURCH, NZ SATURDAY, AUGUST 30
THE OLD BAR, MELBOURNE, AU FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 5
THE VANGUARD, SYDNEY, AU SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 6
TICKETS ON SALE THURSDAY 24 JULY 1:00PM (LOCAL)
Live Nation pre-sale: Wednesday 23 July 12:00pm - Thursday 24 July 12:00pm local
For complete tour & ticket information, visit: livenation.co.nz or livenation.com.au
ELLIOT & VINCENT ANNOUNCED AS SUPPORT FOR PIXIES NEW ZEALAND TOU
Auckland-based two-piece band Elliot & Vincent have today been announced as the support for the Pixies 2025 tour across New Zealand. Featuring drummer and vocalist Elliot Finn and guitarist Vincent Cherry, the pair will be joining the alt-rock legends on both the stops throughout their New Zealand tour.
Each tour stop has two dates – seeing Pixies play fan favourite albums, 1990’s Bossanova and 1991 follow up Trompe Le Monde in their entirety on the first night, followed by a cross catalogue set and songs from their new album The Night The Zombies Came on the second night.
The first shows kick off at Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland’s Town Hall on November 23 and 24, followed by Pōneke, Wellington’s St James Theatre on November 26 and 27 - with the final Wellington date now sold out.
Tickets for Pixies 2025 New Zealand tour with Elliot & Vincent can be found at livenation.co.nz.
35 years since their groundbreaking Platinum-certified album Doolittle catapulted the band into the UK Top Ten, and 20 years since their celebrated reformation at Coachella, Pixies are deep into their second act, and in the midst of a creative purple patch.
Elliot & Vincent play primal rock and roll that connects with the tradition of break-out avant garde that runs from The Stooges and Suicide through testifying soul and garage rock, marrying lucid edge-of-the-world Flying Nun-isms with a wild style that is pure crank. Their debut single, Doberman, was released at the stroke of midnight, as they opened for spiritual forefathers The Jesus and Mary Chain, salivating over pop/rock instants illuminated by a singing drummer with alla the punk rock élan of a switchblade Karen Carpenter huffing on rockabilly energy and a guitarist that tears melodic epiphanies from six bloodied strings, like yr every fantasy of two chords as the keys to the kingdom. Australasia: prepare to meet your maker. - David Keenan
PLAY IT STRANGE LAUNCH PODCAST 'ON THE RECORD WITH REI' BREAKING INTO THE MUSIC INDUSTRY IN AOTEAROA
Play It Strange is thrilled to announce the upcoming release of On The Record with Rei, a podcast for the next generation of musicians in Aotearoa. Hosted by award-winning artist and Play It Strange alumni Rei - he goes on the record with artists, producers and industry insiders - providing a digital backstage pass to breaking into the music industry in Aotearoa.
The 10-episode podcast launches on all podcast platforms from Monday 21 July with all episodes out on the same day. On The Record with Rei features an array of incredible voices within the music industry and aims to educate and entertain, acting as a ‘toolkit’ for emerging musicians, helping them navigate the industry and their careers - from songwriting tips to publicity, to how to apply for funding and secure radio play. Guest and topics include:
1. The Art of Songwriting with Don McGlashan
2. Music Production for Beginners with Emily Wheatcroft-Snape
3. Nailing Your Studio Session with Chris van de Geer
4. Music Publicity 101 with Heidi Ettema
5. Claiming Space as an Artist with PAIGE
6. Getting Your Music on Student Radio (+ Why It Still Matters) with Aneeka Moheed
7. Song Rights & Royalties with Mike Hall
8. The Inside on Industry Funding with Teresa Patterson
9. Looking After Yourself as an Artist with Hollie Smith
10. The Business of Being an Artist with Dave Johnston
Founded in 2003 by Mike Chunn of Split Enz, Play It Strange has been supporting young songwriters for more than two decades. They run national youth songwriting competitions, with over 170 finalists awarded a day in a recording studio to professionally record their winning tracks. They then release these songs on digital albums, provide performance opportunities, and take them backstage to major concerts and festivals to experience the industry firsthand. Their next frontier is being able to provide more pastoral care around entering the music industry – hence, this podcast.
Recently taking the reins of CEO of Play It Strange from founder Mike Chunn, Stephanie Brown says that the need for this podcast is vital to continue pushing the mahi that they deliver.
“Every week, we’re asked the same questions by emerging artists, their parents, and their music teachers - about publicity, radio play, rights and royalties, music funding, and so much more. That’s what sparked this podcast: how can we share this information far and wide, in a way that’s accessible to emerging musicians across the motu? It’s important to meet rangatahi where they are, which is why we’ve made the podcast available on podcast platforms Spotify, Rova and Youtube - as well as rolling out over 40 clips on Instagram and Tiktok to incorporate a visual, shorter-form element. The style of the podcast is a way to disseminate sometimes overwhelming information in a bite sized, easy to digest way - learning from some of the best in the business. My hope is that On the Record with Rei helps break down the barriers for those who don’t know where to start - and acts as a toolkit that empowers, motivates, and gives confidence to the next generation of songwriters and musicians.”
The perfect fit for a podcast host was someone who was well across the topics being covered whole-heartedly, as well as the ethos of Play It Strange. Rei (Ngāti Raukawa, Ngāti Pākeha) is exactly this, being an alumni of Play It Strange, as well as an incredible bilingual Urban and Electronic musician in his own right. His cheeky tongue-in-cheek māori-isms and deep understanding of the music industry was key in bringing the podcast and its insightful conversations throughout episodes to life. When asked about his involvement, he says:
“I was super stoked to host On the Record with Rei. Play It Strange’s kaupapa totally aligns with my own, so getting the opportunity to have some deep kōrero with some of Aotearoa's top artists AND helping empower the next generation of Aotearoa songwriters at the same time!?? That's dream mahi right there. I wish there was a poddy like this out there when I was getting started in the industry.”
Iconic Auckland recording studio Bigpop Studios co-founder Chris van de Geer, a wealth of knowledge in the industry, says:
"At Bigpop Studios we were absolutely thrilled to be the podcast partner for the brilliant Play It Strange On the Record with Rei series. It was awesome working with the Play It Strange team and hosting such a wide array of highly esteemed and experienced guests into our studio space, who all shared great insight and resources for artists at all stages of their musical journey. Bigpop has been providing studios, engineers and producers for Play It Strange artist projects for many years, and it's amazing to see the support and nurturing of young Aotearoa talent, which Play It Strange provides, result in an ever increasing quality in both songwriting and finished recordings from these young artists."
On The Record with Rei launches on Monday, July 21st on podcast platforms Spotify, Rova, Youtube and online on Instagram and Tiktok. You can follow the journey and see exclusive sneak peek clips on their Instagram at @playitstrange.pod!
ICONIC KIWI DUO SACHI ANNOUNCES AUCKLAND AND WELLINGTON SHOW
One of New Zealand's most celebrated live acts, dance music duo SACHI have today announced two shows across Pōneke and Tāmaki Makaurau. August will see SACHI head to Pōneke, Wellington’s San Fran on Thursday, August 21, followed by Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland’s Studio the Venue on Saturday, August 23.
Tickets for SACHI’s shows in Wellington and Auckland will be available to purchase by the General Public on Tuesday, July 15 at 12pm local time.
Mastercard cardholders have special access to presale tickets in New Zealand. Mastercard Presale starts Friday, July 11 at 12pm and ends on Monday, July 14 at 12pm local time. Plus, preferred ticket access to some of the best tickets are available from Tuesday, July 15 at 1pm local time. Check out priceless.com/music for details.
One NZ customers can be among the first to secure tickets during a 48-hour presale starting Friday, July 11 at 12pm local time. Head to one.nz/music.
My Live Nation members will also be able to secure tickets during the presale which commences on Monday, July 14 at 1pm until Tuesday, July 15 at 11am local time. Fans can register for access at livenation.co.nz.
Dominating festivals not only in New Zealand but around the world, their success has even seen the pair become the first New Zealand act to play at Belgium’s Tomorrowland festival — one of the most prestigious electronic music festivals in the world.
One of the duo’s earliest champions was renowned producer Diplo. The duo, consisting of Will Thomas and Nick Chrisp, found him on the streets of Auckland, New Zealand and slipped a USB through the window of his SUV. Their efforts paid off when he soon responded and offered a coveted co-sign by playing early tracks No More and Hold On on his Diplo & Friends BBC Radio 1 Show. In the aftermath, SACHI exploded as a homegrown phenomenon, achieving two chart-topping platinum-certified singles, No More and Shelter, as well as an official remix of Lorde’s hit single Green Light alongside Montell2099.
Between 2016 and 2021, SACHI rolled out a series of three EPs: Lunch With Bianca, Nights With Ruby, and Breakfast With Ella, amassing more than 50 million streams across the trio of projects. Each of the EPs’ title characters represents a different phase of SACHI’s discography — from their introduction on Lunch With Bianca, to establishing themselves internationally on Nights With Ruby (created while living in LA pre-pandemic), to the full-circle evolution of their most refined and lustrous body of work to date, Breakfast With Ella. While each project takes listeners on an eclectic journey traversing club-ready BPMs from dazzling four-on-the-floor disco-house rhythms to euphoric powerhouse dance-pop hooks, the thread tying each installment of the celebrated trilogy together is found in SACHI’s intention to create dance music whose emotion is as convincing as its ability to make you move.
2023 saw SACHI tour their headline show across their home territory to sold-out crowds and introduced “CLUB SACHI” — a sold-out three-date 360 club experience for fans. Collaborating closely with Human Person, the LA-based creative house behind Swedish House Mafia, SZA, and Billie Eilish’s touring live shows, SACHI’s live show has been elevated to surreal new heights. “Ever since we started making music, we wanted to create moments to share with friends,” the boys explain. “We want to give everyone an uplifting and euphoric experience. Our music paints this picture of different energies coming together as a whole.”
After back-to-back New Zealand festival headline sets this past summer, SACHI are working towards their highly anticipated new music, which promises to return to the heart of their rave-oriented roots while always continuing to keep their audience guessing — they might even get a sneak peek of this magic during these upcoming tour dates.
SACHI - WELLINGTON AND AUCKLAND AUGUST 2025
Presented by Live Nation and George FM
SAN FRAN, WELLINGTON THURSDAY, AUGUST 21
STUDIO THE VENUE, AUCKLAND SATURDAY, AUGUST 23
TICKETS ON SALE TUESDAY 15 JULY AT 12PM
Mastercard and One NZ Presales: Fri 11 Jul, 12pm > Mon 14 Jul, 12pm local
Live Nation Presale: Mon 14 Jul, 1pm local > Tue 15 Jul, 11am local
General Public Onsale: Tue 15 Jul, 12pm local
For complete tour & ticket information, visit: livenation.co.nz