Six60 and Synthony will headline the first concert at Christchurch’s One New Zealand Stadium next year.
They will lead the ‘Once In A Lifetime’ show on May 16 in what organisers say will be a landmark moment for New Zealand’s live music scene.
Fans could expect a full Six60 set featuring new music alongside their biggest hits, a full Synthony set blending dance anthems with a live orchestra, and a collaborative finale where the two acts join forces to reimagine Six60’s hits with Synthony’s signature orchestral-electronic sound.
Six60 said in a statement was a “real honour” to play the inaugural show at the stadium.
“Christchurch has backed us from day one, it was the first ever city to book us for a live gig, so being able to open a venue built for its future is really special. We can’t wait to put on a night that Christchurch deserves.”
Synthony co-promoter David Higgins also said it was an honour to be part of the first show.
“This show is a landmark moment for live entertainment in Aotearoa, a new world-class venue, and an all-NZ bill. It’s the kind of night that will define what’s possible here.”
The lineup also includes Cantabrians such as country-pop musician Kaylee Bell, singer Cassie Henderson, and Christchurch band Castaway.
Tickets go on sale on December 11 at 12pm, with several pre-sales running earlier in the week.
Government injects $4.5m into first wave of major events
Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston said the concert was part of the first round of successful bids under the Government’s $70 million Major Events and Tourism package.
“I’m personally excited for the collab of local legends Six60 with Synthony in Christchurch,” she said.
Other events included in the first tranche US rock band Linkin Park to play in Auckland and Ultra Music Festival in Wellington.
Upston said the programme was designed to boost tourism and hospitality, attract visitors, and inject life into cities and regions.
“Major events don’t just attract fans – they fill hotels, restaurants and shops, creating vibrant communities and unforgettable experiences,” she said.
One New Zealand Stadium at Te Kaha is on track to open its doors in April next year, with its first event to be Super Rugby Pacific’s “super round”.
The Garden City’s largest construction project broke ground in April 2022 and is expected to be complete in April 2026. The multi-use arena will have capacity for a crowd of 30,000 (25,000 permanent seats and room for 5000 more) for sports matches and up to 37,300 when in concert mode.
