After months of speculation among music fans, legendary New Zealand band Split Enz has officially confirmed a highly anticipated reunion performance at the 2026 Electric Avenue festival in Christchurch. The iconic group, known for bridging five decades of Kiwi music heritage, will take the stage for their first full performance together in nearly 20 years as part of the band’s 50th anniversary celebration.
The reunion marks a significant milestone since Split Enz’s last full-group appearance at Melbourne’s Sound Relief concert in 2009. Festival director Callam Mitchell has described the upcoming performance as a “cultural landmark event of epic proportions,” highlighting the enduring influence of the band fronted by celebrated songwriting siblings Tim and Neil Finn.
A landmark reunion celebrating five decades of Split Enz’s indelible impact on New Zealand’s musical landscape.
Electric Avenue festival, scheduled for February 27-28, 2026, at Hagley Park, is expanding its footprint to accommodate what organizers expect will be up to 90,000 attendees over the two-day event. The festival site will feature an additional main outdoor stage to handle the unprecedented interest generated by the Split Enz announcement. This momentous occasion will contribute significantly to Christchurch’s economy, likely surpassing the $10.5 million impact from the previous year’s festival.
The reunion performance will headline a diverse lineup that includes Grammy-nominated Australian house DJ Dom Dolla, along with international acts Kesha, Pendulum, Basement Jaxx, and Röyksopp. Local representation remains strong with performances by L.A.B., Supergroove, Kora, and Drax Project, creating a blend of house, electronic, rock, and pop music across multiple stages. The festival will showcase over 50 acts total across its expanded venue setup. The band has already begun intensive rehearsal sessions to ensure their performance meets the high expectations of longtime fans and new audiences alike.
Social media discussions and advance ticket inquiries have already amplified public excitement, with music media outlets describing the festival as “Australasia’s biggest party.” The exclusive nature of the Split Enz comeback has generated particular buzz in both New Zealand and international music communities. Beyond ticket sales, the band plans to capitalize on this rare reunion through merchandise sales that will include limited edition vinyl records and commemorative merchandise.
The Hagley Park venue, centrally located in Christchurch, will undergo extensive infrastructure development to accommodate the large crowds expected for what promoters are positioning as a major cultural event drawing a broad demographic of music enthusiasts from across the region and beyond.
