Sun comes out to shine on stars at summer concert

A weekend concert in Wanaka, New Zealand, drew a crowd of 10,000 attendees to the Three Parks Outdoor Arena on Saturday. The event featured performances by Iggy Pop, Joan Jett and the Black Hearts, Hoodoo Gurus, and Zed.

A New Venue for a Popular Event

This year marked the first time Wanaka hosted the summer concert, after it had been held in Gibbston Valley for the previous 15 years. The Wanaka show was the final stop on a three-city tour that also included performances in Taupo and Auckland.

Did You Know? Greenstone Entertainment was granted consent by the Queenstown Lakes District Council to hold up to three one-day events each year for the next five years at the Wānaka arena.

Generational Appeal and Local Impact

The concert attracted a diverse audience, including families. Brooke Johnson, of Christchurch, attended with her 8-week-old son, Tadhg Moloney, and her father, Keith Knight, of Hokitika, a long-time fan of Iggy Pop. Attendees like Kerry Hondelink, a Wanaka local, have been dedicated fans of the event for years, even bringing the same flare pants to each concert for the past 15 years.

Missy Gibbs, of Invercargill, attended with a group ranging in age from 17 to 63, and this year marked the first time the group coordinated matching outfits – a pink flamingo theme.

Expert Insight: Large-scale events like this demonstrate the potential for tourism to bolster local economies, creating a ripple effect that extends beyond the immediate concert dates.

Economic Benefits for the Region

Queenstown Lakes District Council deputy mayor Quentin Smith highlighted the significant economic impact of large events on the district. He cited other events like Warbirds Over Wanaka, the Queenstown Marathon, the New Zealand Golf Open, and the Challenge Wānaka as examples of events that contribute to the local economy through tourism promotion and economic development.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where was the concert held?

The concert was held at the Three Parks Outdoor Arena in Wanaka, New Zealand.

Who performed at the concert?

Iggy Pop, Joan Jett and the Black Hearts, Hoodoo Gurus, and Zed performed at the concert.

How long has this concert been running?

The concert had been held in Gibbston Valley for the past 15 years before moving to Wanaka this year.

As Wanaka establishes itself as a new venue for this popular concert series, it could potentially become a regular fixture on the New Zealand summer event calendar.