NUI HUI 7 – LIVE AT 14 WAIU STREET
Wainuiomata, Lower Hutt
Saturday 22 November 2025 | 4PM – LATE
Nui Hui is back – louder, prouder, and more unfiltered than ever. This grassroots music series is built for the people, by the people, shining a spotlight on bands who grind it out, carve their own paths, and keep live music alive.
Nui Hui 7 is a one-night-only collision of sounds and scenes, bringing together rock, reggae, punk, grunge, and soul against a true blue-collared backdrop. No industry machines, no corporate gloss – just raw, rising talent backed by the passion of locals and volunteers who believe in the power of music.
This year’s lineup is stacked with unsigned and upcoming artists from across the region and beyond:
4PM – Munkiez
With a sound as cheeky and chaotic as their name suggests, MUNKIEZ is a bluesy, funk-rock explosion that proves good times and great grooves go hand-in-hand. Hailing from Upper Hutt, this crew is all about embracing the raw energy of rock and roll while slathering on a thick coat of soulful, slinky funk.
They're not here to reinvent the wheel, but to make it spin faster, dirtier, and with a whole lot more swagger. With a dash of that no-nonsense, straight-outta-the-garage Kiwi attitude. MUNKIEZ are a band you feel in your bones, a sound that gets your head nodding and your feet moving before you even realize what's happening. They play it like they mean it, because they do.
5PM – The Groundsmen
Scott Paddock and Shane Martin formed The Groundsmen back in the heady days of 2017 and went through various drummers and bass players before finally finding stability with drummer Rowan Carlyle in 2018.
Since then they’ve played numerous gigs (one supporting Head Like A Hole in Gisborne at Smash Palace 30th anniversary) and released 3 singles on Spotify and other streaming platforms - Black Car, Supanova and Achtung Baby (check them out!).
They’ve recorded their debut album and are just about to mix it and release it.
Playing only original earthen rock punk, we always, always, perform at 110% energy levels and put on a great show with hooky uptempo toons!! With songs commenting on contemporary society and life at large all 3 members throw themselves fully into their performance and leave no energy unused. You will leave one of their shows changed.
See the excerpt from a review of a in Whanganui July 2020:
“After a quick change of equipment, The Groundsmen were next on the agenda. Proclaiming themselves to be Taranaki’s premier rock punk band, the trio wasted no time in belting out a hard and fast set of original, classic punk-inspired tunes that were lapped up by the growing gathering of punters. Bass player Scott Paddock is a tour-de-force; full of noise, energy and an appropriate rock-punk swagger. Along with guitarist Shane Martin and drummer Rowan Carlyle, The Groundsmen powered their way though and energetic set, and it was immediately evident that they were ecstatic to be back on stage and performing again after the recent enforced hiatus. The trio powered through a set of classic, no-frills, original punk inspired tracks that had almost everyone in the room either on their feet or gyrating in their seats. Definitely a crowd-pleaser, there is no doubt whatsoever that The Groundsmen were in their element, and clearly love what they do.”
….from Ambient Light, author Bridget Herlihy, 4th July 2020
6PM – Kaletta Band
Kaletta is a Latin rock band that brings together the rhythms of ska punk and gypsy sounds in Spanish. With musicians from Chile, Colombia, Argentina, Italy, the UK, and New Zealand, our sound is a blend of different beats and roots. We've had the privilege of being two-time national finalists in the Battle of the Bands (BOTB 2024 and 2025) and have performed at festivals like Island Bay and toured the top South Island. We're excited about our upcoming tours in New Zealand next year.
What we're passionate about is creating music that's true to ourselves. Each song is a journey, moving from calm to energetic moments that we hope will keep you engaged. Our lyrics touch on social and political themes, and we hope our performances will inspire thought and conversation. We're looking forward to sharing our music with you and creating memorable experiences through our dynamic sound and energy.
7PM – Burning Embers
Accustomed to breaching anything that requires sociable etiquette they still manage to pull off their unique brand of Wainuiomata rock.
From out of nowhere, they regroup, drink a few, set a plan, and do the complete opposite in tasteful fashion. Burning Embers have an uncanny habit of pulling off a great set, usually unscripted but full of the essence that is Rock n Roll. We're not here long enough to care, but we do love a great audience
Reminiscent of Days of the New and Alice in Chains they're definitely genuine entertainment
8PM – Stretch to Mould
Stretch to Mould is a rock band from Wellington New Zealand who formed in 2012. The band was founded by vocalist and guitarist Darrell Vickers, who has been the only constant member throughout multiple line up changes. Since 2024 the line up has consisted of Vickers alongside Chris Fursdon (bass guitar) and Thomas Fuller (Drums). Stretch to Mould are known for their high energy, hard hitting riffs, powerful vocals and all-round solid musicianship. The band released their debut album Shadows in 2012, EP Painting Faces in 2014 and are currently working on their next release.
9PM – Ras Judah and the Culture Embassy
a 10-piece NZ band of varying cultural backgrounds, hence the name.
The cultural diversity of the band is reflected in the sound of the music
a fusion of African styles, Reggae/Ska, Jazz and Afro-Latin rhythms.
We describe our sound as Afrocentric-World Music as much of what we play is based on African rhythms and songs, which is where our lead-singer ‘Ras Judah’ and two of our master drummers come from (Botswana, Ghana and Tanzania respectively), plus Roots Reggae. Though everyone contributes their own culturally inspired sound, with other band members from Cuba, England and Japan, and others with Greek, Kiwiana and jazz backgrounds. Not just a musical treat representing many parts of the world, but also a visual one; a carnival of ethnic diversity and collaboration on stage!
10PM – The Fabulous Pakehas
Were first conceived in London England, way back in the early 90s whilst on O.E's. Currently working on a album, & after 33 years, still in no rush.
With two of us having roots in WOA TFP are honoured to be playing a set of our originals for NUI HUI 7
The T.F.P original line up are, Antony Maddock, Scott McGill, Leslie Tearne, &
Bevan Ritchie.
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From soul-stirring grooves to fist-in-the-air anthems, Nui Hui 7 is more than just a gig – it’s a celebration of musicians who hustle, create, and share their art on their own terms.
Nui Hui: supporting local, celebrating original, and keeping the fire of live music burning
Also check out other Music events in Lower Hutt, Entertainment events in Lower Hutt, Arts events in Lower Hutt.
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