EVENTS

FESTIVAL PROGRAMME

From the moment you enter the festival there is lots on offer - from live music on the Main Stage to cooking demonstrations, kid's entertainment and sumptuous food and beverages!

SATURDAY 10th JANUARY 2026, 12NOON - 6PM, URETARA DOMAIN, KATIKATI

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT IN 2026

Live music rocks the venue from 12 noon–6 pm, with four music acts lighting up the DMS Main Stage.

12pm - 1:45pm: The Relatives
Wellington band The Relatives play a diverse range of all your favourite sing-along hits from yesteryear to modern rock anthems with a few surprises to keep you up and dancing!

2pm - 3pm: Sonar Flare
Sonar Flare is a high-voltage supergroup forged from the foundations of some of Aotearoa’s most iconic rock bands — reigniting the music that shaped a generation and fuelling it with fresh creative fire.
With a combined listenership of over 150,000 monthly Spotify listeners across their bands, Sonar Flare unites platinum-selling musicians from The Feelers, Opshop, Zed, Sola Rosa and beyond — each bringing decades of experience and undeniable stage presence.
At the helm is Jason Kerrison, the unmistakable voice of Opshop and The Babysitters Circus, fronting a line-up of award-winning artists: Hamish Gee (The Feelers) – drums, production; Andy Lynch (The Feelers, Zed) – guitar; Andy Keys Cochrane (Kaylee Bell, The Feelers, Synthony) – keys, synths, vocals; Matt Short (The Feelers, Sola Rosa) – bass

3.15pm - 4.45pm: The Lady Killers
The Lady Killers is a dream team of New Zealand female vocal artists and national treasures. From a whisper to a scream and everything in between, Tina Cross, Suzanne Lynch, and Jackie Clarke make beautiful music bursting with harmony.
The Lady Killers belong to a vocal harmony tradition that spans girl groups, gospel, power pop, R&B, jazz, country and a whole lotta rock ‘n’ roll. But a ‘girl group’ they ain’t. They’re well seasoned professional vocalists doing what they do best; singing from the heart and soul.
A Lady Killers performance is a dazzling vocal tour de force full of warmth and wonderful pin drop moments, presented by three women who know how to entertain and have a good laugh too!

5pm-6pm: Tami Neilson

Tami Neilson is a powerhouse singer-songwriter who went from busking with her family in Canada to becoming one of Aotearoa’s most decorated artists.
After duetting with Willie Nelson, hitting #1 with KINGMAKER, and selling out orchestral shows with the Auckland Philharmonia, she’s since debuted at the Grand Ole Opry, released Neilson Sings Nelson, and dropped the acclaimed 2025 album Neon Cowgirl—plus US tour supports with Willie Nelson and Bob Dylan.
Expect a roof-raising blend of country, soul, and rock ’n’ roll from a “fire-breathing belter” (Rolling Stone) who leaves crowds grinning and goosebumped.

LIVE KITCHEN

Chelsea Winter - one of New Zealand’s best-loved food personalities, bestselling author, and an engaging live presenter known for her relaxed, down-to-earth style, will host hourly cooking demonstrations in the Seeka Kitchen Marquee at Katikati Avo Fest.
For more than a decade, Chelsea has inspired home cooks with crowd-pleasing dishes that work in real kitchens - no fancy techniques or hard-to-find ingredients. Her iconic creations, from Lockdown Loaf to Lamb Shanks, Crazy Italian Chocolate Cake and Macho Nachos, have become staples across Kiwi households. Following the success of her chart-topping Tasty (2024), her new release Nourish (October 2025) continues her focus on flavour, balance and real ingredients.
Across the afternoon, festival-goers can expect a line-up of approachable, flavour-packed dishes, including: Flatbreads with Avo & Whipped Feta; Vietnamese-Style Poached Chicken & Avocado Salad; Hot Smoked Salmon & Avocado Cups; and Decadent Orange-Choc Mousse.
Chelsea will also host a book signing at 5pm in the Seeka Kitchen Marquee, with Nourish available for purchase from Katikati Paper Plus on the day. Fans are welcome to bring along any of her books to be signed.