Help us raise $10,000 for our 2026 Play It Strange Live Waiata Māori Competition 

Join us for a special acoustic evening as we come together to help raise $10,000 to support the Play It Strange Waiata Māori Competition.

Performing on the night are Paige, Nat Hutton (There's A Tuesday), and Play It Strange alumni Rebel Reid, Lily Stiven, Salem Māhia and Cameron Beattie - all artists deeply connected to the Play It Strange kaupapa. 

For more than 20 years, Play It Strange has empowered rangatahi to find their voice through original songwriting. Over 8000 songs have been entered in our competitions in that time, and we have recorded over 1500 of these in professional studios.

This year, however, our 2026 Waiata Māori Competition received no dedicated funding. We're asking our community to help us raise $10,000 so we can continue providing judging, mentoring, recording opportunities and celebrating the incredible creativity of young Māori songwriters.

Whether you join us on the night or donate from home, every contribution helps ensure these opportunities continue for the next generation.

This event is a fundraiser for the Play It Strange Live Waiata Māori Competition. If you are not able to attend but would still like to support this mahi, please donate here. 

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