Gig Review: Tuawera Twist ft. Shag Rock, Fool’s Lagoon, King Tides and The Wendys, 18/10/2025
The Tuawera Twist, the branch-off music portion of the Tuawera Longboard Classic, was held at the Sumner Community Centre in Christchurch on the 18th of October 2025. Artwork: The Tuawera Twist Facebook event page
Packed into the courtyard of the Sumner Community Centre on Saturday evening, there was a buzz about - one that was ready to thrive and let loose after a couple of days of watching surfing from the Tuawera Longboard Classic, set just around the corner on the much-loved Sumner Beach.
Let’s just say that the music portion of the Tuawera Longboard Classic (aptly named Tuawera Twist) made sure that every person who attended was set to be in for a night full of a combination of groovy surf tones, and some wild entertainment.
The drinks were flowing, the food from the caravan was wafting and the music was about to go from zero to one hundred within minutes, rocking around the hills surrounding us with four bands that were set to take centre stage.
Featuring Sumner’s own Shag Rock (not to be confused with the Australian band, Shag Rock), Fool’s Lagoon from Auckland, King Tides from New Brighton and The Wendys, straight up from Christchurch, we were in for a real treat.
Before diving into the review of the performances themselves, here is a little bit about the Tuawera Longboard Classic, straight from the man of the hour, Will, who helped organise the fun surfing days and the music-filled nights.
About the Tuawera Longboard Classic:
“Tuawera Longboard Classic is more of a concept than a competition. It is a way of life and a representation of Aloha! The Tuawera was born out of three mates that were attending a lot of surfing competitions with the feeling that we could get more out of them! We found that the competitive side took away the feeling that surfers get when out with friends and we wanted that to be the focal point of our competition; a low stress environment where surfers get to hang out and surf together! We also wanted to draw back into the local community from being sponsored by locals. Running events in the local community and having local bands playing to give them opportunities.
I came in big time with the parties as someone that loves music festivals and have always wanted to run one! Finally, I found my outlet and was able to thrive.
The first year, we didn’t have the budget or the infrastructure to run anything big, but as we progressed, we were throwing classic old school hectic parties where almost anything was allowed.
We wanted to embody that 2000’s era surf scene where the winners were celebrated and boy, would they celebrate. It is also an opportunity for the younger crew to be around a safe environment with alcohol where they see that you shouldn’t do this, but when you do, this is the respectful way to do it. Love and look after your friends, the venue and the staff.
Music has been a big part of my life since I can remember, my dad used to press his own playlists on to CDs and loved the Lazy Sunday albums especially #3. So, I wanted to try get music that I knew my dad’s generation and my own would like. People like The Prodigy and The Cure, but also jumping genres to the NZ classics of Fat Freddie’s (RIP Mu), Kora, Salmonella Dub, and Trinity Roots.
As we expand, we are trying to still focus on getting the locals and having them as the focus point and offering opportunities, however respecting the people that paved a way for the NZ Surf scene and Kiwi Reggae etc.”
The Performances:
Promising to cater to all generations from youth all the way through, the effort that was put into choosing the bands that were to play this year’s Tuawera Twist was well-curated, with a round-up of country, surf, indie and of course, undeniably fun moments intertwined into the evening.
With string lights perfectly hung above the stage in wait of dusk, a colourful ‘Tuawera Longboard Classic’ banner behind the set-up, and stairs that could have easily been used to perform off of if the performers had wanted, it was an impeccable place to be for the evening, making it feel quite cozy and a little bit intimate.
With about 150-200 people in attendance, the Tuawera Twist went off without a hitch, allowing each band to be heard for their flawless performances, creating new fans along the way.
One thing that stood out during the event was the clarity of being able to hear everything in a crisp manner as I find at bigger concerts/gigs, it can be near impossible to hear each element that is being sung or played, making enjoyment a little harder to come by. The fact that this was not a problem during the entire evening for audience members made the night very memorable and each set easy to be captivated by.
All photos taken by Welcome to the Gig, unless otherwise stated
Shag Rock:
Up first, we had the classic alternative country band, Shag Rock, who have years of experience in their musical aptitude behind them, bringing a bunch of keen dancers to the front of their performance allowing a calming way to let the evening slowly roll in.
Shag Rock provided a supersonic blend of instruments that aren’t often used during live performances (think violin, keyboard, a shaker…), which helped hold the attention of everybody who was in that courtyard for a full hour, enticing new fans to be introduced, and a good bunch of proud wives and friends being the best support that they could be.
Shag Rock, while of the older generation, so to speak, still hold this charm about how they are able to grace the Sumner community with such delight through their uplifting personalities and fun-drenched abilities that evidently makes you realise that being part of this musical community really holds a special place in their hearts.
Fool’s Lagoon:
Fool’s Lagoon were the second act of the evening, having flown all the way down from the ever so rainy Auckland, they arrived onto that stage meaning serious business. When I say business, I’m talking bringing the fast, fresh beats, the figurative energetic beans, beanies, and of course, retro glasses.
Despite the audience standing so far away from the stage (they knew that if they were to come closer, they would be blown away, so they left it to the expert to handle - me, right at the front of the stage), Fool’s Lagoon put on a set that could only be described as truly unstoppable. They bought the flames; you bring the fire extinguisher type of vibe, which says a lot about how they are willing to always put their best feet forward and enjoy the moment, while maintaining a great amount of professionalism, mixed in with their quirks.
The general consensus from speaking with listeners post-set was that Fool’s Lagoon are a band of five very masterful musicians, and that their authenticity has no bounds and even that they could grab the attention of the people who had come down for the previous act with a lot of ease.
There was such a powerful show on offer from Fool’s Lagoon, which was a blend of older and newer songs of theirs, alongside covers, which elevated their performance significantly.
Halfway through Fool’s Lagoon’s set, the sun began to go down, the ultimate timing for them to be on stage, as when you think of Fool’s Lagoon, you tend to think of the sun setting and rising across the hills. The peace in the air from their music keeps you deeply absorbed, enveloping you in a time stopping trance. My expectations were not only met, but they were heavily surpassed.
King Tides:
King Tides are a young, performative band that stuck out with their presence and natural ability to give the crowd what they were wanting to see and of course, hear.
Being able to draw the biggest audience of the evening, everyone seemed to know of King Tides, and with an unbelievably outrageous set, it was fairly easy to see how we were all enchanted by it.
King Tides give off major backyard house party energy, and that is something that appeals to a lot of the lovers of live music here in the Christchurch scene, they seemed to pull out all of the stops for their set, and it really came across that they had worked hard to make this performance one that wouldn’t dare leave your brain anytime soon.
Despite bringing the rain, King Tides didn’t let that dampen their spirits and they still played with a lot of heart and soul, increasing the volume of their set with each song they played, the loudest coming towards the end, wowing everyone in the surrounding vicinity. King Tides are certainly excellent up-and-comers in the local scene, so it’s worth having a listen to their work.
The Wendys:
If you’ve ever been involved in the Christchurch music scene at any point in the past few years, you’re likely to have seen, or at least heard of, The Wendys, before. With their theatrics that make people laugh and their Surf Life Saving/McDonalds-inspired costumes, The Wendys are down to party at any time of day, or night, because they are THE F*cking Wendys.
The helpful lifeguard whistle came in handy when commanding the audience’s attention, essentially stating “stay put and listen, or else!” which is exactly what everyone did. I feel as though The Wendys have a unique dynamic, which is an intriguing part of who they are as musicians, and it does keep people guessing what’s to come. Being able to switch it up from being at the edge of the beach, to being hugged by the sea, The Wendys truly put on a stimulating show.
A highlight of the evening during The Wendys slot was their cover of the Spiderman theme song, which really hit the spot and was absolutely hilarious. With funky dance moves once again being thrown down in the pouring rain from the audience, The Wendys were the perfect closer for the evening.
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Each band bought their own personality and determination to the stage on Saturday night, fitting in very well with the ethos of what Tuawera events are all about, and that accounts for a lot. The chaos, the care and the general flare, it was all there. So, overall, every flavour of music at the Tuawera Twist was devoured with such delight, no matter how little or how large each band’s audience was. It showcased that it doesn’t matter the number, it just matters who showed up for the remarkable and very memorable night out.
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Additional photos from the evening live here.
Make sure that you check out the Tuawera team, and the bands, via the links below:
Tuawera Longboard Classic:
Shag Rock:
Fool’s Lagoon:
Spotify
Instagram
Facebook
YouTube
Take Me or Leave Me - Review, WTTG
King Tides:
The Wendys: