The producers of Hawkes Bay’s Christmas at the Park have announced their lead act for 2025. The Narcs + Kim Willoughby will front the Christmas Concert on 6th of December at Park Island, Napier.
Leading straight out of the gate with ‘No Turning Back’, the Narcs proceeded, over the course of 10 songs, to remind us all just how many of their songs populated the musical landscape during their peak. ‘Lazy Susan’, ‘Over My Head’, the towering ‘Heart and Soul’, and more besides. Interspersed with Kim’s ‘80s rock chick’ persona in renditions of The Pretenders ‘Precious’ Blondie’s ‘One Way or Another’, and Jenny Morris’s ‘She Has to Be Loved’. A set then packed with the material much of the audience would remember.
Rob Harbers, Libel Music - Brewtown, Upper Hutt, Wellington, 2nd March 2025
Kiwi band The Narcs with Kim Willoughby (from When the Cats Away) were excellent. I loved the live versions of Heart & Soul and Diamonds On China. These guys still have their musical chops!
Mike Turner, Star News - Selwyn Sounds, Canterbury, 1st March 2025
The Narcs were top notch and resilient from the start of their career, and this evening they presented themselves as the fundamental three piece that smoked the 80’s Rock circuit in New Zealand. They added some special sauce with a charismatic guest appearance by Kim Willoughby. They will be headlining this year. Worth catching as they take their greatness forward.
Red Raven, Auckland Sounds 2025, 28th February 2025
Looking forward to knocking out some bangers with my great mates. It’s always a good time whenever we get together to play some tunes!
Kim WilloughbyKiwi Rock 'n' Rollers The Narcs
Formed in Christchurch in 1981, The Narcs have established themselves as a cornerstone of New Zealand rock. With a career spanning decades, they've garnered numerous music and songwriting awards, signed with major labels, and released a string of hit singles. Their tracks have graced TV commercials, and they've sold out tours while sharing stages with legends like Queen, Elton John, Midnight Oil, Cold Chisel, Split Enz, and Icehouse.
The Narcs first made waves with iconic tracks such as “Over My Head,” “Stay Away,” and “No Turning Back,” contributing to the distinctive Kiwi pub rock sound alongside bands like Hello Sailor and DD Smash. Their impressive discography includes hits like “Heart and Soul,” “Lazy Susan,” “Diamonds on China” and “Abandoned by Love”.
The Narcs continue to rock with original members Andy Dickson (guitar/vocals) and Tony Waine (bass), now joined by the dynamic drummer Josh Sorenson.
Kim Willoughby
Celebrated for her charismatic stage presence and charming vocal style, Kim Willoughby is a naturally gifted performer who has enjoyed a successful career at the top of the N.Z. entertainment industry. A sought-after session singer, she has toured extensively and worked with the country’s best entertainers and musicians.
Kim first burst onto the music scene in the 80’s, winning hearts and minds and the Battle of The Bands with her band The Gurlz. She was then propelled to national prominence with Annie Crummer on the Netherworld Dancing Toys #1 hit For today, and soon after became a household name with chart-topping supergroup When The Cats Away, which took the country by storm breaking attendance records for their live shows. Their 2024 reunion was a tour-de-force which was met with a rapturous response from audiences.
Kim was inducted into the New Zealand Music Hall of Fame in 2021.
Martin Good, Hawkes Bay’s local breakfast host on The Breeze will MC this year's festivities on the main stage.
In Martin’s words: “Christmas in the Park is one of those events that brings everyone together, families, friends, and neighbours all sharing in the joy of the season. I can’t wait to be up there, helping Santa spread the Christmas magic and creating memories that last well beyond the night.”
The Breeze ‘Pack the Bus’ GoBus will be parked up at this year’s event collecting food cans and presents as a part of Property Broker’s Pack the Bus campaign.
Picnics are welcomed, however glass is prohibited as the event is held on the sports park.
What: Property Brokers’ Christmas at the Park
When: Saturday 6 December 2025
Where: Park Island, Napier
Gates open: at 3:00 pm
Carparking on site
Entertainment starts: 5:00 pm
Concert concludes: 9:45 pm
