Ātea, Whakatāne’s new indigenous-led creative hub, is getting major music industry backing for the launch of The Ātea Block Party, a fundraising event bringing together live music, street kai, and community spirit.

The party will be held at Ātea on The Strand on Saturday, December 20, between 3pm and 10pm.

All proceeds from the family friendly event will directly support vital facility upgrades and accessibility improvements for Ātea, an Indigenous-led creative hub.

This event will serve as a showcase for the new space, which is purpose built to enable performance, creative development and cultural activation in the Eastern Bay.

Headlining is Corrella, the seven-piece roots reggae band whose record-breaking single, Blue Eyed Māori, held the number one spot on the New Zealand charts for over 50 weeks.

Fresh off their sold-out national tour and riding high from the success of their latest album, Skeletons, Corrella bring their unmistakable sun-soaked reggae sound to Whakatāne.

They’ll share the stage with Black Comet, the galactic funk collective led by Whakatāne’s own Laughton Kora (of Kora, L.A.B, Fly My Pretties fame), returning home with his four-piece band.

Auckland dancehall queen Rubi Du teams up with rapper JessB – winner of the 2019 MTV Europe Music Award for Best New Zealand Act – for a special collaborative performance.

The line-up also features award-winning Māori neo-soul artist MOHI, known for his smooth blend of te reo Māori, R&B and contemporary soul.

A rising voice in Aotearoa music, MOHI brings his signature groove and uplifting energy to the Block Party stage.

The day will be kicked off by fast-rising Bay of Plenty locals Ladz of the Mist, DJ Arok and Big Music.

Festival organiser Wairere Iti said The Block Party was about Whakatāne showing up for Whakatāne.

“We’re bringing something that feels like us, and it’s also a fundraiser for Ātea. Every ticket helps us upgrade the space, improve accessibility, and build a venue that will keep bringing fresh, exciting activations to town.

“What’s beautiful is how everyone has rallied behind this kaupapa – Loop Live, all our artists, and partners have come on board with significantly reduced rates because they believe in what Ātea represents for community arts in the Eastern Bay. This kind of aroha and support shows the real strength of our creative community.”

The Block Party is an all-ages event, with children 12 and under free. Limited VIP tickets are available, which include front-of stage access and an exclusive area with dedicated food, bar and toilet facilities.

Expect great street kai, good tunes, and a licensed space with a local feel – right in the heart of town.

The event is hosted by Ātea, with the support of Whakatāne District Council, Te Ahi Tahutahu Charitable Trust, Tāme Iti Limited, Mata Brewery, and in partnership with Loop.

The Ātea Block Party
■ Where: 266 The Strand, Whakatāne
■ When: Saturday, December 20

Tickets
■ General Admission: $65 + booking fees (Earlybird), $75 + booking fees (second release), $85 + booking fees (Final Release)
■ VIP: $180 + booking fees — includes front-of-stage access and an exclusive VIP area with dedicated food, bar, and toilet facilities
■ Children 12 and under: Free entry
■ Tickets available now at: www.atea.art
■ Licensed Event: Under-18s must be accompanied by a guardian. All regulations applying to supervised licensed premises will be enforced.