Fresh Kiwi Talent Set to Shine at Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park

This year’s Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park auditions have uncovered exciting new Kiwi talent, with standout performers set to take the stage in Christchurch and Auckland later this year.

For 12-year-old Christchurch performer Cleo Fitzgerald, it’s the next step in an exciting journey. After successfully auditioning and performing in the Christchurch show last year, Cleo impressed the creative team again this year and has been selected to perform at both the Christchurch and Auckland events.

Creative Director Dixon Nacey says Cleo is a great example of what the audition process is all about.

“Cleo did a fantastic job last year and has continued to develop as a performer. She really impressed us again and we’re delighted she’ll be joining us for both shows.”

Auckland audiences will also be introduced to powerhouse recording artist and singer Ellaphon Tauariki, whose audition made a big impression on producers.

“He absolutely blew us away,” says Nacey. “He’s an extraordinarily talented young artist, and we have no doubt Auckland audiences will be amazed by what he brings to the stage.”

Joining the new generation of performers will be one of Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park’s most familiar faces, popular radio and TV personality, More FM breakfast host Simon Barnett, who will MC both shows with co-host Lana Searle. Barnett MC’d the very first event in 1994 and has since hosted the Christchurch show more than 20 times.

The official charity of Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park is Kindness Collective, a national charity supporting struggling families across New Zealand, with funds raised through this year’s events helping hundreds of families in need at Christmas time.

Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park will be held at Hagley Park, Christchurch on Saturday 28 November and at the Auckland Domain on Saturday 12 December 2026.

Pictured: Cleo Fitzgerald, Simon Barnett and Ellaphon Tauariki