Gig Buddies Auckland

05/06/2026

MIDWEEK? MORE LIKE PEAK WEEK!

Earlier this week, a crew of Gig Buddies headed along to see the incredible UK rock duo Getdown Services along with the opening band DARTZ at Double Whammy Bar — and wow, did they bring the energy! From the moment they hit the stage, the crowd was hooked. It was the perfect midweek pick-me-up and honestly had us all wishing it was already the weekend!

This gig came together at very short notice, but that didn't stop some of our awesome buddies from jumping at the chance to be there.

A massive thank you to Kai from Gig Buddies Cymru for helping sort tickets for us — we really appreciated it and loved getting the opportunity to catch such a fun and unforgettable show. One of the things we love most about Gig Buddies is how the community supports each other across borders. From Wales to New Zealand, Gig Buddies connections help make amazing experiences happen, proving that a shared love of live music and friendship knows no distance.

Here's to more spontaneous adventures, loud music, and great company!

29/05/2026

What an incredible night at the Aotearoa Music Awards! 🎶✨

A huge thank you to Aotearoa Music Awards for providing tickets for our Gig Buddies group. Everyone had an amazing time and it was truly such a special experience for all of us.

Not only did we get to watch some absolute legends of the music industry perform live, but we also got to feel like we were part of the industry ourselves for the night. From the performances to the atmosphere, it was unforgettable.

One of the best parts was getting all dressed up and enjoying a glamorous night out together!

Thank you again for making this opportunity possible — memories like these mean so much to our buddies and volunteers alike.

14/05/2026

A huge THANK YOU to our amazing sponsors for generously providing free tickets for some of our Gig Buddies to experience the incredible Split Enz concert live last weekend!

For many of our buddies, opportunities like this mean so much more than just a night out — it’s about connection, confidence, friendship, and creating unforgettable memories together. Seeing everyone singing along, soaking up the atmosphere, and sharing the excitement was absolutely priceless.

“I really enjoyed the concert. The music and the special effects were great!”
-Finn, Gig Buddy

Moments like these are exactly what Gig Buddies is all about — making sure everyone has the chance to enjoy live events, build social connections, and be part of the community.

Thank you again to everyone who helped make this special night happen. Your support truly makes a difference!

05/05/2026

We were so proud to be part of this awesome collaboration with Wellness Riders, alongside Spectrum Care and Auckland Council, bringing the Adaptive SKATE + BEATS event to life. The energy, courage, and pure joy from everyone who came along made it truly special ✨

A huge shoutout to all the riders who gave it a go — you were amazing — and to the volunteers and coaches who made the day so supportive and fun 🙌

Missed out? Don’t worry — we’re doing it again!

📅 Next Adaptive Skateboarding + Learn to Skate Event
🗓 May 30

Come along, give it a try, and be part of an inclusive, welcoming space where everyone can roll, connect, and have fun. Whether it’s your first time on a board or you’re keen to build your skills, we’d love to see you there!

Send us a message if you’re interested or want to learn more

Legendary crew at our first Auckland Adaptive SKATE + BEATS event yesterday empowering riders with all abilities and additional needs in collaboration with 💫💛

What a special day✨ We are so proud of all our brave and fun riders for coming along and giving skateboarding a go✨ Highlight reel coming shortly🎊

Special thanks to our amazing coach and for kindly volunteering your caring guiding hands 🙌😍

23/04/2026

We had an awesome time at the Gig Buddies social last weekend at the Morningside Mixtape Festival

It was so great to get out together with our buddies and volunteers, soak up the atmosphere, and support some incredible local up-and-coming talent. There’s nothing better than sharing live music and good vibes with such a fantastic group of people.

Unfortunately, the weather had other plans and the day was cut a little short but that didn’t stop us from making the most of it! Plenty of laughs, great company, and memorable moments all around.

Thanks to everyone who came along and made it such a fun day. We’re already looking forward to the next one!

13/04/2026

If you love sports, the energy of a live crowd, and being part of something bigger—Gig Buddies might be for you.

We believe everyone deserves the chance to enjoy the excitement of games, matches, and events, no matter their background or ability. Being part of a team isn’t just about what happens on the field—it’s about connection, shared moments, and feeling included.

Gig Buddies brings people with and without learning disabilities together to experience these moments side by side. Whether it’s cheering from the stands, trying something new, or just enjoying the atmosphere, it’s all about friendship, fun, and making sport more inclusive for everyone.

If this sounds like your kind of thing, we’d love to have you with us.

https://www.gigbuddiesauckland.org/

31/03/2026

We’re still buzzing from the incredible energy of Illuminate Market.

It was an absolute pleasure for Gig Buddies to collaborate with Recreate NZ on such a vibrant and inclusive event, where we had the privilege of managing the stage and supporting an amazing lineup of performers. Seeing neurodiverse artists take centre stage, share their talents, and be celebrated so wholeheartedly was something truly special.

Events like this remind us why inclusion matters. When spaces are created where everyone feels valued, supported, and empowered to express themselves, the results are nothing short of inspiring. The talent, passion, and courage on that stage lit up the entire market

A huge thank you to everyone who performed, supported, and came along to cheer others on. Let’s keep creating spaces where everyone belongs and where every voice has the chance to shine.

23/03/2026

What a fantastic day out on Saturday with our Gig Buddies crew! 🎭✨

We headed along to Centrestage Theatre Company to see their musical production of Tootsie, and it did not disappoint. From the moment we arrived, the staff were incredibly helpful, welcoming, and accommodating, making sure everyone felt comfortable and supported throughout the show.

The show itself was absolutely brilliant—full of energy, laughter, and amazing performances. Our buddies loved every minute! A special shoutout to the cast, who were not only talented on stage but also so friendly and approachable off stage. It really made the experience extra special for everyone.

Thank you to everyone involved for creating such a fun and inclusive afternoon. We can’t wait for the next adventure!

19/03/2026

Last weekend, our Gig Buddies crew stepped out of their comfort zones at Dead Witch and into the world of alternative rock and metal—and it was incredible to see everyone embracing something new. From heavy riffs to powerful vocals, the energy was unreal, and our buddies were right in the middle of it all, discovering genres they don’t usually listen to and loving every minute.

A huge shoutout to the amazing local bands Living State Letra Luna If It Bleeds - NZ who took the stage—you absolutely smashed it! Supporting local music is what it’s all about, and we’re so proud to be part of a community that celebrates inclusion, creativity, and live music.

Here’s to more gigs, more new experiences, and more unforgettable nights together

26/02/2026

Gig Buddies had the absolute BEST time being part of Music in the Parks this year. From sunshine and singalongs to dancing on the grass and discovering amazing local talent, every event was filled with smiles, laughter, and unforgettable moments.

We loved seeing so many familiar faces and meeting new friends along the way. There’s something so special about live music bringing everyone together — and being able to share those experiences with our Gig Buddies community made it even more meaningful.

A huge thank you to Auckland Council and to everyone who came along, supported the events, and made this season so joyful. We’re already counting down to next year!

Until the next gig…