Play It Strange invites you to come together for a special one-night-only event, helping the organisation reach its $10,000 fundraising goal for the 2026 Waiata Māori Competition.
Featuring intimate performances from acclaimed Aotearoa artists Paige, Nat Hutton (There's A Tuesday) and Play It Strange alumni Rebel Reid, alongside fellow alumni Lily Stiven, Salem Māhia and Cameron Beattie, the evening celebrates the thriving community nurtured by Play It Strange while supporting opportunities for the next generation of young songwriters.
For more than 20 years, Play It Strange has empowered rangatahi to find their voice through original songwriting. Since launching in 2003, more than 8,000 original songs have been entered into its nationwide competitions, with over 1,600 professionally recorded in studios across Aotearoa. Its alumni include Kimbra, Georgia Nott (Broods), Liz Stokes (The Beths), CHAII, Louis Baker, Frankie Venter, Ratbag, Luca George, Thomston and many more.
Funds raised through Play It Strange Live will help support the 2026 Waiata Māori Competition, covering judging, mentoring and professional recording opportunities. This support enables young people across Aotearoa to continue creating original waiata while embracing and celebrating te reo Māori through music.
Reflecting the strength of the Play It Strange community, the lineup brings together established artists and emerging talent who first developed their songwriting through the organisation's programmes and competitions.
Those unable to attend can still support the campaign by making a donation here. Every contribution will help Play It Strange reach its $10,000 fundraising goal and support the delivery of the 2026 Waiata Māori Competition.
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