Things to do  |  1 Oct 2025

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Renowned Aotearoa band, Kora, will ignite the stage for a memorable New Year’s Eve at North Hagley Park.

They’ll be joined by neosoul pop duo Dillastrate from Ōtautahi Christchurch, Timaru-based rock country artist Brad Staley, and DJ Sambora, with Dillastrate’s very own Henare Kaa MCing the free, all-ages event on 31 December 2025.

NYE25 powered with Hydrate by IHF, put on by Christchurch City Council, kicks off at 8pm, following the 4–7pm family-friendly segment, NYE Kids’ Countdown powered with Hydrate by IHF. A fireworks show from midnight concludes the community celebration.

Council Manager of Events and Arts Lucy Blackmore says this year’s line-up brings a fresh mix of groove, soul and rock that will have everyone in high spirits as they ring in the New Year.

“Kora’s sound is explosive, genre-bending and full of energy. Their diverse style – ranging from rock and roots reggae to funk, soul and electronic – means there’s something for all music tastes. We’re thrilled to have them headline NYE25,” Ms Blackmore says.

Formed in 1991 by four Whakatāne brothers, the now seven-piece band is based in Wellington and includes two founding members, brothers Fran and Stu Kora. The powerhouse group will be sharing new music from their latest album Fifth Season, as well as familiar fan favourites like ‘Politician’, ‘Burning’ and ‘Secret Lover’.

Dillastrate

Dillastrate will also bring a signature blend of genres to the stage, including neo-soul, funk, electronica and bilingual pop. Featuring Henare ‘H’ Kaa (drums, lead vocals) and Tim Driver (keyboards, bass synth, loops, vocals), Dillastrate are known for hits like Party In My Head and Ko Tātou Te Ahi, which featured as the theme for New Zealand Cricket.

Brad Staley

“Like Kora, whose music is grounded in kaupapa Māori, Dillastrate’s music also celebrates te ao Māori. Between them, there’ll be a rich thread of Māori culture infusing the night,” Ms Blackmore says.

DJ Sambora – otherwise known as Sam Trevethick, founding member of Shapeshifter – will be starting off the night. Known for his deep love of house, drum and bass, and reggae, Sambora brings decades of experience to the decks.

Rising star in New Zealand’s country-rock scene, Brad Staley will also be warming up the crowds. Staley’s music is shaped by his rural Lake Tekapo roots and love for classic country icons like Johnny Cash and George Strait.

The New Year’s Eve celebrations are smoke, vape and alcohol-free events.

NYE25 is an all-ages event but is best suited to those aged 15 and up. Learn more about NYE25 powered with Hydrate by IHF at What’s On.

More details about NYE Kids’ Countdown powered with Hydrate by IHF, including headlining act The Backseats, can also be found at What’s On.

Image above: Kora