The organisers can confirm the acts and artists for this year’s Kawerau Christmas in the Park, set for Saturday 19 December.

Evening Show – 7.15 pm – 10.00 pm

The professional evening show artistic director, Chris Powley NZ Promotions Ltd. has come up with another stellar line-up, aimed to suit all age groups.

Returning to Kawerau is musical director and pianist maestro is Ben Gilgan. Ben is rated as one of the best in the business and has recorded and performed with a string of big names. The likes of Lionel Richie, Billy T James, Dame Kiri Te Kanawa and The Koi Boys.

Supported by The Kawerau Christmas Showband; containing seven of New Zealand’s most accomplished musicians that have provided musical accompaniment to major international celebrities, world famous musicals & popular New Zealand television series; such as Dancing with the Stars.

The Master of Ceremony will be none other than MC Frankie Stevens. Frankie is, without exception, one of New Zealand’s best-loved entertainers with an international singing, acting and performing career spanning over 30 years. Frankie has one of the most iconic voices in Aotearoa. He will be warmly welcomed back to Kawerau after his last appearance in 2016.

With her first performance in Kawerau, we welcome Promise Royal, inaugural winner of the Matariki Star and a finalist in Miss Universe NZ 2018.  From Rotorua, this up and coming artist has performed in front of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.

Bringing energy, colour and sass to the stage this year, and another first time in Kawerau is the legendary Diamond Dancers.  Made up of some of New Zealand’s top choreographers, dancers, promotional talent, costume designers and producers who all strive to exceed expectations and leave an impression. 

The Howard Morrison Quartet Take Two features Howie Morrison Jnr., Russell Harrison, Chris Powley and new member Andre King.    Merging family-friendly music with unique New Zealand humour, reformed and about to embark on a nationwide tour to mark the 10-year anniversary of Sir Howard’s passing, their performance will bring the old quartet back to life through the talents of the next generation led by Howie Jnr.

A returning Kawerau crowd favourite, Jackie Clarke is renowned for her maverick entertainment style, whether it’s treading the boards in musicals, sitting in judgement on NZ Idol, making music with her friends or MCing glittering events.  She has been captivating audiences for over 35 years and recognised with an MNZM for services to the industry, on the Queen’s Birthday Honours List 2018.

Jamey Ferguson and The JMF Band made up of founding member of Katchafire and accompanied with his new all-star band.  They will be performing the hits Jamey wrote while with the iconic Aotearoa reggae legends.    The crowd can expect hits like ‘Giddy Up’, ‘Who You With’, ‘Colour Me Life’, ‘Groove Again’ and more.

Rounding off another top quality evening show is Annie Crummer.  She has been an integral part of groups including Netherworld Dancing Toys, When the Cat’s Away and Herbs, joining Split Enz and the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra. She has supported other stars like John Farnham, Jimmy Barnes and Michael Jackson. Last appearing in Kawerau in 2017 and to critical acclaim, she will be an absolute crowd pleaser with her powerhouse vocals and classic hits.

Kawerau District Council events and venues manager Lee Barton says, “It is fantastic to hold the event considering the challenges with COVID this year. Kawerau Christmas in the Park attracts people from all over the Eastern Bay and it offers something for everyone.”

“I would like to thank all the funders for backing us this year, Council for believing in us and everyone who has pulled together to make it happen, it’s not been an easy journey this year.”

Afternoon Show – 12.30 pm – 5.15 pm

The Radio 1XX Community Christmas Concert hosted by MC’s Colin Magee and Arona Kerei will have heaps of spot prizes as New World Kawerau gift hampers up for grabs with the audience.

The afternoon show, directed by Pari Maxwell with community volunteers have an amazing line-up to showcase.  Including local primary school kapa haka and combined choir performances. 

A range of talent from Kawerau and the wider Eastern Bay of Plenty will provide a variety of styles.

Up and coming Kawerau starlet, Nikau Grace Chater will perform after her amazing win of Lockdowns Got Talent NZ.

The afternoon show will be headlined by Tauranga based The Harmonic Resonators, Led by front man Jeremy Hantler, with lush harmonies, tasty strings from special guests and definitely not to be missed.

Additional information

Organisers are working alongside Fire & Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) and Van Tiel Pyrotechnics to deliver a spectacular firework display, which, if confirmed will add to the incredible show line-up. A final decision is due show week. Additionally a 20sq metre screen on site will ensure all spectators can fully enjoy the range of acts.

The event is family-friendly – drugs, alcohol and gang regalia not permitted. Bag searches may take place at the venue entrances.  Prideaux Park is a smoke-free venue.

This year the event will be observing the Event Sector Voluntary ‘COVID’ Code.  This will result in increased health awareness measures to observe the Ministry of Health (MoH) guidelines:

  • If you’re sick, please stay at home
  • COVID Track & Trace QR codes will be at entrances and throughout the event site – The organisers politely ask that everyone does there bit and use the App and QR codes if they attend
  • Please observe best hygiene practices by using hand sanitizers on site, maintain safe physical distancing where possible and sneeze into your elbow
  • If you cannot maintain physical distancing from people you don’t know, consider wearing a face covering

For more information visit www.kaweraunz.com