INTERNATIONAL DJ CYRIL CONFIRMED TO PLAY FINAL PARTY HOLE AT MĀNUKA PHUEL CHASING THE FOX THIS DECEMBER

Mānuka Phuel Chasing the Fox returns for 2025, and the party just got a whole lot bigger with international DJ and producer CYRIL announced to perform at the final party hole, bringing his global hits and infectious energy to one of summer’s most unmissable sporting events. General admission tickets for the event are now on sale at chasingthefox.flicket.co.nz. 

Aussie-born artist CYRIL is behind some of the hottest records from the past couple years, “Stumblin’ In” remix of Grammy-nominated artist Disturbed’s “Sound of Silence”, and Paramore’s “Still Into You” - CYRIL has taken the world by storm. His viral breakout “Stumblin’ In” first exploded on TikTok before dominating airwaves and streaming charts worldwide. CYRIL has continued to top charts and feature on iconic festival lineups worldwide.  

“Mānuka Phuel Chasing the Fox is such a cool concept, I’m pumped to be part of it - especially as a golf fan myself I can’t wait to play for the Kiwi crowd who know how to party,” says CYRIL. 

“We’re stoked to have CYRIL joining us at Mānuka Phuel Chasing the Fox this year. He’s the perfect fit to bring even more energy to the final party hole. We’re blending sport with world-class entertainment, and CYRIL will help make this year’s event our biggest yet,” says Event Director Nick Randell.  

“Partnering with Chasing the Fox is a natural fit, as it’s a sport event that’s just as much about performance as it is about entertainment. We’re thrilled to bring CYRIL to the final party hole,” adds Alex McDonald, Mānuka Phuel. 

Taking place on Friday 12 December at Royal Auckland and Grange Golf Club, Mānuka Phuel Chasing the Fox blends elite sport with music, culture, and entertainment, connecting new and loyal audiences to the sport and redefining how golf can be experienced. Mānuka Phuel Chasing the Fox is a six-hole showdown - Ryan Fox & soon to be announced friend vs the best of the rest. A unique field made up of the top players from our leading sporting teams and the media, who get an edge by playing in groups of three - taking on the Fox at his own game, on his own course. The lowest score wins, and if there’s a tie, it all comes down to a dramatic playoff on the final party hole.  

Teams announced to take on The Fox & Friends include Team Media; Jeremy Wells, Dai Henwood and Bryce Casey, the current reigning champions returning to defend their crown, Team Voke; Professional Golfer Nick Voke and NZ’s Biggest Golf Content Creator on YouTube Taco Golf, Team Wahs; with Shaun Johnson, Channel Harris Tavita, and Wayde Egan, and the most recently announced Team Campbell; LIV Golf’s own Ben Campbell & The Sling King Mac Boucher. More teams are still to be announced.  

Each team will be playing for prize money that goes directly to their chosen charity, ensuring that the energy on the green delivers a meaningful impact off the course. 

The call is clear: step up, join the chase, and take your shot at The Fox. This year’s event will be broadcast live and free across TVNZ 1 & TVNZ+, with coverage of all the action from the final party hole. 

SPLORE FESTIVAL DROPS SECOND MUSIC PROGRAMMING LINEUP AND ANNOUNCES 2026 THEME ‘BEINGS’

New Zealand’s greatest independent music and arts festival is back. Splore 2026 is returning to Tāpapakanga Regional Park in Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland on February 20th-22nd with a bold new vision and a killer line up, as the festival moves to a new era with fresh programming, new creative spaces, and curated experiences. Today, the three-day celebration gets even more exciting with the second drop of its music programme, as well as the announcement of 2026’s much anticipated festival theme. 
 
Co-curated by Shaquille Wasasala aka Half Queen alongside long-time festival curator John Minty, this stellar international and local line up brings the best of music and art from home and around the world, set across six stages in one of the most beautiful festival locations in the world. 

Each year Splore sets a theme that becomes the shared language, kaupapa and spark for their well-known legendary dress-ups. The reveal is always a little mysterious, always much awaited. This year, the name is simple: BEINGS. Beings represents everyone. Being here, being present, just… being. All our glorious, perfectly wobbly, imperfect Beings.

“Splore is a full spectrum of beings in every state of being,” says festival producer Fryderyk Kublikowski. “It takes every crayon out of the box to draw a rainbow, so come as you are, or come as your most extraordinary self. You’ll fit right in. Be bright, be soft, be sun-kissed, be sequinned. Be silly, be soulful, be seen. Mostly, be here.”

Today’s announcement sees the much anticipated return to stage of the iconic Coco Solid [Kuini Control] with CoconutClouds, bringing a celebration of timeless queer storytelling to showcase the new vanguard of Aotearoa artistry.

Another local icon, JessB returns to Splore showcasing the re-release of her original breakout mixtape with bonus songs including ‘Okay Then’, ‘Boohoo’, and ‘Don’t Stop’ featuring Jamaican dancehall artist Roze Don, as well as a captivating Baltimore Club-style remix of ‘Bullseye’ produced by HalfQueen & Pasquinel.

Dubbed Italy’s Daft Punk, Mind Enterprises, who are leading the Italo Disco revival (yes it’s a thing) also join the Splore line up. Literally building a cult following overnight, Mind Enterprises’ mildly ironic party sound has led to over half a billion streams of their track “Never Going Home”. 

Also announced is American singer Parson James, whose genre-blending sound and deeply emotional storytelling have positioned him as one of the most distinctive voices in modern pop and dance music. Best known for co-writing and performing on Kygo’s multi-platinum hit “Stole The Show,” which has surpassed 1 billion streams globally, Parson’s music is rooted in contrast — soul and euphoria, gospel and EDM, struggle and resilience. His perspective as a queer, biracial artist raised in the conservative South has shaped a narrative that is as emotionally powerful as it is culturally important.

And adding to the party flavour, Splore welcomes back Glastonbury favourite, The Beatles Dub Club and Brooklyn’s most fabulous and dynamic house music duo, Monstah Black and Manchild Black, who are The Illustrious Blacks.

Local punk heroes, Dick Move, join the line up along with DJ’s BBYFACEKILLA b2b Snakelegs, Arcadia, Love Language, Hudge, Bobby Brazuka, Dastardly Bounder, Rose Alice and DJ Banty.

With this complete lineup announce, the Splore team have reflected on the challenging nature of putting a festival together in this day and age. As costs climb, belts tighten, and the mutli-national corporate content machines keep pumping out fad-by-numbers. The festival stays fiercely independent and happily different, a world-class gathering with big production value and plenty of soul, set beachside at Tāpapakanga Regional Park. “We choose craft over churn, experience over hype. Splore is Aotearoa at its finest. Creative, diverse and uniquely ours.” says festival producer Fryderyk Kublikowski. “Yes, costs are up and the times are tight, but our promise stays bright.”

Gratitude sits at the centre. The team remains thankful for a loyal audience who return to Tāpapakanga. “Your support lets us champion the talent, artistry and unique culture of Aotearoa,” says Kublikowski. “We’ll keep raising the bar and making it worth your time, your travel, your hard-earned spend.”

So, the invitation stands. A full spectrum of beings, in every state of being. World class, Aotearoa at its finest, salt air on the breeze. Be curious, be kind, just be here.  

R&V 25 DAYSPLIT

The time to start planning the final four days of 2025 are here, with the announcement of additional acts and the official daysplit and set times for Rhythm and Vines 2025. New acts include CHARLOTTE PLANK, KILLOWEN, DIFFRENT, TITAN, LEE MVTTHEWS, MESSIE, MONTELL2099 and more, joining already announced headliners including KID CUDI, TURNSTILE, WILKINSON, MARC REBILLET, MARIBOU STATE and L.A.B.

DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL R&V2025 MOBILE APP TO PLAN YOUR NEW YEAR

Over 100 acts have now been announced for the 4 day music and camping festival, with the official campers night pre-party starting on Dec 28, before the festival kicks off across 5 stages on Dec 29. 

Day One of Rhythm and Vines features headline performances on the One NZ Vines Stage from KID CUDI, TURNSTILE and MOZEY. The keys to the brand new Rhythm Stage will be given to MONTELL2099, MARC REBILLET, and PIRAPUS presents F U T U R E. Those dancing in the Cellar Stage include A-TRAK, ATARANGI and SAM GALLAITRY. And the popular return of all things Indie and Rock at the Garden Stage features performances from ESHA TEWARI, COAST ARCADE, RINGLETS and ELLIOT & VINCENT.

Day Two on December 30 sees L.A.B, MARIBOU STATE, 070 SHAKE and LEE MVTTHEWS keeping the party going on the One NZ Vines Stage. While over at the Rhythm Stage, acts such as SOTA, CHARLOTTE PLANK, EMILY MAKIS and KILLOWEN keep the valley jumping. Cellar Stage features a set from Deadpool star JULIAN DENNISON, LINSKA, BL3SS and DIFFRENT. 

And the main event, New Years Eve will see CORRELLA, HORI SHAW, and HOMEBREW bring the final sunset down of 2025 on One NZ Vines Stage, before CYRIL, NOTION lead us into the Countdown celebrations. WILKINSON will deliver his first set of 2026 straight after the countdown, before KANINE shuts down the final set into the early morning. Performances across Rhythm, Cellar and Garden include the likes of MONTELL2099, LANCE SAVALI, SEX MASK, SKEPSIS and more.

The daysplit for Rhythm and Vines includes:

DEC 29
KID CUDI, TURNSTILE, MARC REBILLET, A-TRAK, ESHA TEWARI, FCUKERS, INJI, JANE REMOVER, MOZEY, SAM GELLAITRY, 1TBSP, ATARANGI, BROOK GIBSON, COAST ARCADE, CROSSY, ELLIOT & VINCENT, GRAY, RINGLETS, CORNERS, ELLA MONNERY, EMERSON, HUTCH, INMOTION, JUNI, LICIOUS, MIKEYY, PIRAPUS PRESENTS F U T U R E

DEC 30
L.A.B, MARIBOU STATE, 070 SHAKE, LEE MVTTHEWS, SOTA, BL3SS, CHARLOTTE PLANK, DIFFRENT, EMILY MAKIS, GOOD NEIGHBOURS, KILLOWEN, SWIMMING PAUL, BORDERLINE, JULIAN DENNISON, LINSKA, SIN, THERE'S A TUESDAY, TITAN, DANI JOSIE, DENDE THE SENSEI, FIRST RESERVE, LUCY GRAY, MYLEN, SAM CULLEN AND HIS BAND, VITAMIN COS, WHERE’S JAI

DEC 31
WILKINSON, CYRIL, KANINE, NOTION, MONTELL2099, CORRELLA, HOME BREW, HORI SHAW, SIN & BROOK, SKEPSIS, TE WEHI, TREI, BRIGSY, CHRIS KEENE, LANCE SAVALI, LE SHIV, NED BENNETT, MESSIE, SEX MASK, WILL SWINTON, DAMAGE CONTROL, DOUBLE PARKED, LIBERTY, REASXN, SHEHATESJACOB, THE FALCONS, LEE MVTTHEWS (140 SET)


FESTIVAL PASSES & CAMPING
Single day tickets available for December 29, December 30 and December 31. 

A limited allocation of Glamping, Hotel and Motel packages are still available for those looking for a little festival comfort.

Head to rhythmandvines.co.nz/tickets for full range of ticket options. Afterpay is available for purchase of tickets to Rhythm and Vines on Moshtix.

ABOUT RHYTHM AND VINES
Since 2003, over 375,000 Kiwis and international travellers have unlocked their rite of passage - the journey that is Rhythm and Vines.

Held each year at the stunning Waiohika Estate, on the East Coast of New Zealand, in the beautiful township of Tairāwhiti |Gisborne. Be one of the first in the world to welcome the first sunrise at one of the world's premier music festivals. The award winning music festival opens up to campers from December 28, with the festival officially kicking off on December 29, through to the first sunrise on January 1. 

This will be the 23rd edition of Rhythm and Vines. 

The festival successfully raised $40,000 for the Gisborne Mayoral Relief Fund and will now focus it’s fundrasing efforts to SugerGrans Tairāwhiti. In the years prior to the Gisborne floods, Rhythm and Vines successfully raised over $62,500 for Lifeline.

Full lineup and ticketing information available at rhythmandvines.co.nz

FESTIVAL PARTNERS
Rhythm and Vines 2025 partners include ONE NEW ZEALAND, COCA COLA, GEORGE FM, LIPTON, MCDONALD'S, PLATYPUS, RED BULL, SUPERGRANS TAIRĀWHITI, THE EDGE, UBER ONE, X by LONG WHITE

SUPPORT ANNOUNCED FOR LEWIS CAPALDI 2025 NEW ZEALAND TOUR DATES

After two years away from the spotlight, global superstar Lewis Capaldi is well and truly, back. Back in the charts with his huge new single Survive, and this November and December, back on tour in Australia and New Zealand across Christchurch, Auckland, Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth presented by Secret Sounds, Live Nation and WME.

Announced in July, these completely sold out dates will be the first time Lewis has returned to Australasia since Falls Festival in 2019/20, and his Auckland Town Hall performance in 2019. For future touring news, visit livenation.co.nz and secretsounds.com. 

In Ōtautahi and Tāmaki Makaurau, soulful pop rising star Jude Kelly will take the stage as support. “Carving out a lane with evocative releases” is how Rolling Stone describes the sonic world of 25-year-old Jude Kelly, her inimitable voice and authentic charm forming the touchstone of her timeless songwriting, driven by emotive lyricism and a folk tinged flare. Taking inspiration from the likes of Lana Del Rey, Maggie Rogers and HAIM, Jude Kelly has experienced a lifetime of love, loss, growth, accomplishment, and resilience, and through it all, she’s been writing songs. Earlier this year, Jude shared her debut EP, The Seven Spirits of Her, a project carefully crafted with producers Josh Fountain (BENEE, Ruel) and Devin Abrams. Her breakout single ‘Clarence’ caught the attention of Coldplay’s Chris Martin during his recent trip to New Zealand, and her releases have garnered acclaim from the likes of Rolling Stone AU/NZ, InStyle, Ones To Watch, Coup De Main, and more. Following last year’s sold-out Auckland debut headline show, Rhythm & Vines Festival set, and recent support for Sienna Spiro and Amble, Jude’s live performance prowess continues supporting Lewis Capaldi and Freak Slug on their tour stops in New Zealand.

Aotearoa will be further treated to the talent of Lewis’s good mate, Ireland born Aaron Rowe. For Aaron, singing and playing guitar is not a choice, it’s an extension of himself. Almost exactly a year ago, Aaron was singing covers at his regular Saturday gig in The Dame Tavern when one of his future managers would walk in and discover him playing. A few weeks later, Lewis Capaldi would also stumble into Aaron’s usual Sunday sessions at Cassidy’s on a stag do. Like fate, a few weeks after that, he would bump into Lewis again whilst performing at an open mic in Nashville, where Lewis introduced him to his best friend, now Aaron’s manager, who just so happened to have listened to his demos that very morning. Over a month before the release of his first single, ‘Hey Ma’, people were already sharing their own versions online by piecing together the song through snippets that had surfaced on social media. He wears his influences on his sleeve; from Sam Cooke to Nina Simone to Paulo Nutini. His stage presence brings song histories, personal anecdotes, random thoughts and funny observations, blurted out with erratic but effortless charm. Aaron’s songwriting balances the heart wrenching with the heartwarming, all the while holding open the door to us into his very personal world.

These dates will be the first time Lewis has returned to Aotearoa since his Auckland Town Hall performance in 2019. His new track ‘Survive’ sees him reunited with close collaborator Romans, who co-wrote his global megahit ‘Someone You Loved’, that extraordinarily turned 10x Platinum earlier this year.

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

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

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

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

After weathering the kind of storm that few can prepare for, Lewis Capaldi returns with a renewed sense of purpose, with some stellar openers to kick off the shows. Lewis isn’t just surviving, he’s returning even stronger, heart wide open, and ready to step out again.

5 SECONDS OF SUMMER ANNOUNCE WORLD TOUR KICKING OFF IN MARCH

History-making multiplatinum Australian alt-rock and future punk / pop band 5 Seconds of Summer have announced the EVERYONE’S A STAR! World Tour. The tour will kick off in March with a European and UK leg running through May, followed by U.S. dates from May to August, before heading to New Zealand in October.  

Alongside today’s tour announcement, the band have today released new single ‘Telephone Busy’ taken from their highly anticipated forthcoming new album EVERYONE’S A STAR! due November 14th and available to pre-order/save here. ‘Telephone Busy’ is out now and available to download/stream here.

Embarking on their most ambitious new era yet and pioneering a genre-bending sound, earlier this month the band announced their highly anticipated sixth studio album, EVERYONE’S A STAR! due out November 14th - and their first official new music since 2022. The album is 5 Seconds of Summer as you’ve never seen or heard them before, boldly elevating their sound and aesthetic to another stratosphere. Conceived as both a sonic leap forward and a reassertion of their identity, the record draws inspiration from artists like N.E.R.D., Gorillaz, The Prodigy and beyond, while embracing the energy that has always made 5 Seconds of Summer an electrifying live band.

They kicked things off with lead single ‘NOT OK’ and the accompanying official video, directed by Hannah Lux Davis (Ariana Grande, Miley Cyrus, Avril Lavigne). They followed it up with ‘Boyband’ which served as an ode to their fans and a playful nod to the label that’s followed them throughout their career. 

To kick off the new chapter, the band surprised fans in Los Angeles with a pop-up performance. Announced just hours before showtime, thousands of fans lined up and down Sunset Boulevard eager to witness the start of the band’s new era and one-of-a-kind event. The band debuted new songs off the album including lead single ‘NOT OK’, ‘Boyband’, ‘Telephone Busy’, ‘No.1 Obsession’ and ‘Everyone’s A Star!’, alongside fan favourites like ‘Youngblood’, ‘She’s So Perfect’ and ‘Teeth’.

Tickets for 5 Seconds of Summer will be available to purchase by the General Public onFriday, October 31 at 9am local time.  

Eligible Westpac New Zealand customers with a Westpac New Zealand Mastercard have special access to presale tickets starting from Wednesday 29 October at 10am until Friday 31 October at 9am (local time). Westpac hotpoints® Mastercard cardholders also have access to exclusive preferred tickets from Friday 31 October at 9am (local time). For more information visit priceless.com/westpacnz

One NZ customers can be among the first to secure tickets during a 48-hour presale starting Wednesday 29 October, 10am. Head to one.nz/music.

The Live Nation Presale starts Thursday 30 October at 10am running until Friday 31 October at 9am or until allocation is exhausted. To access presale tickets, sign up now at livenation.co.nz/register.

Tickets and further information at livenation.co.nz. 

SPECIAL GUEST ANTHONIE TONNON TO JOIN SIR DAVE DOBBYN ON HIS SELECTED SONGS REGIONAL TOUR

Today, acclaimed Whanganui-based musician and songwriter Anthonie Tonnon has been announced as the support artist across multiple dates of Sir Dave Dobbyn’s Selected Songs regional tour. 

Tonnon will join Sir Dave across his 2025 dates of the tour at The Opera House in Pōneke, Wellington on Friday October 31st (sold out), Ahuriri, Napier’s Municipal Theatre on Tuesday November 4th, Papaioea, Palmerston North’s Regent on Broadway on Wednesday November 5th, Ōtepoti, Dunedin’s Town Hall on Friday November 7th, and Sunday November 9th’s show at Ōtautahi, Christchurch in the new venue at the Christchurch Town Hall.

Tickets for Sir Dave Dobbyn’s Selected Songs regional tour are flying out the door, with Wellington already sold out. Following the addition of Anthonie Tonnon to the bill, they are bound to go even faster. Audiences are encouraged to get in while they can, from livenation.co.nz. 

Few songwriters forge the kinds of paths that Anthonie Tonnon has. Experiments with synthesizers and sampling may change his sonic palette, but a constant is his lyric-writing and shows that are creative works in themselves. Winning the Taite Music Prize for his last album, Leave Love Out Of This, Tonnon is returning with new music and a set that swaps the guitar for the vocoder, converts dual Synthstrom Deluges into honorary CDJs, and takes its performative cues from turn of the millennium dance culture, cinema, and the Situationist movement.

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.

For complete tour, ticket and event information, visit: www.livenation.co.nz
 

KŌAWA STUDIOS AND AUCKLAND’S TWO LARGEST FILM STUDIOS PARTNER TO STRENGTHEN NZ’S SCREEN INDUSTRY

Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury (UC)’s Kōawa Studios has teamed up with Auckland’s two largest film studios, Auckland Film Studios (AFS) and Kumeū Film Studios (KFS), in a new agreement designed to create clearer pathways for producers, supporting New Zealand’s screen production pipeline. The agreement will also give UC students invaluable opportunities to step directly into industry environments. 

The non-exclusive Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) reinforces New Zealand’s appeal as a production destination. For producers, it will create clearer pathways to access AFS, KFS and South Island connections, helping attract more projects from New Zealand and overseas.  

This collaboration marks a pivotal step in connecting New Zealand’s screen production ecosystem, said Sam Witters, Director of Kōawa Studios at UC. 

“By aligning with Auckland Film Studios (AFS) and Kumeū Film Studios (KFS), Kōawa Studios strengthens its national footprint, educational mission and industry credibility. It’s a signal to the global screen community that we’re building a truly integrated, future-facing production pipeline.” 

AFS and KFS are two of New Zealand’s largest and most established facilities, hosting productions from Power Rangers, The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power and East of Eden through to A Minecraft Movie and Chief of War. Together, they offer world-class sound stages, have the largest ocean surface tanks and dive tanks in Australasia, and are capable of handling the very largest international productions. Both studios have a strong record of showcasing South Island locations in major productions and continue to welcome all productions and collaborate with a range of training providers. 

The partnership will also enable UC’s Bachelor of Digital Screen with Honours (BDigiScreen(Hons)) students to get hands-on experience with real productions and industry tools. It will make it easier for producers to see what studios across New Zealand can offer, from Auckland’s facilities to the South Island’s stunning locations, and help to attract more projects from here and overseas. 

UC’s screen partnerships are already creating opportunities for students and industry. Most recently, Kōawa Studios worked with leading New Zealand production company Velvet Moss on their international feature film Holy Days, where two UC BDigiScreen(Hons) interns gained crucial on-set experience. This builds on existing agreements with Stretchy Productions (Kiri and Lou), Aardman Academy (from Aardman Animations, the Oscar-winning producers of Wallace and Gromit), New Zealand International Film Festival and Doc Edge, as well as previous film productions such as We Were Dangerous (Piki Films) and Head South. 

“This new partnership is a great example of how education and industry can work together for mutual benefit,” said Professor Kevin Watson, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Arts at UC. “Our students will graduate with hands-on experience, and the sector gains skilled talent ready to contribute.” 

The news comes as New Zealand’s creative industries are being recognised as serious economic engines. Contributing nearly $19 billion to GDP and ranking as the country’s fourth-largest export industry, bigger than fruit, wine or seafood, the sector supports over 100,000 jobs and connects with billions of global consumers through digital platforms.
 

ABOUT KŌAWA STUDIOS AND THE UNIVERSITY OF CANTERBURY 
Kōawa Studios at the University of Canterbury (UC): Where screen, storytelling, and creative technology education and industries converge. Located on UC’s Dovedale campus, Kōawa houses state-of-the-art facilities including sound recording studios, edit suites and foley, motion capture and stop motion animation studios, green screen and virtual production sound stages, mill space, computer labs and a multipurpose theatre for e-sports, movie screenings and events. These facilities empower UC Bachelor of  Digital Screen with Honours students to push the boundaries of creativity in film, animation, game arts and development, sound production, indigenous narrative and immersive technologies. Kōawa is the name gifted to UC by Ngāi Tahu that means “watercourse” or “channel”, and symbolises a life force, uniting people, passion and purpose. Partnerships with industry are vital to our success, providing students with regular access and exposure to industry, supporting them to graduate with the skills these global industries demand.   

Kōawa at the University of Canterbury welcomes enquiries from those interested in partnering with the initiatives being developed to ensure the continued growth of the converged creative technology industries. 

Immersed in the heart of Ōtautahi Christchurch - the second largest city in Aotearoa New Zealand - Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury provides an experience unlike any other. The University offers students endless opportunities for exploration and recreation, with all the conveniences of a modern city and a region called ‘home to nature’s most diverse playground’. Our students have the space to find themselves, to connect with others and to positively contribute to a changing world.   

We pride ourselves on delivering a high standard of education. We seek to cultivate a spirit of curiosity that honours our shared history, values our differences and aspires towards tertiary education that is equitable and accessible to all. 

UC’s Bachelor of Digital Screen with Honours is a four-year professional degree that focuses on storytelling using words, still or moving images, animation and sound. It introduces students to all stages of conception, production and publication of digital media.    

Students will complete at least one of six major subjects, including:    

• Animation   

• Cinematic Arts   

• Game Development   

• Game Arts   

• Screen Sound   

• Screenwriting   

Students can also choose to specialise in a number of minor subjects including Indigenous Narrative, a course specially designed to accompany this degree. Indigenous Narrative provides students with an understanding of the approaches to Māori and Pasifika storytelling in digital forms, including production strategies and issues of representation. 

LONDON-BASED SINGER ARTHUR HILL ANNOUNCES AUCKLAND STOP ON HIS STELLAAUSNZTOUR IN 2026

26-year-old singer-songwriter Arthur Hill has announced that due to overwhelming demand across the Australian tour dates, he will be heading to Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland's Tuning Forkon Sunday, 18 January 2026 for what is now the StellaAusNZTour.  

Tickets to Arthur Hill’s StellaAusNZTour in Auckland will be available to purchase by the General Public on Friday, 3 October at 12pm NZDT.  

The Secret Sounds Presale starts Thursday, October 2 at 11am until Friday, October 3 at 11am NZDT or until allocation is exhausted. To purchase presale tickets, sign up now at www.secretsounds.com  

Based in London, Hill is known for his soulful melodies, sharp lyricism, and authentic storytelling. He’s just wrapped a summer packed full of festival appearances and now, nearing the end of a momentous 2025, he’s gearing up for his sold out UK/EU headline tour, which kicks off in November and will see him perform at some of the UK’s most iconic venues before heading to Europe and then of course, down under to Australia and New Zealand.  

Arthur Hill has collaborated with industry talents such as Danny Casio, Kurisu, Yami, Brendan Grieve, Jo Hill, and Aquilo. His debut single, Tiny Room, quickly gained traction, amassing over 6 million streams and marking the start of a remarkable rise fueled by his unique voice and a dedicated online following. Arthur’s presence on social media has played a major role in his ascent, with over 1.7 million followers on TikTok and 315,000 on Instagram. His 2022 breakout hit Iced Coffee sparked a viral trend, generating over 3 million video creations.  

In January, Arthur released his debut EP, In The Middle Of Somewhere, a six-track body of work showcasing his refreshingly honest lyrics, including fan favourites Lily, Late For The Reservation, and viral track Hey Arthur!, which earned over 4 million Spotify streams. Off the back of this release, he launched his first headline UK tour — selling out all regional dates within five minutes. Due to overwhelming demand, five out of eight venues were upgraded, and he went on to sell out London's iconic Brixton Academy (5,000 capacity) — his biggest show to date. His momentum continued into a sold-out fall/winter tour, including a headline performance at Brixton Academy. 

Fans heading to Arthur Hill’s Tuning Fork show can expect to hear him perform their favourite tracks from his growing discography, including infectious head-bopper Appetite and his latest offering Man In The Middle, a single soaked in warm synths and nostalgic melodies, displaying Arthur’s transparent vulnerability. Tickets are sure to sell fast, if the rest of the world’s interest is anything to go by! 

MANUKA PHUEL CHASING THE FOX RETURNS THIS DECEMBER, AND FOX HAS GOT COMPANY!

Manuka Phuel Chasing the Fox returns for 2025 delivering a massive twist to the format with Ryan Fox set to welcome one of his close friends from the international golf tour to join him on home soil to face off against an exciting field of competitors from across New Zealand’s sporting and media landscape.
 
Taking place on Friday 12 December at Royal Auckland and Grange Golf Club, Manuka Phuel Chasing the Fox blends elite sport with music, culture, and entertainment, connecting new and loyal audiences to the sport and redefining how golf can be experienced. Manuka Phuel Chasing the Fox is a six-hole showdown - Ryan Fox & his friend vs the best of the rest. A unique field made up of the top players from our leading sporting teams and the media, who get an edge by playing in groups of three - taking on the Fox at his own game, on his own course. The lowest score wins, and if there’s a tie, it all comes down to a dramatic playoff on the final party hole.
 
This year’s event will be broadcast live and free across TVNZ 1 & TVNZ+, with coverage of all the action from the final party hole.
 
Across the coming weeks teams will be announced to take on The Fox & Friend, with invites being issued to New Zealand’s top sporting codes – from rugby, cricket, league, football and more. Each team will be playing for prize money that goes directly to their chosen charity, ensuring that the energy on the green delivers a meaningful impact off the course.
 
The call is clear: step up, join the chase, and take your shot at The Fox.
 
Manuka Phuel Chasing the Fox & Friends delivers world-class competition, a celebration of sports and entertainment and the most unmissable summer showdown at one of the standout fixtures in New Zealand’s sporting calendar. Corporate tickets are on sale from Wednesday 1st October, with general release tickets released on Wednesday 29th October at 9am. For more information, head to chasingthefox.co.nz

GRETA VAN DEN BRINK ANNOUNCES NEW SINGLE ‘CHILL COOL GIRL’

Rising New Zealand singer-songwriter Greta van den Brink has today unveiled her new single Chill Cool Girl, a dreamy, tongue-in-cheek indie-pop track that captures the all too relatable performance of being effortlessly “chill” at the start of a romance. 

Greta, who first found her way into music after a career in film and stunt performance for Netflix, Amazon, and Apple, has quickly established herself as one of Aotearoa’s most original voices. Her debut single Road to Hell unexpectedly landed on a Netflix soundtrack, setting the stage for a career defined by cinematic storytelling and emotional rawness. From the haunting intimacy of Swimming on a Spoon to the bright hooks of U+I, Greta’s music builds vivid worlds that feel both personal and universal. 

Chill Cool Girl was born out of Greta’s first-ever collaborative writing sessions with producer Noema Te Hau III at Parachute Studios in Auckland. What began as a lighthearted idea quickly evolved into one of her most relatable songs yet. 

“Chill Cool Girl is one of those songs that sort of wrote itself after many late-night chats with my girlfriends,” says Greta.” “It’s about that weird, slightly humiliating phase at the start of seeing someone where you suddenly feel like you have to be the chill girl—you know, unbothered, cool with anything, totally non-psycho even though your brain is doing backflips… Trying to be sexy and detached while quietly freaking out.” 

With its lo-fi, dreamy, ‘Hawaiian-country’ feel, Chill Cool Girl adds a playful new dimension to Greta’s growing body of work while continuing her trademark mix of vulnerability and bold storytelling. 

Raised on a farm outside of Auckland, Greta grew up surrounded by animals, trees, and the imaginative world her mother encouraged her to create. Music arrived unexpectedly when friend and actor Shane Rangi handed her a guitar and suggested she’d write songs. He was right. Greta has since transformed that spark into a career that blends cinematic influences with sharp, emotionally charged songwriting, carving her place as a unique voice in New Zealand’s indie music landscape. 

Chill Cool Girl is the first single from Greta’s debut album ‘This Wasn’t Planned’ which was recorded at Big Fan and is set for release in 2026. 

Chill Cool Girl is available now. STREAM/LISTEN HERE.
Follow Greta's journey on INSTAGRAM and TIKTOK.

FOUR-TIME GRAND SLAM CHAMPION RETURNS TO ASB CLASSIC IN AUCKLAND

Former World No 1 Naomi Osaka will return to the ASB Classic in January, after finishing runner-up in Auckland this year.

Osaka, a four-time Grand Slam Champion, has risen to No 14 in the world on the back of her best form since her return to the sport last year following the birth of her daughter.

The Japan-born, Los Angeles-based superstar was forced to retire injured in the ASB Classic final in January after winning the first set 6-4, handing the title to Denmark’s Clara Tauson.

Osaka rebuilt through the year, enjoying a WTA 125 win in Saint Malo, France, followed by finishing runner-up in the WTA 1000 tournament in Montreal. She continued her outstanding form at the recent US Open, beating world #3 Coco Gauff and ultimately reaching the semifinal where she lost narrowly in the deciding set to world #4, Amanda Anisimova. 

As a result, Osaka’s ranking has jumped inside the top-15, currently at #14 in the world, which is her highest since 2022. 

The two-time US Open and Australian Open champion is buoyed by her recent successes and keen to start her 2026 season on a positive note.

“Having a strong start in Auckland would be important in building the year and heading into the Australian Open,” said Osaka. 

“Last year I did pretty well in Auckland and although I had to retire in the final, it definitely gave me a lot of confidence going into Melbourne.

“The biggest lessons I will carry into next year are coming off a really strong US swing and doing well in the US Open, but I think the whole year has been full of really great lessons.”

Osaka, who turned 28 last week, has enjoyed wins this year over Gauff, #13-ranked Elina Svitolina, #15 Karolina Muchova, #24 Jelena Ostapenko and teenage prodigy Victoria Mboko, and is showing no inclination to step back from the game.

“What I love about the sport is the competitiveness. I like knowing I am competing against the very best players in the world.”

She is also keen to link back with ASB Classic men’s champion Gael Monfils, after the pair played together in a mixed doubles feature at the US Open.

“Playing with Monfils was a dream come true for me. I watched him a lot when I was a kid and he is one of the most entertaining tennis players.”

ASB Classic Tournament Director, Nicolas Lamperin said the organisation is thrilled to attract Osaka back to Auckland.

“Naomi is one of the great players of our time and we are blessed that she has decided to return to our event.

“She has rediscovered some of her best form in recent times, and is clearly focussed on returning to the very top of the game.

“It is an absolute privilege for tennis fans to be able to see her in action at the ASB Classic in Auckland.”

Likewise Osaka is looking forward to returning to Auckland, and not just for the on-court action.

“The thing I enjoyed most about Auckland was probably the scariest thing, and I would want to do it again next year, which was jumping off the Sky Tower.” 

Just like her bungy experience, Osaka is bouncing her way back to the top of the sport.

This summer, the ASB Classic welcomes a bold new look, bringing more colour, energy and style to every corner of the tournament. Fans can look forward to a buzzing atmosphere, refreshed menus, a wider range of food and beverage options, and lively partner activations, capturing the very best of summer in Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland.

Making its debut in 2026 is the VIP Pōhutukawa Terrace, offering sensational centre-court views, a covered terrace with padded seating, and the introduction of in-seat food and beverage service. The fan experience is also getting a major upgrade with improved terraces, shaded areas, and the brand new Robinson Stand, delivering more space to relax, dine and mingle, all with enhanced sightlines of the on-court action.

Tickets are on sale now from https://asbclassic.flicket.co.nz – including tickets and hospitality opportunities for both the WTA and ATP events.

TOM SCOTT RELEASES BRAND NEW SINGLE 'gyal like you'

Tom Scott today releases gyal like you, the brand new single from his upcoming album ANITYA, a nocturnal blend of progressive soul, dream-pop, jazzy psychedelic folk, and ambient R&B.

On the release of this new single, Tom shares:

"first off, shot for hanging with me outside my comfort zone. proper appreciate anyone's that's reached out to show love after the first single. i didn't really know what to expect but thank you.  

this next one's from the other side of the tunnel. or the flip-side of the record. at the time I was still trynna find my way through it. then i bumped into this woman. she kinda dusted me off. scrubbed me up. i was a mess. one night i came round and i literally crashed into her car. true story. so yeah this one goes out to all the tolerant women behind the scenes holding us weirdos together. 

love."

Raw as exposed nerves after a car crash, and as tender as the final kiss goodbye, ANITYA is the first solo album from Tom Scott, one of the most acclaimed New Zealand artists of his generation, hip-hop or otherwise. Recorded with a cast of 30 of the most versatile musicians, beatmakers and vocalists in his contact list and the award-winning studio engineer and producer Ben Lawson, it represents a significant creative breakthrough for one of Avondale’s finest.

To celebrate the announcement of his forthcoming album, ANITYA, Tom Scott will play an intimate album release show in Tāmaki Makarau at The Civic on Saturday, 1 November 2025, brought to you by 100% GOOD.

Over his storied career, Scott has released nine albums (three of which debuted at number one on the New Zealand Top 40 album chart) and built a loyal live following throughout Aotearoa, Australia, and as far afield as Europe and the United Kingdom. In recognition of his considerable talents and cultural impact, he’s been awarded Album of the Year, Single of the Year, and Best Hip Hop Album at the Aotearoa Music Awards, as well as the coveted Taite Music Prize (2019) and multiple APRA Silver Scroll Award nominations. 

AFTER SOLD OUT TOUR, TOFIGA FEPULEA’I BRINGS HIS SIGNATURE PASIFIKA COMEDY TO THREE NZ CITIES

The Pacific’s humble King of Comedy, Tofiga Fepulea’i, is hitting the road this November with his sold out hit show Shuuush Your Mouf for comedy fans across the Waikato, Auckland, and Bay of Plenty. 

With a career spanning decades, Tofiga has become a household name and is one of the most celebrated voices in Aotearoa comedy. From The Laughing Samoans to Taskmaster NZ, he’s known for his brilliant humour, story-telling and ability to connect across generations. 

"I'm feeling super grateful after our sold out shows earlier this year and stoked to be bringing Shuuush Your Mouf to Hamilton and Tauranga for the first time, and bringing it back to Auckland." - Tofiga Fepulea’i 

Don’t miss Tofiga bringing his razor-sharp humour, Pasifika heart, and fatherly wisdom to new audiences this November with Shuuush Your Mouf. 

Tickets are $60 + BF and are expected to sell fast. Ticket sales commence Thursday 18 Sept for all three shows. 

Tour Dates: 

• Hamilton – Clarence St Theatre – Sat 1 Nov 
   

• Auckland – Bruce Mason Centre – Fri 7 Nov 
   

• Tauranga – Holy Trinity Church – Sat 8 Nov 
   

Tickets available now at tapliveevents.com  

Shuuush Your Mouf is proudly presented by TAP Live Events, a champion of NZ comedy aiming to raise the bar of live comedy experiences for both performances and audiences, led by founders Tim Batt and Paul Link. 

YOUNGEST AMERICAN TENNIS CHAMPION TO PLAY ASB CLASSIC IN AUCKLAND

The youngest American tennis player to win a WTA Tour title since Coco Gauff is following in her footsteps to compete in the ASB Classic in January.

The 17-year-old Iva Jovic, who won the WTA 500 Guadalajara Open in Mexico this week, has confirmed she will play in the ASB Classic in Auckland.

Jovic is following a similar pathway to Gauff, who first played in Auckland at 15 years, and won the title aged 18 in 2023 and again in 2024. Gauff, now ranked third in the world, has commented that the ASB Classic is among her favourite places to play.

Jovic has risen to a remarkable 36th in the world rankings following her victory in Guadalajara, and will continue the trend of emerging global talent to come to Auckland.

“We are naturally thrilled that Iva wants to play at the ASB Classic in Auckland,” said ASB Classic Tournament Director, Nicolas Lamperin.

“The tournament has a history in featuring tomorrow’s stars today. We pride ourselves that our care of players, the great atmosphere from fans and the acknowledged benefits in this great city of Auckland are all key factors,” said Lamperin.

“People like Coco have been rich in praise for Auckland as the ideal starting point in their careers. We would like to think Iva is on a similar trajectory and fans here can witness up-close one of tomorrow’s potential world stars today.”

Jovic, who was born in Torrance and now lives in nearby Los Angeles, won her first professional tournament on the ITF circuit in 2023.

She became the youngest American to win a women’s main draw match in her US Open debut in 2024, and won her first round at the Australian Open this year, after winning USTA’s Wild Card Challenge. The American also won her first round at the French Open, and qualified for the main draw at Wimbledon.

Jovic won her first WTA 125 tournament at the Ilkley Open in England earlier this year before her first WTA 500 title in Guadalajara over Colombian Emiliana Arango 6-2 6-3 in the final. 

Lamperin expects to finalise several key players in the coming few weeks.

This summer, the ASB Classic welcomes a bold new look, bringing more colour, energy and style to every corner of the tournament. Fans can look forward to a buzzing atmosphere, refreshed menus, a wider range of food and beverage options, and lively partner activations, capturing the very best of summer in Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland.

Making its debut in 2026 is the VIP Pōhutukawa Terrace, offering sensational centre-court views, a covered terrace with padded seating, and the introduction of in-seat food and beverage service. The fan experience is also getting a major upgrade with improved terraces, shaded areas, and the brand new Robinson Stand, delivering more space to relax, dine and mingle, all with enhanced sightlines of the on-court action.

JACK GRAY ANNOUNCED AS SUPPORT FOR MAREN MORRIS’ 2026 NEW ZEALAND TOUR

Australian singer-songwriter Jack Gray will join Grammy Award-winning artist Maren Morris as the special guest on her highly anticipated 2026 New Zealand Tour.

Originally from Mackay, Queensland, Jack Gray is a songwriter and multi-instrumentalist whose music blends cinematic storytelling with heartfelt lyricism, capturing the emotion and energy of life’s turning points. Now based in Los Angeles, the 25-year-old artist has amassed more than 30 million global streams and built a strong following with his atmospheric soundscapes and intimate, honest songwriting.

Gray has toured extensively across Australia, New Zealand, the U.S., and Canada, sharing stages with artists including Tate McRae, Mahalia, Matt Corby, Maisie Peters, and Ella Vos. Most recently, he joined Daniel Seavey on the Second Wind Tour, performing to a packed audience in New Zealand. In July 2025, Gray signed with Island Records Australia and released his debut single under the label, “Dumb Sh*t”—a nostalgic ode to reckless youth that serves as the first glimpse of his forthcoming 2026 debut album.

Jack Gray says:
“I’m beyond excited to join Maren on her New Zealand tour. She’s an artist I deeply admire for her honesty and fearless songwriting. Getting to share these shows at home with Kiwi audiences feels really special—it’s the perfect way to kick off a huge year of new music for me.”

Fans can expect an intimate yet high-energy performance from Gray as he takes the stage ahead of Maren Morris, setting the scene for one of the most exciting tours of the year.

MAREN MORRIS WITH SPECIAL GUEST JACK GRAY

TOUR DATES
11 February 2026 – AUCKLAND – Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre 
13 February 2026 – CHRISTCHURCH – Christchurch Town Hall 
Tickets are on sale now via Ticketmaster