Tauranga’s streets and stages are about to come alive with the sound of jazz as the city prepares to host the 63rd Port of Tauranga National Jazz Festival this Easter long weekend. The celebrated event promises a vibrant mix of international acts, premier New Zealand musicians, and a remarkable showcase of young talent, with nearly 900 students set to participate.
Tauranga Mayor Mahé Drysdale says the festival fills the city with the sights, sounds and spirit of jazz. "A fantastic way to round out a full summer of events," he says. The festival is a cornerstone of the region’s cultural calendar, drawing visitors from across the country and providing a significant boost to local tourism and hospitality.
Festival organiser Marc Anderson says the extensive line-up was carefully curated to ensure there is something for every kind of music lover, from dedicated jazz aficionados to casual listeners. The programme features everything from delicate Chinese-influenced jazz to explosive, high-energy fusion sets. "It’s a weekend of joy with great music, and being part of creating the platform for live music is something I love," Anderson says.
International stars and homecoming heroes
This year marks a strong return of international talent, with the Adrian Cox Trio from the UK coming back to Tauranga after their sellout shows last year. Their return signals a welcome revitalisation of the international touring circuit, bringing global sounds back to local stages.
The festival will also celebrate a rare homecoming for bassist Benjamin J Shepherd, a musician described by Anderson as "international class". After spending considerable time honing his craft in Los Angeles, Shepherd’s performance is a highly anticipated opportunity for New Zealand audiences to witness a local talent who has made a significant mark on the world stage.
While many of the headline performances are ticketed, the festival remains deeply connected to the community, with numerous free street performances scheduled throughout the Tauranga CBD and Mount Maunganui, ensuring the music is accessible to all.
A funk and drum extravaganza
One of the most anticipated ticketed events is Saturday night's show at Baycourt, headlined by Nick Granville’s Funk and Drum Extravaganza. The performance promises a dynamic journey, bringing together a stellar line-up of musicians from Wellington, Sydney, and Tauranga. The show is structured in two distinct halves, beginning with a classic jazz organ trio before erupting into a high-octane funk set.
A unique feature of the second half is the inclusion of two drummers playing simultaneously, with a third joining for the finale. Granville describes it as a powerful visual and sonic experience. The band features some of New Zealand’s most accomplished musicians, including Darren Mathiassen, whom Granville calls the "busiest drummer in New Zealand", known for his work with major Kiwi acts like Shapeshifter, Hollie Smith, and Rob Ruha. He will be joined by Stan Bicknell, who is fresh off a European tour with pop singer Natasha Bedingfield, and Mark Lockett, a drummer who has spent two decades embedded in the competitive New York jazz scene.
The 'Aims Games of jazz' fosters future stars
A central pillar of the festival is the National Youth Jazz Competition, which has become so significant it is now dubbed the "Aims Games of jazz". The comparison refers to the hugely popular Tauranga-based school sporting tournament, highlighting the competition’s scale and importance for young musicians. Competition managers Liam and Mandy Ryan say the event has grown so rapidly, from a dozen bands 15 years ago to nearly 100 today, that it is close to outgrowing its facilities, a challenge they say they welcome.
Now in its 48th year, the event is the country’s longest-running youth jazz competition and has been a proven launching pad for professional careers. "Just about every band in New Zealand has someone who came through this Tauranga programme," the Ryans say. Notable alumni include celebrated singer Hollie Smith and saxophonist Louisa Williamson, who has performed with the popular Whakatāne band L.A.B. "It’s almost like the birthplace of New Zealand jazz," they add.
Local students tune up for the big stage
For local students, the competition provides an invaluable goal. Tauranga Boys’ College music students have been rehearsing two to three times a week for months. John Page, the school's assistant principal and director of arts and culture, says the competition pushes the band to achieve a high standard early in the year, building on the school's strong jazz culture and reputation for producing top young musicians.
Many of the students are already seasoned performers. For trumpeter Ollie Larson, 17, this will be his fourth year competing. He says he is excited to perform and connect with musicians from other schools. For saxophonist Lenny Hoskin, 16, whose father Paul is also a musician playing multiple gigs over the weekend, jazz offers a unique space for personal expression. "It gives you more space to show yourself more than other genres," he says. Hoskin hopes to leave school early to study jazz fulltime in Wellington, while Larson is considering a conjoint degree that keeps music in his future.
A special highlight of the youth competition is the audition-based Big Band, which selects 18 of the most talented musicians from the 900 participants. After a mere 100 auditions, the selected players have only a few rehearsals to come together for a polished performance. Larson, who was chosen for the band, says the performers are "so good that it kind of just comes together".
Festival brings a buzz to the whole city
The economic and cultural benefits of the festival ripple throughout the city. Loretta Crawford, head of destination marketing at Tourism Bay of Plenty, says its impact is felt far and wide. The festival is a key driver for domestic tourism, aligning with national strategies to promote regional events. According to New Zealand's Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, such major events are crucial for stimulating regional economies and enhancing community pride.
It adds a positive vibe right across the city, setting venues like Baycourt, The Cargo Shed and The Historic Village humming with locals and visitors. It’s the unique combination of heritage, talent and energy that makes it so compelling.
To ensure everyone can soak up the atmosphere, the festival includes a wide array of free events. The Uptown Downtown programme runs on Saturday and Sunday across Tauranga CBD and Mount Maunganui, with main stages at The Barrel Room in Wharf St and the Red Square Stage. Additional performances will pop up at Masonic Park, Macau, and other local venues. For those who appreciate classic vehicles, a Vintage Car Parade will take place at The Strand on Saturday afternoon. The long weekend of music wraps up with Jazz at The Mount at Porotakataka Park on Monday. While cultural events are key, the city also keeps an eye on other developments that shape its future, including how the national infrastructure plan may affect the region.
As the final preparations get underway, the ultimate goal for organisers is simple. "If everyone is buzzing after the festival, that’s success," says Marc Anderson. For a full list of events and ticket information, visit the official festival website at jazz.org.nz.
