Kawerau Christmas in the Park once again delivered a spectacular day of entertainment, drawing thousands of visitors from across the Eastern Bay and beyond for its afternoon Community Christmas Concert and its show-stopping evening event.

R&B/soul duo Adeaze headlined the evening show, captivating the audience with their signature harmonies, while Tauranga favourites TJ & Huri – known for blending Māori roots with universal melodies and amassing a global following – took centre stage during the afternoon concert.

Held at Prideaux Park on Saturday and organised by Kawerau District Council, the popular annual event showcased a rich mix of Eastern Bay talent, national performers, and heartfelt community moments.

Event director and council’s economic and community development manager  Lee Barton is thrilled with how the event went. “There was a steady presence of several thousand people during the heat of the day, many taking shelter around the outskirts of Prideaux Park or under gazebos. which looked like it doubled in size by the climax of the evening show,” said Mr Barton.

“I’d estimate up to 8000 people throughout the day.”

The afternoon show celebrated Eastern Bay 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.

Emcees Colin Magee and Aroha Ruha-Hiraka kept energy levels high with humour and warm community spirit. A touching video tribute honoured loved ones who passed during the year, offering moments of reflection amid the festivities.

The evening programme, emceed by Howie Morrison Jnr, featured headline act Adeaze – brothers Nainz and Viiz Tupa’i – celebrated for their smooth vocals, heartfelt songwriting, and Pacific-flavoured soul.

Other performers included Hipstomatics front man Dillon Rhodes, known for his blend of R&B, soul, pop, and acoustic influences; Vince Harder, recognised for his dynamic presence across pop, R&B, and dance music; and Luke Whaanga.

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

The Kawerau Christmas Showband supported the evening show performers.

Spectators enjoyed enhanced views thanks to a large on-site LED screen, and a live stream allowed even more people to join the celebration remotely.

Mr Barton said he was honoured to have been involved in the planning and delivery of Kawerau Christmas in the Park over the past 16 years, saying the event was a culmination of years of youth and community development focus, working alongside specialist contractors, community organisations, and volunteers.

“The event day is a showcase of that community development.”

Mr Barton said the event was also made possible through funding the council received, with up to 92 percent of that coming from local businesses and trusts, “with council leading the funding acquisition, planning and delivery of the event”.