The acts for this year’s Kawerau Christmas in the Park have been announced with R&B/soul duo Adeaze headlining the evening show and Tauranga’s TJ & Huri taking centre stage in the afternoon.

The popular annual event, which draws crowds from around the Eastern Bay and beyond, will be held at Prideaux Park on Saturday, December 6, running from noon until 10pm.

The afternoon Community Christmas Concert, put together by Liana Kerei, will be a celebration of local talent with confirmed performers including Kawerau South School kapa haka, Kawerau Putauaki School choir, T Sisters, 3 & 1, Te Roopu Tahiwi o Rehua, Amber Paraha, The Know it Allz, Mark Armstrong, Next Generation, Lylla-Grace, Fusion and TOHU.

Headliners, TJ & Huri, began as a cover’s duo in 2017 and their captivating sound, which blends Māori roots with universal melodies, has won them loyal fans from Aotearoa and Australia to the UK, Netherlands, and beyond.

Colin Magee and Aroha Ruha-Hiraka will MC the afternoon show, which will also include a video tribute to community loved ones who have passed over the year

The evening show runs from 6.30pm to 10pm and will be MC’ed by Howie Morrison Jnr.

The line-up, put together by show director Pari Maxwell, includes plenty of variety.

The headline act, Adeaze, comprises brothers Nainz and Viiz Tupa’i, who are known for their smooth harmonies, heartfelt songwriting, and strong Pacific influences.

Emerging from the South Auckland music scene and mentored by Brotha D of Dawn Raid Entertainment, they gained nationwide recognition in the early 2000s with their debut album Always and for Real, which produced hits such as A Life with You, Getting Stronger (featuring Aaradhna), and How Deep Is Your Love.

Other performers include the multi-talented Dillon Rhodes (Hipstomatics front man) who is no stranger to Kawerau and is known for his versatile blend of R&B, soul, pop, and acoustic influences; Vince Harder, another New Zealand singer, songwriter, and producer recognised for his dynamic presence across pop, R&B, and dance music; and Luke Whaanga, whose music career took off when he became a finalist on NZ Idol in 2004.

Ngāti Rangiwewehi Kapa Haka, which finished second overall at Te Matatini 2025, will perform, along with soloists Takerei Hikuroa-Peck, Rewa Ututaonga and Nikau Grace, and Eastern Bay group Mellow.

The Kawerau Christmas Showband will support the evening show performers.

There will be a large LED screen on site to ensure all spectators can fully enjoy the range of acts and for those unable to attend, a live stream is available.

Kawerau Christmas in the Park organisers are working alongside Fire & Emergency New Zealand and Van Tiel Pyrotechnics to deliver a spectacular firework display again.

The event is family friendly – drugs, alcohol and gang regalia not permitted – and bag searches may take place at the venue entrances.

Attendees should also note that Prideaux Park is a smoke- and vape-free venue.