Mana Moana is a celebration of songs from across the Pacific.
Mana Moana is a celebration of songs from across the Pacific.
After its performances flooded social media and spread joy to thousands inside and outside Aotearoa, hit Pasifika musical showcase Mana Moana will return for another year at Auckland’s Spark Arena on May 2.
The collaboration between, the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra Te Tira Pūoro o Aotearoa (NZSO) and SignatureChoir (produced by Live Nation) made headlines in previous years for its rousing renditions of traditional and contemporary songs from Samoa, Tonga, Fiji, Cook Islands, Niue and Tokelau.
This year’s musical selection will take audience favourites from previous shows and combine them with fresh new arrangements, including the Samoan classic Manu o le Vaveao, Nepituno — written by Queen Salote Tupou III to commemorate the 1953 royal visit of Queen Elizabeth to Tonga.
Mana Moana is a collaboration between the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra Te Tira Pūoro o Aotearoa (NZSO) and the Signature Choir. Photo / Penina Momoisea
Signature Choir music director Helen Tupai said the choir was “incredibly honoured” to bring Mana Moana back to Spark Arena.
“This show is a true celebration of community, culture, and the richness of Pasifika music,” she said.
“By fusing the power of Pasifika choral excellence with the grandeur of a full orchestra, we create something truly magical—an experience that moves the heart and uplifts the spirit”.
The project was initially birthed from a collaborative journey between the NZSO and the Signature Choir, whose aim was to create high-quality audio recordings and videos of Pasifika songs in partnership with RNZ.
It has since blossomed into one of the most anticipated live music events of the calendar year, with audience-recorded videos from the show at Wellington’s Michael Fowler Centre in 2022 amassing over 1 million views on social media.
“Mana Moana reminded us again - as they have been with each performance - that we were here to celebrate”.
Tupai said this year’s rendition would be “even bigger and better” than before.
“After the overwhelming response to the last Mana Moana, we knew we had to bring it back.
“Seeing our community’s joy and pride as their songs came to life in such a groundbreaking way was life-changing, and 2025 will take that experience to the next level”.
This year's Mana Moana will be 'bigger and better'. Photo / Penina Momoisea
Ticketing details
Tickets go on sale at 12pm Thursday March 6, tickets start from $19.90.
Mastercard cardholders have special access to presale tickets in New Zealand. Mastercard Presale starts Tuesday, March 4 at 11am local time and ends Thursday, March 6 at 11am local time.
Preferred ticket access to some of the best tickets are available from Thursday, March 6 at 11am local time. Checkout priceless.com/music for details.
My Live Nation members can also secure tickets during the Live Nation pre-sale beginning 12pm Wednesday, March 5.
Visit here for complete tour and ticket information.
