THE VELVET REBELS - Celebrating the Ratpack Era
Swing and swoon with Rutene Spooner—‘The Māori Crooner’ and Shea Kokaua—‘The Kūki Keysman’ in Aotearoa’s newest Vegas-style jazz tribute!
Enjoy classics like Fly Me to the Moon, Luck Be a Lady, and local favourites like Poi E and Slice of Heaven. This cheeky duo channels the swing and swagger of the iconic RATPACK era, blending timeless jazz with the spirit of the South Pacific!
From the young to the young-at-heart, come for the music, stay for the laughs, and put on the ritz with The Velvet Rebels!
The Velvet Rebels - Hawkes Bay Arts Festival
Swing and swoon with Rutene Spooner—‘The Māori Crooner’ and Shea Kokaua—‘The Kūki Keysman’ in Aotearoa’s newest Vegas-style jazz tribute!
Enjoy classics like Fly Me to the Moon, Luck Be a Lady, and local favourites like Poi E and Slice of Heaven. This cheeky duo channels the swing and swagger of the iconic RATPACK era, blending timeless jazz with the spirit of the South Pacific!
From the young to the young-at-heart, come for the music, stay for the laughs, and put on the ritz with The Velvet Rebels!
PĪPĪ PAOPAO - We The Young Festival
“Waiata, whānau, and the wonders of Te Taiao (the natural world).
A vibrant, interactive performance for tamariki aged 3–7 years and their whānau.
Through waiata and play, this theatrical experience brings to life the unique characteristics of Manu Rangatira (noble birdlife), echoing the sounds of Te Taiao (nature) and celebrating the beauty of te reo Māori.
Guided by Māori storytelling traditions, Pīpī Paopao uses proverbs and metaphors from the natural world to help little hatchlings flourish and take flight into a world of their own.
Whether soaring through towering trees or resting in a shady grove, each child is invited to explore, sing, and connect in their own way.
Created by Rutene Spooner, Pīpī Paopao welcomes all- whether you’re fluent in te reo Māori or just beginning your journey.”
BEYOND THE STARS - Community Classics Central
Conductor Reuben Brown
Presenter Nick Hall
Vocalist Jessie Cassin
Vocalist Rutene Spooner
Violin Lorna Zhang
Journey through stellar music by superstar composers and performers with Community Classics: Beyond the Stars — a sparkling concert series hosted by charismatic performer Nick Hall (who you may also know as the drag queen Anita Wigl'it) in South, North and Central venues across Tāmaki Makaurau.
The concert also premieres when you and I collide, a vibrant new piece by Kiwi composer Lucy Mulgan. The work features a medley of iconic New Zealand pop anthems by Bic Runga, Dragon, and Fat Freddy’s Drop, given an orchestral twist and brought to life by powerhouse vocalists Jessie Cassin and Rutene Spooner.
BEYOND THE STARS - Community Classics North
Conductor Reuben Brown
Presenter Nick Hall
Vocalist Jessie Cassin
Vocalist Rutene Spooner
Violin Lorna Zhang
Journey through stellar music by superstar composers and performers with Community Classics: Beyond the Stars — a sparkling concert series hosted by charismatic performer Nick Hall (who you may also know as the drag queen Anita Wigl'it) in South, North and Central venues across Tāmaki Makaurau.
The concert also premieres when you and I collide, a vibrant new piece by Kiwi composer Lucy Mulgan. The work features a medley of iconic New Zealand pop anthems by Bic Runga, Dragon, and Fat Freddy’s Drop, given an orchestral twist and brought to life by powerhouse vocalists Jessie Cassin and Rutene Spooner.
An Evening with the Modern Māori Quartet
After two long years, three kids, two weddings and a few too many tangi for their liking, The Modern Māori Quartet are back in Tāmaki Makaurau to crack you up and serenade you into the festive season this year at Auckland Live Christmas in Aotea Square.
Lightly sprinkled with some Christmas classics we all know, smothered in some hearty sing-a-longs and with just the right amount of cheekiness on the side, this show is sure to kick your holiday season off with aroha and dad jokes!
MOANA 2 Reo Māori
Moana 2 and Moana 2 Reo Māori reunites Moana and Maui three years later for an expansive new voyage alongside a crew of unlikely seafarers. After receiving an unexpected call from her wayfinding ancestors, Moana must journey to the far seas of Oceania and into dangerous, long-lost waters for an adventure unlike anything she’s ever faced.
Moana’s seafaring crew is expanding with both familiar faces and newcomers in this exciting sequel. Songstress Arihia Cassidy (The Lion King Māori and Darwin & Newts) returns to the Matewa Media whānau to portray engineer and shipwright, Loto. Rutene Spooner, recognized for his roles in Frozen Reo Māori and Coco Reo Māori, will play Motunui agriculturalist, Kele. Rounding out Moana’s new crew is actor and influencer Nepia Takuira-Mita (Ahikaaroa) who will play charismatic storyteller, Moni.
Produced locally in Aotearoa by Matewa Media, Tweedie Waititi (Producer/Director), Chelsea Winstanley and Mia Henry-Teirney (Producers), and Pere Wihongi (Music Director) bring the Reo Māori adaptation to the big screen.