Council events | Music
Ōtautahi Christchurch! NYE25 – powered with Hydrate by IHF, is your biggest free NYE party, and it's back with Kora - one of New Zealand’s most electrifying live acts.
NYE25 – powered with Hydrate by IHF, has never looked better.
New Year's Eve will be headlined by Kora, one of New Zealand’s most electrifying live acts, with an enduring career and legacy that resonates across the generations. Joining the lineup are top Kiwi talents Dillastrate, Brad Staley and DJ Sambora, setting the stage for an unforgettable night.
To top things off, we'll wrap up the night and welcome in 2026 with an epic fireworks display.
The best part... entry is free. Entry into the event will close at 11.45pm.
This is a smoke-free, vape-free and alcohol-free event (24-hour liquor ban). For quick entry, don’t bring a bag as these may be searched upon entry. No glass allowed.
Before entry, all eventgoers must agree to a bag search.
Kora
Kora returns ready to ignite the stage this New Year’s Eve with a sound that’s bigger, deeper, and more electrifying than ever. With a long-awaited album and national tour on the horizon, the iconic Aotearoa band continues to captivate fans old and new with their genre-defying fusion of roots, reggae, funk, rock, dub, and electronica. Grounded in kaupapa Māori and driven by storytelling, groove, and innovation, Kora’s explosive live energy and bass-heavy anthems like “Politician,” “Burning,” and “On My Mind” have earned them double Platinum success and a reputation as one of the country’s most formidable live acts. Their current lineup blends founding members with powerhouse talent from across the motu, delivering immersive performances that have lit up stages from Rhythm & Vines to WOMAD UK. With fresh hits and a renewed fire, Kora are set to make this NYE unforgettable.

Dillastrate
Dillastrate are a force of nature – an explosive duo blending deep musicality with unmatched live energy. Born from the legacy of AHoriBuzz and featuring Henare 'H' Kaa and Tim Driver, these seasoned performers bring a high-octane fusion of drums, synths, loops, and vocals to the stage, transforming crowds into dancefloors within seconds. With international touring credits alongside legends like members of The Rolling Stones, and a reputation as one of Aotearoa’s most agile and electrifying live acts, Dillastrate have earned chart success, national TV features, and a strong digital presence. Their bilingual waiata, including hits like Ko Tātou Te Ahi and Party In My Head (Tāwara Ana), uplift te ao Māori and resonate across commercial and iwi radio. With a fresh run of hard-hitting releases and a finely tuned live setup, Dillastrate are set to bring the heat this New Year’s Eve.

Brad Staley
Brad Staley is a rising force in Aotearoa’s country-rock scene, hailing from a rural upbringing on a military base near Lake Tekapo – a background that shaped his heartfelt love for traditional country legends like Johnny Cash and George Strait. Since picking up a guitar at nine and performing nationally by adolescence, he’s built a robust national profile with standout shows from the Great Kiwi Beer Festival to headlining stages across South and North Islands. His modern country fusion delivers soulful vocals and storytelling lyrics that echo classic roots while infusing contemporary flair, earning tens of thousands of Spotify streams and followers. Brad continues to thrill live audiences at festivals, pubs, and country events, carrying the spirit of rural Aotearoa into every performance.

DJ Sambora
Sambora aka Sam Trevethick brings over two decades of global experience as a producer, DJ, and founding member of Shapeshifter to the decks this New Year’s Eve. Known for his ability to read any crowd and deliver high-energy, genre-spanning sets from drum and bass to soul, house, and party classics, Sam’s performances are immersive, expertly crafted, and guaranteed to ignite the dancefloor. With a resume that includes festival mainstages, corporate events, and national broadcasts, Sam is set to bring serious vibes to the celebration.

A huge thanks to our sponsor - Hydrate by IHF.

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