A Night Celebrating Legacy with Nikau Grace

The Civic has been transformed for the Auckland Cabaret Festival, fit with moody lighting, cabaret tables, disco balls, shiny pink streamers, soft sofas and flashy performers welcoming you to the venue.

Below the main stage of The Civic, is an intimate space fit with the beautiful heritage the theatre is known for. Nikau Grace graced the Winter Garden stage with a live band and backup singers for a performance dedicated to legacy and identity.

Ko Au, Ko Koe is love letter to those who have come before her, inspire her and have paved the way for her to become the artist she is today.

The carefully curated setlist honoured the theme perfectly and variety of music kept the entire show fresh and surprising. Grace wowed the audience with original music including bilingual waita ‘Rapua Te Mea Ngaro’, covers comprising of Olivia Dean’s ‘Loud’, Aretha Franklin's ‘Natural Woman’, musical theatre favourites ‘She Used To Be Mine’ from Waitress and Hamilton’s ‘Burn’, duets of Disney’s ‘Colours of the Wind’ and a Maori rendition of ‘Duo Des Fleurs’ from the opera Lakmé, and more. Range. Range. Range. Pop, waiata, musical theatre, soul, R&B, Disney, opera. Nikau Grace can do it all. 

Nikau Grace oozed star quality from performance to charming in between moments. Grace admitted to being nervous, but she was able to cover any uncertainty with a natural charm and energetic personality that reminds the audience that this is the beauty of live performance. We truly get an insight into what it means to be human. And often the imperfect moments are where that shines. 

Whatever is in store next for Grace, she is one to watch! Truly an artist that embodies the mana of Aotearoa.

The festival is full of a myriad of performances from music, circus, burlesque and more. There will be something for everyone. Brave the winter chill and head to cozy Civic to celebrate the talent on offer. It runs until the 5th of July 2026. 

Find out more and purchase tickets here.

Gifted press tickets