Music Industry News

A historic night of live music featuring full sets from SIX60 and SYNTHONY, culminating in a powerful SIX60 and SYNTHONY collaboration of SIX60’s biggest hits.

Aotearoa’s biggest live acts are coming together for an unforgettable moment in New Zealand music history. SIX60 and SYNTHONY will headline the first ever live concert, Once In A Lifetime at the country’s newest premier venue One NZ Stadium in the heart of Christchurch.

Taking place on Saturday 16 May 2026, this event promises to be an occasion not only for Cantabrians, but for all New Zealanders. Fans from across the country will have the chance to be part of history, to say ‘I was there’ celebrating the opening of a new national landmark in true Aotearoa style.

Tickets go on sale Thursday 11 December at midday here.

The evening presented by Mānuka Phuel in association with Kiwibank, will feature a full SIX60 set with new music alongside their chart-topping classics, a full SYNTHONY set showcasing their signature orchestral-electronic experience, and a special collaborative finale where SIX60 and SYNTHONY unite on stage for a powerful performance of SIX60’s biggest songs reimagined with the full SYNTHONY experience.

For SIX60, this milestone marks another defining chapter in their record-breaking live history. The band are no strangers to firsts. The only New Zealand band to headline their own stadium tour, the first Kiwi act to play Western Springs, and the first to ever perform at Eden Park. Now, they’ll make history once again as the first act to headline the brand new One New Zealand Stadium. In a fitting full-circle moment, Christchurch also holds a special place in the band’s history, it was the first city to ever book SIX60 for a live gig.

“It’s a real honour for us to play the first ever show at Christchurch’s One New Zealand 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.” – SIX60

SYNTHONY – the genre-defying phenomenon has taken the world by storm. Fusing the biggest dance tracks of all time with a live orchestra, DJs, vocalists, and stunning visuals, SYNTHONY has captivated audiences from Auckland Domain to arenas around the globe. Their massive outdoor shows have become a must-see on the live calendar, uniting fans across generations in a euphoric celebration of electronic music.

One NZ GM Brand and Marketing, Georgia Mahaffie says: “This all-Kiwi line-up is an extra special way to help launch One New Zealand Stadium. Thousands of kiwi, all connected, all sharing the same energy in one incredible space.”

The lineup also includes Canterbury born and raised country-pop star Kaylee Bell, whose meteoric rise over the past few years has seen a host of hearts won across the country. Having just sold out her Christchurch Town Hall show last month, Kaylee will bring her red hot live show to the stage next May. Also performing is Christchurch based pop talent Cassie Henderson, whose honest songwriting and powerhouse vocals have made her one of the country’s brightest new voices, and local pop rock five-piece Castaway, bringing their fresh, high-energy sound to the stadium stage.

It’s a proud moment for Aotearoa – an all-Kiwi lineup headlining a stadium show of this scale. With trailblazers like SIX60 and SYNTHONY leading the way, New Zealand’s live music scene continues to grow, showing that homegrown talent can fill venues once reserved for international acts.

The organisers, Eccles Entertainment and Duco Events are grateful for the government’s support of this event through the Events Boost Fund.

This first-ever show at New Zealand’s newest world-class venue promises to be a night that will echo through Aotearoa’s live music history. A breathtaking spectacle of sound, light, stadium singalongs, and a full-scale celebration of unity, on the biggest stage. This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime concert.

Check out all things SIX60 below:
Website
Instagram
YouTube

Check out all things SYNTHONY below:
Website
Instagram
YouTube