New Zealand music has been given a boost with a family-friendly concert on Sunday that saw 2,700 people fill Lilyworld, Mt Smart’s newest event venue.

Fans gave a rousing welcome to New Zealand artists including acclaimed alternative band The Veils, local music royalty Bic Runga, and captivating singer-songwriter Nadia Reid. The line-up also featured up and coming Hawke’s Bay artist Arahi.

While the concert was free, fans were able to donate any amount upon registration for up to six tickets. Together, they raised over $14,000 for charity MusicHelps. MusicHelps Chair Ant Healey said the money raised will help the charity continue to ‘support those who use music to help others in need.’

“It’s been a tough time for New Zealanders who earn a living from music and those that use the power of music to help others. To have new live music opportunities in Tāmaki Makaurau is awesome.

“We are very thankful to the artists, crew, production, Auckland Stadiums, Banished Music and Auckland Unlimited who came together to present Lilypad - and importantly, all the Aucklanders who supported the event.”

A nod to the iconic Lilyworld stage:

The Lilypad concert marked the first time live music has returned to Mt Smart in over a year, and Lilyworld was a fitting inaugural concert for a site once made famous during the Big Day Out heyday.

Auckland Stadium’s Director James Parkinson said it was heartening to see the all-ages crowd embrace the new Lilyworld event, offering exciting opportunities as an intimate outdoor venue.

“While we eagerly await the return of large-scale concerts to our stadia next summer, it is wonderful to have a venue that can provide a great experience for fans on a smaller scale,” he said.

“We look forward to seeing musicians of all genres playing at Lilyworld as part of a diverse range of events drawing people to Mt Smart on a regular basis.”

Reuben Bonner, Managing Director of Banished Music, said the concert marked a “Mother’s Day for the books, with magical weather and incredible performances from these epic artists. Lilyworld is the spot!”