YAMI Returns to Wānaka in 2027 with Fresh Voices
With a reputation for bringing some of Aotearoa’s finest musical talent together with industry heavyweights, YAMI (Youth + Adults in the Music Industry) returns to Wānaka on 1 and 2 May 2027, bringing musicians, creatives and industry professionals together for two days of workshops, mentoring and connection at the Lake Wānaka Centre.
Held at the start of NZ Music Month, the biennial summit is entering a new era. Founder and director Lynne Christie is stepping back, making space for fresh ideas, guest curators and longstanding crew members taking on larger roles. With plenty of experience behind the scenes and new energy shaping the programme, YAMI 2027 is undergoing major shifts.
Leading the creative charge is inaugural guest curator Barnaby Weir. Former Kiwi Legend and YAMI supporter since 2014, the musician behind The Black Seeds and Fly My Pretties will help shape a weekend that continues to champion original musicians, producers and the creative teams around them.
Weir says, “I feel honoured to be the YAMI guest curator for 2027. We are in the process of creating another inspiring weekend packed with exciting music workshops and captivating live performances in beautiful Wānaka. I can’t wait to be a part of it all.”
Past summits have welcomed the likes of Troy Kingi, Anika Moa, Ladi6, Tiki Taane, Moana Maniapoto, Jon Toogood, P Digsss, Julia Deans, Anna Coddington, Dave Dobbyn and Bella Kalolo, alongside members of The Beths, L.A.B., Fat Freddy’s Drop and Shapeshifter.
Christie says the time is right to hand over more of the reins.
“I’m happily putting myself out to pasture – although I suspect I’ll still be peering over the fence,” she laughs. “YAMI has grown through the generosity of so many people. It’s exciting to see the crew stepping up and guest curators bringing their own ideas, while keeping that same love of music, and belief in the brave creatives.”
Among those stepping into a larger role is event producer Celine Van der Eecken, who is helping bring the next summit to life.
“We can’t wait to welcome everyone back to Wānaka,” says Van der Eecken. “There’s something special about being in a room full of people who share your passion for music. We want participants to leave with fresh ideas, practical tools and people they can call on as they take their next steps.”
Welcoming rangatahi and adults, from ages 10 to 110, YAMI continues to offer a place to develop original work, explore the realities of the music industry and build lasting creative relationships.
Tutors are to be announced in February, but already Weir and Van der Eecken have hinted it is shaping up to be a formidable line-up of performers and industry experts.
The Adopt-A-Muso initiative also continues, inviting supporters to help make the YAMI experience accessible to aspiring musicians.
Earlybird tickets go on sale (Moshtix) on 5 November 2026.
YAMI 2027
1–2 May 2027 | Lake Wānaka Centre
Photo: Yami’s Kiwi Legend Barnaby Weir performs with Yami participants 2025. Photo Credit: Deanna Gerlach.
