The Wellington International Ukulele Orchestra Is Back!
After ten years in ‘deep hibernation’, the much-loved Wellington International Ukulele Orchestra (WIUO) will reassemble for a spectacular show at the newly restored Te Whare Whakarauika Wellington Town Hall on Saturday 20 March 2027.
This special event reunites two treasured Wellington icons, both relishing being back in action, with stronger foundations, sexier décor and refreshed acoustics.
Founded a bit by accident in 2005 by friends Age Pryor (The Woolshed Sessions, Congress of Animals, Fly My Pretties) and Bret McKenzie (Flight of the Conchords, The Black Seeds), what began as a joyful experiment quickly evolved into one of New Zealand’s most celebrated live acts.
Over the following decade, the Orchestra captivated audiences throughout Aotearoa and around the world, releasing four bestselling EPs and an album, collaborating with internationally renowned artists, and inspiring thousands of people to discover the joy of making music.
Following an extensive touring schedule that included New Zealand, Australia, UK, the United States, China and Japan, the band put their ukes on ice to explore other instruments and new creative pursuits.
But the call of the ukulele is strong – asked if they’d regroup for one special all-ages show to celebrate Te Whare Whakarauika Wellington Town Hall’s triumphant reopening, the Orchestra’s answer was an instant “holy hecking ukeballs YES”.
The band said: “That’s what it’s always been about for us: getting everyone together, lifting the roof and finding magic in the moment through amazing music.”
The reunion feels especially fitting for a group that sprang from the creative milieu of mid-2000s Te Whanganui-a-Tara. The Town Hall, City Gallery, Central Library and Michael Fowler Centre all formed part of the Orchestra’s journey as it grew from local curiosity to international phenomenon.
Heidi Morton, GM Events & Experiences at WellingtonNZ, says: “The Wellington International Ukulele Orchestra holds a special place in Wellington’s cultural story, and we’re delighted to welcome them back as part of the celebrations marking the reopening of Te Whare Whakarauika Wellington Town Hall. We know many people will be eager to join in for this one – so be sure to get your tickets quickly as we definitely expect a sell-out.”
Audiences can expect everything they remember and love about the WIUO: soaring harmonies, dazzling musicianship, inventive arrangements, spontaneous comedy and plenty of audience participation. The performance will feature beloved classics, new material and, inevitably, a few trademark surprises.
The band’s repertoire takes a gloriously democratic approach to the global songbook, moving seamlessly between pop hits, rock classics, country ballads, waiata Māori and Pacific, indie treasures and unexpected deep cuts. Proud champions of the unique instrument and its surprising range, the WIUO proves that a room full of ukuleles can be moving, virtuosic, funny and unexpectedly powerful, often all in the same song.
The first rule of the Wellington International Ukulele Orchestra remains unchanged: “If you know the words, sing along.” And the second: “If you don’t know the words, sing along.”
The Wellington International Ukulele Orchestra also features Andy Morley-Hall, Bek Coogan, Carmel Russell, Daniel Yeabsley, Deanne Krieg, Francis Salole, Gemma Gracewood, Megan Salole, Nigel Collins, Samuel Auger and Stephen Jessup.
Presented by Venues Wellington’s Live in WLG, this special reunion celebrates not only the return of the Wellington International Ukulele Orchestra, but also the reopening of a venue that has long been at the heart of the capital’s cultural life.
For one night only, Wellingtonians and visitors will once again have the chance to gather and celebrate together in one of the city’s most treasured communal spaces.
THE WELLINGTON INTERNATIONAL UKULELE ORCHESTRA
7:30PM SATURDAY 20 MARCH, 2027, WELLINGTON TOWN HALL. ALL AGES.
TICKETS VIA TICKETMASTER.CO.NZ
Artist Presale: Tuesday 3 November, 9:00am
Live in WLG & NZ Comedy Trust Presale: Wednesday 4 November, 9:00am
General On-sale: Thursday 5 November, 9:00am
Photo Credit: Rebecca McMillan Photography
