SIX60 show gets the summer season started
Rotorua was packed with events last weekend, and the summer season is looking like it will keep the fun and action going.
Last weekend Skyline hosted the final events of Crankworx Rotorua 2022, Te Arawa Regional Schools Kapa Haka Competition took over the Energy Events Centre and Kiwi acts including SIX60 rocked the Rotorua International Stadium.
It marked the start of a full 2022/23 summer calendar of events for the city, and among the crowds at SIX60 were regular Rotorua event-goers, Taupō’s Brunsdon family — dad Casey, mum Sarah and their children Codie, 6, and Blake, 8.
Casey Brunsdon says they love heading to Rotorua for events.
“We came over for the stockcars and fireworks last weekend and our boys love SIX60 so we had to come to the concert. We will definitely be back for the indigenous league game in February. It is such a quick trip from Taupō to Rotorua,” he says.
Rotorua Mayor Tania Tapsell says it was fantastic to see Rotorua buzzing again with major events for both locals and visitors.
“Rotorua is well-known for being a great host and that was on show over the weekend. Because of our excellent facilities and hard-working teams we were able to host a worldclass sporting event, youth kapa haka competition and one of the biggest concert audiences in a decade, all within a few days,” Tania says.
This was the first time SIX60 had played at the stadium, but not the first time they had played in Rotorua. They were here in 2012 performing at the Sir Howard Morrison Centre (then the Rotorua Convention Centre).
The SIX60 supporting acts — Kaylee Bell, Coterie, Rob Ruha & Ka Hao and Kora — meant crowds arrived early at the stadium to enjoy a whole evening of entertainment, even with a rain shower or two.
Rotorua Lakes Council deputy chief executive, community wellbeing, Anaru Pewhairangi, says it was great to get back into hosting big events following the lifting of Covid traffic light system in September.
“What a weekend! The city was buzzing and had a great vibe. We are receiving some fantastic feedback which is really encouraging.
“When we have this many events on over one weekend it is really important that all organisers work together well and this was evident.
“We cannot host events of this size without the support of police and other agencies who play a critical part to ensuring a fun and safe environment for all,” Anaru says.
The Rotorua Nui Events Calendar is back for summer and will be distributed through the isite and the
Rotorua Weekender next Friday. The calendar had been placed on hold since Spring 2021 due to Covid impacting the uncertainty of events.
The 2022/2023 Summer calendar is full of events taking place in Rotorua in December, January and February.