Spotlight: Election Night Gigs This Saturday - Aotearoa New Zealand 2026

Our nation collectively holds its breath as we hurtle towards the 2026 General Election. While we'd never dare suggest who to vote for, we implore you to get out and cast your vote on the future political direction of this music-loving nation. As the Kilgour brothers famously sung: "Anything could happen." Instead of fretting at home in front of the TV, you can witness (or purposefully ignore) the results unfolding with friends at one of Aotearoa New Zealand's many excellent venue spaces.

We've tallied up a big bunch of notable election night gigs and related happenings on Saturday 7th November below — head over to our Gig Guide for even more options HERE.

ROFL werld
monoga.my b2b nima astria, lu*two b2b left hand loz, caru b2b dishwasher b2b lerm
Neck of the Woods, Auckland
Come laugh, cry, dance, b2b and rofl all night at ROFL werld!

Old Mervs (AUS)
Double Whammy, Auckland
Australia's favourite indie-rock duo are celebrating the release of sophomore album Carparks.

Deep Dark And Dangerous Presents: Truth
with Graysound, D-Low, Lucca.Je, Foxglove
The Mothership, Auckland
Crate bulging with a host of new dubs, including the long-awaited new forthcoming Truth album. Truth returns to Tāmaki Makaurau with an extended 2.5hour set.

Exhibition Event: Beet-wix, Paradox Princess, Ducklingmonster
Audio Foundation, Auckland (2pm, PG, free)
Enjoy bathing among the raucous joyous chorus of creatures who will not be silenced.

2026 General Election Party
with Uncle RohRoh & Party Dad!
Whammy Bar, Auckland (free)
Live Election Party!

Iron Maiden
with special guests Megadeath
Spark Arena, Auckland
Throw up your goats on election night with these international heavy metal legends.

High Altar
Last Place, Hamilton
Alternative art/noise electronic jazz rock, with Mooring.

Postnatal Abortion, Crate, Lacerated Sky and Shot
Paisley Stage, Napier
HBHC takeover the Paisley Stage for the first time, you won't wanna miss this!

So So Modern - Light Years EP Relief Shows
Newtown Community Centre, Wellington (all-ages and R18 events)
Te Whanganui-a-Tara's brightest and brashest are toasting their new EP on Flying Nun Record with two hometown release bashes — 3pm all-ages show with Welcomer, plus a 6:30pm R18 gig with Deathtrippa and Welcomer.

Shonen Knife (JPN)
with Displeasure
Meow, Wellington
Absolute legends of Japanese punk rock for a phenomenal 45 years and counting.

Afterhours FM.
THISSIDEUP, 2che, Yahungy, Ryard, Park (aka Neph), Guans, BushJungle, TRAFFICVIOLATION
Valhalla, Wellington
Saturday night at Valhalla, a mix of local DJ's, artists and fresh faces show up for the scene. A celebration of artistry. A chance to let loose. This is not a night to miss.

Kina:suttsu (Japan) | Vegetable.animal.machine
Pyramid Club, Wellington
Pyramid Club is excited to present Japanese musician, performance and visual artist Kina:suttsu — with vegetable.machine.animal (vma), an interspecies improvisational trio led by drummer Kieran Monaghan.

F*ck Exams I Just Wanna Rave
Babydoll, Lazarus b2b Welmie, Skulli, A2Z, Nikotime, Squeakz, Bass Builder
The Graveyard, Wellington
The Graveyard and Vortek are coming together to bring you our last rave of the year featuring EIGHT of Ponēke's finest DJs + projections provided by VJ Trinetra and BANGERILLA/V.

Ubuntu Cultural Conversations
The Undercurrent, Wellington
Featuring live musical performances by Ras Judah (Botswana), Mohamed Shemi (Tanzania), and friends, alongside poetry and opportunities for audience participation. Shared cultural food will further contribute to the spirit of hospitality, community, and connection that lies at the heart of Ubuntu.

Rock The Waa!!
Imperfect Circles, Bullet Train, Lantern Fire, Unknown Territory, Silent by Device
WAA! Club, Nelson (all-ages)
Come along to the WAA! for a night of Rock, Hard rock, Grunge and Metal! Showcasing some of Nelson's top rock and metal acts.

Oh My Goth! Dark Music Club Night
darkroom, Christchurch
DJs Regress & 59 to 1 will take you on a journey celebrating the Dark 80s featuring Goth Rock, Post-Punk, Dark Wave, Industrial, Death Rock, Future Pop, Cold Wave, Synth Pop + more.

Downriver
Space Academy, Christchurch
With the release of their debut album looming, the six-piece folk-rock troupe is hitting the road. Prepare yourself for a barn-burning, harp-bleating, flannel-fraying evening.

Yours Spring Ball
Yours, Dunedin
A flowerbed of DJs. An Actual Harp. Prizes for best dressed. It's like exiting winter and immediately arriving on the dancefloor full of rhodedendrons.

sloer
Pearl Diver, Dunedin
Wānaka dreamy slowcore band hit the road ahead of their debut album in March 2027.

Shaun Kirk (AUS)
Riff, Invercargill
Hailing from the music-filled streets of Melbourne, Australia, Shaun Kirk is an award-winning blues and soul troubadour recognized for his exceptional talent as a born entertainer.