The Summer Jam, held in South Taranaki, is a free annual concert and community celebration. Committee President Vicki Koubaridis says the 2026 event was their biggest and most successful yet.
But beyond the fun of the day, the Summer Jam has a serious purpose.
“We know loneliness affects people’s health so we wanted to create an event that would bring people together and help create lasting connections,” said committee member Marianne Archibald.
“Our small volunteer committee spends the whole year fundraising to keep the concert – and children’s activities like face painting and a photo booth – free of charge. We want everyone to be able to come along and enjoy the day.”
Vicki says funding is their biggest challenge each year.
“We plan an amazing community event, then find the funding to run it, including sponsorship from our own businesses.
We apply to different organisations each year to spread it around, and we only apply for what we need. Toi Foundation was such a big help and it really took the pressure off.”
Frankie Steven hosts the event each year, securing top performers from around the country. In 2026, the Jam had a country theme, opening with the school kapa haka group, followed by Sisters in Country, Michael & Becks and the NZ Highwaymen.
“Picture a big stage on a rugby field, thousands of people and the sun shining. People had picnics, everybody was chatting, sitting on deckchairs, listening to wonderful music. There’s dancing, kids are everywhere, and this year a lot of older folk came along too.
“There was just so much. And the feedback we get is just absolutely fabulous. It was such a good day, but it goes much further than that one day. People keep talking to each other and it’s like a trigger for deeper connections within the community.”
