Music and the arts continue to be a beacon of light in the regeneration of Auckland’s midtown, and that leading role is ever-present this NZ Music Month across the city centre.
Kicking off with Opera in the Strand on 1 May, a month-long festival of music will see people dancing or at least tapping their toes in streets, squares and lanes. Every tune, beat, pulse and rhythm will imprint our place in the world as a UNESCO City of Music.
Auckland Council is hosting this free public programme of music for NZ Music Month, supported by the city centre targeted rate.
People will hear a live rendition of Whakaaria Mai in the purest of opera voices from the bridges of Strand Arcade and a debut screening of acclaimed jazz pianist Joe Kaptein, soul/ funk grooves of Romi Wrights and hip hop lyricist Idol Essence at Academy Theatre for Auckland Council’s 2025 edition of Ka Mua Ka Muri Te Iho Ahau.
Fruju Peak will rock experimental jazz in historic Vulcan Lane and the pulse of haka, the call of ancient Māori instruments, and the rhythm of poi will surround waterfront kiosk Te Wharekura.
And with Mighty a 10-foot container hosting top musicians at Te Komititanga, music in photo form adorning the walls of Ellen Melville Centre and street-side light boxes, a music-filled midtown street party and live bands at iconic music stores, audiences will hear the diverse and unique sounds of Tāmaki Makaurau.
Deputy Mayor Desley Simpson understands the importance of music in building community and celebrating diversity in a city.
“This programme is so extensive we won’t need to walk far to hear live music – from opera in Strand Arcade to jazz in Vulcan Lane and the sound of ancient Māori instruments on the waterfront,” Councillor Simpson says.
“I’m proud to see the city continuing to stamp its mark as a UNESCO City of Music and amplify the uniqueness of our place in the world through music,” she says.
