Welcome
The Tauranga Jazz Society is thrilled to present the 2026 National Jazz Festival, alongside the inspiring National Youth Jazz Competition. This year, the festival stretches across eleven vibrant days, filling Tauranga and Mount Maunganui with world class jazz, unforgettable performances, and a city-wide celebration of music and community.
The beloved Jazz Village at Tauranga’s Historic Village becomes even more exciting. We’re introducing a series of special one-off indoor concerts to the usual buzz of outdoor stages, artisan food stalls and family activities. It’s New Orleans spirit with a Kiwi soul – bigger, brighter and more dynamic than ever.
Our Uptown Downtown programme is the perfect way to explore local hospitality while discovering great live music. We’re also proud to welcome international artists from the UK, Australia and the USA, performing alongside Aotearoa’s finest jazz musicians. And, throughout the festival, the ever-popular Baycourt Concert Series will showcase an exceptional mix of headline shows and intimate performances, powerhouse ensembles.
We warmly welcome the many hundreds of talented young musicians taking part in the National Youth Jazz Competition, and we celebrate all the performers, locals, visitors, supporters and volunteers who make this festival such a special part of Tauranga’s cultural life.
A huge thank-you to our Principal Festival Partner and to our Major Funders Port of Tauranga, TECT, and Tauranga City Council, along with all our incredible sponsors. Your generosity and commitment make the 2026 National Jazz Festival possible.
Jeff Baker
TAURANGA JAZZ SOCIETY PRESIDENT
Welcome to the 63rd National Jazz Festival – a much-loved celebration that’s become part of Tauranga’s cultural heartbeat.
For more than six decades, this festival has brought people together through the universal language of music. It’s a highlight of our arts and culture calendar, attracting local and international talent to our beautiful city.
Over 11 days, Tauranga will come alive with jazz – from the buzz of the Uptown Downtown programme to headline shows at Baycourt’s Addison Theatre, the popular Jazz Village at The Historic Village, and performances at unique venues like The Cargo Shed and the Mount Hot Pools.
Tauranga City Council is proud to support this iconic festival. It adds vibrancy to our city, supports our local economy, and reminds us why Tauranga is such a great place to live, work, play, and visit.
We’re also proud to champion the 48th National Youth Jazz Competition and look forward to welcoming hundreds of talented young musicians from across Aotearoa to Baycourt. This annual event plays a vital role in nurturing the next generation of jazz artists.
Please join us in celebrating another fantastic festival!
Mahé Drysdale MNZM
MAYOR OF TAURANGA
Festival Team
- Marc Anderson Festival Manager
- Mandy Ryan General Manager
- Liam Ryan National Youth Jazz Competition Manager
- Chris Pert Event Coordinator
- Robyn Fairweather Administration
- Damian Lunson Website
- Donella Jones Design
Tauranga Jazz Society Committee
- Jeff Baker President
- Liam Ryan Vice President
- Mandy Ryan
- Liam Ryan
- Marc Anderson
- Janet Derbyshire
- Paul Hoskin
