Elizabeth's home at last

When Kiwi singing sensation Elizabeth Marvelly comes to Tauranga in July it will bring back happy memories of childhood holidays.

"I know Tauranga very well. My family takes holidays in Mount Maunganui every single year, and has done so since I was about 8 months old. I haven't performed in Tauranga for quite some time but I absolutely can't wait to bring my show to your beautiful city."

The show is part of Elizabeth's heartland tour of the North Island, accompanied by Carl Doy and violinist Ben Morrison. The line-up will be a mix of old favourites as well as new material she's working on for her eagerly-anticipated third studio album.

"A few oldies, a couple of new songs, a couple of songs I've always wanted to sing. I'm going to introduce a few of my new originals, too, which will be on my next album. I feel so lucky to be able to do what I love."

It is hard for the songstress to pick a favourite.

"That's really like asking a parent which of their children is their favourite. I love singing my own songs, though it completely terrifies me, but I can't really choose between them. The anthem is pretty special too, though. I always feel a sense of awe when I sing those words. They are so powerful to us as a nation, and to be the conduit for them can be quite daunting, but truly humbling at the same time."

Elizabeth will be singing the anthem later this month - she has been chosen to sing the New Zealand National Anthem on June 23 when the All Blacks take on Ireland at Waikato Stadium in Hamilton. Elizabeth became a lucky charm for the All Blacks last year, performing at Bledisloe and Tri-Nations games as well as the Rugby World Cup semi-final.

"I'm incredibly excited. It's always an honour to sing for the All Blacks."

At just 22, Rotorua-born Elizabeth is almost a veteran, having spent six years touring and performing around the world.

She took to the national stage in 2006 at the age of 16 with Sir Howard Morrison, then recorded her critically acclaimed debut album in 2007 with Carl Doy. She toured Europe in 2009 with Britain's Got Talent opera phenomenon Paul Potts, performing to crowds numbering in the millions at prestigious venues including the Royal Albert Hall and the Sydney Opera House.

Elizabeth followed this up last year with the launch of her album Home. Released on the eve of the Christchurch earthquake, Elizabeth then threw herself into organising a charity concert raising $115,000 for the Red Cross Earthquake Relief fund.

The album Home was as much a statement about the artist as it was a tribute to the wonderful songs written by the New Zealand artists who have influenced her over the years.

"On a personal level I have some incredible mentors who have taught me so much. The late, great Sir Howard Morrison, Frankie Stevens, and Dame Malvina Major have given me more support, love and guidance than I could ever have hoped for in my wildest dreams.

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"Musically, I find that I'm really inspired by artists like Joni Mitchell, Whitney Houston, Julia Stone, Florence + The Machine, Carole King, Barbra Steisand, Leonard Cohen, Madeleine Peyroux ... the list goes on and is pretty varied."

Despite her stardom she insists she is just a normal Kiwi girl.

"I've had some pretty incredible experiences which I'm so grateful for, but at the end of the day I love my friends, my whanau, and my music ... and Milo, Vogels, NZ wine, kai moana, summers at the beach, going to rugby games etc. I'm a Kiwi girl at heart."

After her tour she will be back in the studio recording the third album.

"After that, who knows? I'll go wherever the adventure takes me next."