RDU Announce RDU 50 at Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū
RDU Announce RDU 50 at Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū
November 6th, 2026
THE PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE OF RDU
On the 20th February, Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū will host a celebration of origins. Of community. Of broadcasting. A homage to those who came before and those who will come after.
“A meaningful moment in community broadcasting – without a doubt! And this event will be a fitting finale to an amazing year of celebrations.” – James Meharry – RDU98.5FM Managing Director
50 YEARS OF INDEPENDENT CULTURE
In 2026, RDU98.5FM marked half a century on the airwaves. Since 1976, RDU has been the beating heart of Christchurch’s alternative music scene. Championing local talent, breaking emerging artists, and serving as an uncompromised beacon for independent music culture in Aotearoa. Turning 50 is a momentous milestone, celebrating five decades of broadcast legacy, musical discovery, and community connection.
With live musical performances from (alphabetical):
DOCJOC, DJ GLOBAL INFLUENCE, KOOL AID, MC TALI, MESSENJAH, PACIFIC HEIGHTS, RUSE, SENTIENT MUD, SO SO MODERN, THE PERFECT GUN, TOYOTA AND WOOSH.
Supported by live RDU radio shows from (alphabetical):
CLUB PERSONA, DUBBERS ANONYMOUS, ECHO TRAIN RECORDS, FLAMMABLE MATERIAL, GIRLSCHOOL, HANG THE SAINTS, LIQUID EXCHANGE, NOISE KONTROL, THE HIT LIST AND VINTAGE CUTS.
TICKETS AVAILABLE FROM SALTBOX.FLICKET.CO.NZ
SATURDAY 20TH FEBRUARY 2027
CHRISTCHURCH ART GALLERY TE PUNA O WAIWHETŪ
ŌTAUTAHI CHRISTCHURCH
A LANDMARK VENUE: CHRISTCHURCH ART GALLERY
To celebrate this historic 50-year legacy, RDU is taking over one of the city’s premier cultural landmarks, the Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū. The Gallery has generously welcomed RDU, bringing together two powerhouse arts and cultural organisations for an unforgettable multi-zone event that bridges sound, visual art, and community.
“RDU has been part of one of Aotearoa’s most vibrant arts scenes. Always supporting and promoting artists and arts organisations, whatever shape and form they might take. Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū has the pleasure to once again team up with the crew at RDU to celebrate this milestone anniversary – we can’t wait for everyone to enjoy the results.” – David Sheldon – Christchurch Art Gallery Audience & Programmes Manager
THE EVENT ZONES
MAIN ATRIUM
Joining forces on stage with iconic vocalist MC TALI (and special guests) PACIFIC HEIGHTS has used his command of melody and atmosphere to craft another lush album timed to perfection with this event. This set is not to be missed as it will be his LAST performance! DOCJOC will take the stage showcasing an ecstatic level of LIVE drumming, releasing his own style of high-energy jungle and drum & bass. RUSE promises a curated selection rooted in 90s hip-hop, B-boy culture, and bass music, while DJ MESSENJAH will draw deep from within his history leading dub, reggae, and roots sound system culture. Kicking off the party is the return of veteran broadcaster DJ GLOBAL INFLUENCE, a selector responsible for bringing world music in all its glory, to the RDU airwaves. This will be a feast. For the heads, for the ears.
ELECTRONIC AUDITORIUM
An intimate, standing and seated auditorium experience, dedicated to The RDU Programme specialist showcasing, avant-garde performances and visual projections. The Electronic Auditorium showcases the life blood of RDU, our DJ’s. Representing Ōtautahi’s underground electronic scene, the bill is packed with all the right frequencies. Legendary leaders of Soundsystem Culture Subtle Sound bring the past and future sound of dubstep as DUBBERS ANONYMOUS. The NOIZE KONTROL crew will represent all things bass-oriented and underground. LIQUID EXCHANGE mixes the best liquid drum and bass for young and old ravers alike to dive into serious melodic vibes, while ECHO TRAIN RECORDS channels 90s UK rave culture, pirate radio, and the very best of the city’s leftfield breaks. HANG THE SAINTS will delve into the darker, heavier side of techno complimented by the junglistic insights of electronic progressives CLUB PERSONA. Stand, sit or get sat down. The auditorium will be a take over.
INDIE COURTYARD
A marquee on the outdoor forecourt will feature high-energy live bands, headline acts, and signature performances set against the Gallery’s iconic architectural backdrop. Underground and independent music from Ōtautahi and beyond takes over the courtyard. Returning from a 12- year hiatus, internationally acclaimed SO SO MODERN shares their new EP Light Years, offering a fresh, stripped-back take on their hardcore punk-pop roots. Local electronic duo TOYOTA immerse us with live, analog-fuelled techno, while SENTIENT MUD brings expressive post- punk energy that’s “angry, but you can dance to it.” Rounding out the stage, Christchurch’s KOOL AID serves up formidable indie fuzz-pop and psych-shoegaze, alongside four-piece THE PERFECT GUN with their raw, psychedelic grunge-rock. So indie it hurts.
RDU50: A MULTI-STAGE LIVE MUSIC EVENT CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF RDU98.5FM
Saturday 20th February 2027 at Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū
312 Montreal Street, Christchurch Central City
Licensed Venue R.O.A.R.
For media and interview enquiries, please contact admin@rdu.org.nz