The New Zealand Accordion Association will hold the 2026 NZAA South  Pacific  Accordion  Championships & Festival at the superb Raye Freedman Arts Centre in Silver Rd, Epsom, Auckland on Saturday 30 May & Sunday 31 May. 

The competitions various categories will begin at 10am on Saturday May 30th after which competition results will be announced.

Saturday morning, 2024 and 2025 NZ Accordion Champion Andre Samatoi is making a festival performance as “Take the ‘A’ Trio” with Josh Greenway (drums), Tana Wilson (bass guitar).

Maurice Jones (NZAA Life member) will present a festival performance at 12 midday Saturday. View the video below.

00:00 – Introduction
00:33 – Bohemian Rhapsody
03:33 – Crazy Little Thing Called Love with Lionel Reekie

2pm Saturday, the NZAA massed orchestra rehearsal will be held with the day concluding at 3:45pm.

On Sunday 31st May 2026 a Finale Concert will be held at the Raye Freedman Arts Centre from 2.30pm featuring guest performers, 2026 New Zealand & South Pacific Competition Winners, Our Australian Guests FUNKORDION (Musical Director Cathy Day), North Shore Accordion Orchestra, (video below, conductor Bryan Holden), the NZAA Massed Orchestra (conductor Gary Daverne ONZM and NZAA Life Member) and a Life Member Presentation to outgoing NZAA President Sonja Palinich. Admission prices on poster above.

A celebration Farewell Dinner will take place at the Aubergine Restaurant, 129 Hurstmere Rd, Takapuna on Sunday 31st May from 7pm. Download the program for restaurant booking details.

Sponsorship by Four Winds Foundation and Pub Charity are gratefully acknowledged.

Competition program download: 2026NZAAprogram.pdf
Daily Reports will be online on accordion.news after the event.