FISHER? HOWZAT?!
The inside story on how a local promoter got Fisher, the world’s most in-demand DJ, to play the first-ever gig at the Mount’s iconic Bay Oval cricket ground.
The inside story on how a local promoter got Fisher, the world’s most in-demand DJ, to play the first-ever gig at the Mount’s iconic Bay Oval cricket ground.
WORDS KARL PUSCHMANN
For the past five years, TradeMark Live co-director Toby Burrows has been driving past the Bay Oval International Cricket Ground dreaming about putting on a show there.
With its vast space and prime location right in the heart of Mount Maunganui, the venue’s untapped potential was obvious to Toby. Not only would a successful show there bring energy, pride and cultural vibrancy to the community, it’d also be a massive boost to the local economy, filling hotels, restaurants, bars and local businesses as music fans, primed for a good time, flooded into town.
But, he also knew an event at this scale would take years of planning and would involve jumping through multiple consent hoops, adhering to strict conditions, not least of which included safeguarding the Oval’s “sacred” cricket pitch, and finding a summer window within the ground’s international cricket schedule. And, perhaps most difficult of all, the crucial task of finding an artist worthy of headlining such an iconic event.
Fortunately, Toby and his business partner Mitch Lowe knew just the man for the job.
“We pitched the idea to Fisher,” he says. The award winning DJ and house music producer is one of dance music’s most in-demand artists and is also one of Toby’s most requested acts. As he says, “Fisher and this venue were a perfect recipe.”
Having brought Fisher over last summer for two massive shows, including a record-breaking gig at Auckland’s Victoria Park, Toby and Mitch had an in, but with Fisher’s global popularity, they knew that they’d still have to convince the superstar.
“He’s a surfer, so I sold him on Mount Maunganui being a beachside town in the middle of summer,” he smiles. “And, I told him it would be the first time that this venue's ever been used for a large-scale concert, so it'd be a really iconic play that would go down in the history books.”
Even with the compelling sales pitch, Fisher made them sweat for an answer. “He sat with it for about four months,” Toby laughs, remembering the nervous wait. “But when he came back to us, he was really fired up about it. We definitely popped the champagne when he confirmed. We knew that when we announced it, it would get a massive response, and it has. It’s had a crazy, crazy response.”
Toby says they’re planning for a record-breaking 25,000-30,000 people at the show and is promising that it’ll be a big night.
“The production is so far beyond anything that's been done in New Zealand before,” Toby says. “Last year was big at Victoria Park. This is looking at three to five times bigger than that. With DJs, there’s a bit of a production arms race as to who can outdo each other. They're always trying to have the craziest show in the world. I think Fisher’s team have really outdone themselves with the design of this one. It's going to be pretty impressive.”
To mark the occasion and make a day of it, the gates will open in the afternoon. You can expect a festival atmosphere, with Toby saying there’ll be several support acts warming up the crowd and performing before Fisher takes the stage, to bring the event to a triumphant close.
“To do this dream idea in our hometown is really special,” Toby says. “Culturally, having something so cool in your city gives it an energy that makes it a desirable place to live. And even if there's no other show that ever happens at Bay Oval, this will be remembered forever.”
Fisher plays Bay Oval, Saturday, January 31.
For tickets, visit trademarklive.co.nz
WHAT’S ON
Tauranga’s event season is in full swing. A mix of sport, music and big-name performers are bringing plenty of life to the city. Whether you’re staying local or hosting visitors, there’s so much to see and do.
Tauranga’s event season is in full swing. A mix of sport, music and big-name performers are bringing plenty of life to the city. Whether you’re staying local or hosting visitors, there’s so much to see and do. “This summer is going to be huge,” says Tauranga mayor Mahé Drysdale. “Our city will be buzzing with events for everyone. Locals can enjoy an incredible line-up right here at home, and visitors will get to experience Tauranga at its absolute best – welcoming and full of energy.”
BLACKCAPS VS WEST INDIES — TEST MATCH December 18–22 — Bay Oval
Five days of classic summer cricket as the BLACKCAPS face the West Indies. Experience a lively crowd, great match-up and that unmistakable Bay Oval atmosphere.
L.A.B. & STAN WALKER
December 27 — Wharepai Domain
Two of Aotearoa’s most loved acts return for an afternoon and evening of music in the heart of the city. A strong line-up and a cruisy festival feel is exactly the kind of day Tauranga does well.
NEW YEAR’S EVE CELEBRATIONS
December 31 — Tauranga city centre, Mount Maunganui, Greerton, Matua, Pāpāmoa
Music, entertainment, food trucks, and a 9.30pm fireworks display at all sites (except Greerton which has a light show). A relaxed, fun New Year’s Eve for families and anyone keen to stay close to home.
HOT SPRING SPAS T20 BLACK CLASH
January 17 — Bay Oval Team
Rugby squares up to Team Cricket, led by Kieran Read and Dan Vettori. Fast, noisy and full of personality, this event is always a crowd-pleaser.
JIMMY CARR — LAUGHS FUNNY TOUR
January 25 — Mercury Baypark
A night of sharp, unapologetic comedy from Jimmy Carr as he brings his latest tour to Tauranga.
BAYPARK SPEEDWAY — SUMMER SERIES
Various dates — Mercury Baypark
Stadium High-powered racing, packed stands and full-throttle excitement, the summer series is back with a full run of events.
THE CHIEFS VS FIJIAN DRUA
January 30 — Blake Park
Get ready for a summer showdown as the Chiefs take on the Fijian Drua at Blake Park. Expect high-energy footy, electric fan spirit, and a warm-weather evening out for friends, families and rugby lovers alike.
FISHER
January 31 — Bay Oval
Global dance heavyweight FISHER becomes the first artist to stage a major concert at Bay Oval – set to be the biggest party the Bay has ever seen.
UB40 FEATURING ALI CAMPBELL
February 7 — Bay Oval
A summer favourite, with Ali Campbell bringing the Red Red Wine and a stack of hits to Bay Oval, all wrapped in an easygoing festival feel.
BEAST OF A FEAST
February 28 — Soper Reserve
Tauranga’s not-so-typical beer, food and music festival returns, featuring Ladi6, Avalanche City and P-Money.
TOI TAURANGA ART GALLERY
Current exhibitions — Tauranga
The gallery has reopened with a fresh line-up of exhibitions from artists across Aotearoa, Australia and the Pacific. It’s definitely worth stopping in to see what’s new.
Winter warmers
The top secret food experiences you need to know about.
The top secret food experiences you need to know about.
words STACEY JONES
It feels like winter has truly set in now – grey skies, chilly nights, the same old dinner on repeat. But fear not, you don’t have to wander far to warm your cockles. Here are our food columnist Stacey Jones' top-secret foodie experiences in the Bay of Plenty that’ll light up your winter with a fantastic food adventure.
Mid-Winter Gin-Mas
June–August
Matahui Distillery is warming our cockles this winter with their Mid-Winter Gin-mas workshop, where you’ll have the chance to make your own custom gin using mid-winter Christmas botanicals. At $95 per head (roughly the cost of a decent shop-bought bottle), it’s the steal of the season. Paul Horak, Matahui’s master distiller, will guide you through small-batch botanicals (he even snagged New Zealand’s Best Botanical Spirit award). The distillery is located in Matahui, just 20 minutes from Tauranga. It's the perfect spot for a fun weekend away from the city.
To book, visit:
Shuck Yeah!
June–October
Have you ever wanted to slurp an oyster moments after it left the water? Tio Ōhiwa’s twice-daily, 90-minute cruises across Ōhiwa Harbour make it possible at New Zealand’s only Māori-owned oyster farm. Your journey begins with a guided history of the estuary, winds past Ohakana Island and Tauwhare Pā, then drops anchor at Ōhiwa Oyster Farm. There you’ll learn to shuck, dress and serve your own oysters, tour the processing plant and walk away with a dozen (or more) of the freshest Ōhiwa oysters you’ll ever taste.
To book, visit OHIWAOYSTERS.COM and use code BOPEATS for 10% off.
Diggin' It
June-July
Truffle-hunting season (late May–July) is here and in the Bay of Plenty we are graced with some of New Zealand’s highest producing truffle farms. Trufflewood in Paengaroa invites you onto their farm to hunt Perigord truffles, famed on TVNZ’s Country Calendar and featured on plates at Amisfield and Ahi. Follow expert dog Simba as he leads you through the orchard floor to unearth these rare gems. Once you’ve dug up your treasure, indulge in a guided tasting, including local cheese, butter, ice cream and more.
Visit BOPEATS.CO.NZ for tickets and use the code UNO10 for $10 off.
My Big Fat Greek
Cooking Class
Thursdays, June–August 2025
Step inside Yiayia's Little Kitchen at Caterina Murphy's cosy Matatā home, perched opposite Whale Island on a tranquil rural property, and roll up your sleeves for a hands-on Greek cooking class. Under her warm and welcoming guidance, you’ll learn to craft pipinghot moussaka layered with silky bechamel, hand-stretched pillowy pitas to fill with homemade hummus and tzatziki, and fold flaky filo for sweet baklava. Along the way, Caterina will share the stories behind each recipe, the traditions they spring from, and the love she pours into every dish. After cooking, sit down together to feast on your creations, savouring an experience you’ll be talking about long after the last bite.
Contact YIAYIASLITTLEKITCHEN@GMAIL.COM for classes.
Celebrate the Eastern Bay
If stunning scenery and sun-filled days aren’t enough to draw you to Whakatāne and Ōhope this autumn, event season certainly will – and there are plenty to choose from.
If stunning scenery and sun-filled days aren’t enough to draw you to Whakatāne and Ōhope this autumn, event season certainly will – and there are plenty to choose from.
Flavours of Plenty events
Scales and Ale’s
Saturday, April 5
An evening of exceptional flavours at Fisherman’s Wharf. Indulge in a four-course dinner, each course paired with craft beers sourced from the region. Enjoy delicious, locally grown produce while taking in the stunning harbour views. This event is a must for beer lovers and foodies, offering a fusion of taste and ambiance. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable culinary experience, showcasing local brews and seasonal ingredients.
Tamariki Foodie Fair
Saturday, April 5
Treat your youngsters to a day of delight at the Tamariki Foodie Fair – the ultimate foodie event for children, offering fun, sensory experiences such as blind tasting, nut cracking, face painting, stilt walkers and food demonstrations for kids by kids. Food trucks will be there to serve kids’ favourite treats throughout the day at Wharfside overlooking Ōhiwa Harbour. Treat your Tamariki to a day of delight – the perfect day out for families. Free entry ensures everyone can join in, with delicious treats and selected activities for purchase.
Late Summer Farm Kitchen
Saturday, April 5
A unique farm-to-table experience celebrating the joy of cooking, sharing and savouring local produce. Set on a beautiful family farm with expansive gardens and a hand-built barn, this long summer lunch is part workshop, part cooking class, and part indulgent feast. Guests will enjoy a hands-on experience before sitting down to a long, leisurely lunch built around the best seasonal produce the farm has to offer. Whether a seasoned cook or a beginner, there’s the option to get involved or simply relax with a glass of wine and soak up the rural charm while enjoying great food, local wines, and warm hospitality.
Discover Wainui's Food Secrets Tour
Saturday, April 12
Join this exclusive food tour through Wainui, where you’ll explore the region’s best-kept edible secrets. It will take you to five carefully selected stops, each with its own remarkable story. From the oyster farms of Ōhiwa Harbour, where cultural significance meets sustainable farming, to the unlikely truffle success story, the journey unfolds as you meet local producers and taste their creations.
A Taste of Wainui Marketplace
Saturday, April 12
Celebrate the first-ever Wainui Producers Market, held in the picturesque Waingarara Valley. This free, family-friendly event showcases the region’s best food producers, offering fresh oysters and organic produce to truffles, olives, honey, macadamia nuts, berries, ice cream and wood-fired pizza. A licensed bar will be available for beer and wine purchases, while live entertainment adds to the fun atmosphere. Enjoy lunch, shop, and discover unique local produce in this scenic, community-focused event.
Cray Tails and Cocktails
Saturday, April 12
Enjoy four delicious crayfish dishes, each paired with a cocktail, all served in a laid-back atmosphere at Fisherman’s Wharf. With local produce, stunning waterfront views, and a relaxed vibe, this evening is all about indulging in tasty food and having fun. Whether you're a seafood fan or just looking for a casual night out, this event is one you won't want to miss.
To purchase tickets to any of these events, visit:
Retail paradise
If you make a weekend of it, be sure to save time for some retail therapy. Whakatāne and Ōhope have a selection of beautiful boutiques, featuring well-loved national and international brands.
Whakatāne
Whakatāne’s CBD has come of age in recent years. The attractive and bustling town centre makes it easy to roam with a range of boutique shops. After some retail therapy, soak up the plentiful sunshine at one of the outdoor eateries. Veer off the main drag and you’ll also find a few hidden gems.
TOP PICKS
Ōhope
Although it can be hard to drag yourself away from the waves of New Zealand’s most-loved beach, it’s worth taking a pit-stop at Ōhope Village to enjoy the laid-back shopping scene. Distinct and 4Artsake both offer beautiful giftware, art, clothing and accessories.
Make your bed
George Street Linen is one of those rare retail gems that is a delight to discover. Browse the ultimate selection of New Zealand-designed premium bed linen and bedding in a charming, light-filled store, abundantly stocked with inspirational textiles, home fragrances, and giftware. Their knowledgeable, friendly team prides themselves on hands-on service and passion for the brand.
110 The Strand
GEORGESTREETLINEN.COM
Style by design
Stocking top New Zealand and international labels – Deadly Ponies, Kathryn Wilson, NYNE, Elk, Lolly's Laundry, Zoe Kratzmann, Briarwood and POM Amsterdam among them – Capiz is centrally located in the heart of the shopping precinct. Its carefully curated range has made it Whakatāne’s boutique destination of choice for designer fashion, footwear, handbags and accessories.
156 The Strand
CAPIZ.CO.NZ
Other events
West End Wiggle 2025
Friday, April 11 – Sunday April 13
A traditional longboard festival presented by Salt Air Surf, this weekend includes lots of surf, art and music. This will be the event’s sixth year running.
Farming Like Grandad & Country Fair
Saturday, April 12
Experience farming as it used to be. Clydesdale horses, sheep shearing, farm animals, tractors, and farm machinery, food, music and much more for a fun day out for the whole family.
Ōhiwa Oyster Festival
Saturday, May 17
Don't miss out on this unforgettable celebration of oysters and local culture at Wharfside Ōhope. The opening ceremony will blend oyster appreciation with cultural celebration. Savour mouthwatering oysters, explore local food stalls, and groove to live entertainment from 12pm to 4pm.