1 November 2023
On A Good Day is a 3-day Wellington concert series located at Anderson Park, the Capital city’s first-ever show of its kind. Following the success of Fat Boy Slim’s show at the same location, Live Nation and WellingtonNZ saw the appetite for more live music and entertainment to be performed at this brilliant location - surrounded by Wellington’s iconic Botanic Gardens and urban landscape.
I caught up with WellingtonNZ's Major Events Development Manager, Tiana Rakete to talk to her about the event, Anderson Park and what live events she's excited for this summer.
What can audiences expect from On A Good Day?
Put simply, a good time. World renowned music acts, a relaxed atmosphere in one of Wellington’s most beloved locations and a moment to welcome in summer with friends and whānau.
This year the series opens on November 30 with internationally acclaimed Irish singer-songwriter Dermot Kennedy. From busking on the streets of Dublin to selling out stadiums in the US, Kennedy blends folk, pop and hip-hop influences.
Friday night we turn to US rock band The War on Drugs with special guests Spoon and Indigo Sparkle. The War on Drugs merges many sub-genres of rock into one unifying sound and is performing in New Zealand for the first time since 2018.
Saturday December 2 will see Australian indie singer-songwriter Matt Corby and US soul and R&B singer Allen Stone take to the stage together for the first time which is sure to be memorable.
It’s all taking place at Anderson Park in the Wellington Botanic Gardens, so people can enjoy a slow walk through one of our most beautiful settings in the city before heading back into town for their fill of Wellington’s nightlife.
Tickets are on sale now and are limited, so make sure you lock in your plans nice and early.
How did On A Good Day come together?
For some time WellingtonNZ and LiveNation wanted to work together to create something unexpected in the Wellington Botanic Gardens.
We’ve heard the cry from Wellingtonians for more international acts performing in open green spaces, and after working closely with the team at Wellington City Council were able to make that a reality at Anderson Park.
Why Anderson Park?
Wellingtonians are huge advocates of their own backyard, and we wanted to reimagine the space to create an unforgettable experience. LiveNation has really taken that dream and run with it, with the first gig Fat Boy Slim in March. It’s a fantastic location close to the city and the backdrop of the Botanic Gardens really sets it apart, so after each show punters can meander back down into the Wellington CBD to dance on into the evening.
How important are live events to Wellington?
Live events are the lifeblood of Wellington – they attract visitors to the city and make a massive contribution to Wellington’s reputation as a vibrant and exciting city and to our local economy.
WellingtonNZ, which is responsible for attracting major events to the city, ensures a full programme of live events take place across the year providing great experiences for residents and visitors, as well as an economic boost for hospitality and other businesses.
What other events are you looking forward to this summer?
Wellington has a packed schedule for summer, one of which is the world premiere of Marvel: Te Whakaaturanga Mārohirohi o Te Ao, opening at Tākina on December 14. This exhibition enables fans to get up close with iconic Marvel heroes, films and comics. It’s exclusive to the capital and features rare Marvel artefacts, original comic art, film props, costumes, immersive designs and exclusive memorabilia.
We can’t wait to host the Foo Fighters at Sky Stadium on January 27, International cricket will take over the Basin Reserve and Sky Stadium featuring Australia v BLACKCAPS and the WHITE FERNS v England, and iconic music festival Jim Bean Homegrown will take over the Wellington waterfront on in March 16.
Of course, it goes without saying that we are looking forward to the energy, passion and magic of the Aotearoa New Zealand Festival of the Arts, which comes to life next February – March 2024. The first festival events have been announced, so make sure you are marking up your calendars nice and early to join us. The full Festival programme will be announced in the next 10 days.
On A Good Day is happening 30 November - 2 December 2023 and tickets can be purchased here.
