Billed as New Zealand’s “finest family band” as well as having deep Tauranga roots, The Harmonic Resonators are set to bring their signature sound of soaring yodels, lush harmonies and heartfelt waiata to Holy Trinity Tauranga on Saturday, July 26 at 7pm – and the whole community is invited, free of charge.

The concert is one of several events planned to mark a major milestone – 150 years since the founding of Holy Trinity Tauranga at 215 Devonport Rd – the city’s first church and a cornerstone of Christian life in the region.

Pre-registration essential

Tickets are free, but pre-registration is required as tickets are being quickly snapped up.

The Harmonic Resonators have struck a unique chord with New Zealanders. Blending classic country music with waiata Māori (Māori songs), their music is more than entertainment – it’s a celebration of whakapapa (genealogy), community, and culture.

“We’ve been singing harmonies together since forever,” band member Jeremy Hantler said. In 2023, Hantler moved to Tauranga to be closer to whānau and helped reignite the family band.

“Some parts of our shows are a bit rough-and-ready, after-party, others ring like greenstone – but all of it is just a blast to be a part of.”

The Harmonic Resonators will be performing at a free concert at Holy Trinity Tauranga on July 26.

The band’s members – a mix of parents, aunties, uncles, cousins and lifelong friends – not only perform together but also travel as a unit, often with partners and pēpi (babies) in tow.

The Resonators are known for their passionate embrace of te reo Māori in their performances – a reflection of their own journeys of reconnection with whakapapa and te ao Māori.

“Incorporating te reo Māori into our music is our way to share our stories and connect with others on a similar path,” Hantler said. With roots in both Pare Hauraki and Te Waipounamu, the band are reclaiming and celebrating their heritage one waiata at a time.

Holy Trinity’s 150 years

Established in 1875, Holy Trinity Tauranga was built to serve the growing settler population, but its roots go deeper – back to the arrival of Christian missionary Alfred Brown in 1838 and the establishment of the Te Papa Mission Station. From these beginnings, the church grew into a hub of worship, outreach and reconciliation in Tauranga Moana.

In recent decades, Holy Trinity has become known for its vibrant community, charismatic worship and commitment to unity and healing. As the first church in the region, it has carried a responsibility to honour its past while continuing to serve the city faithfully.

The free community concert from 7pm on Saturday July 26 at Holy Trinity Tauranga, 215 Devonport Rd, will feature singalong classics, waiata with rich harmonies, hilarious banter and powerful stories of connection, culture and joy.

Those interested must pre-register for free tickets at: www.holytrinitytauranga.com.