It may have been a giant "re-orientation" party for Auckland University students, but it was also open to the public, and for many it was a rare chance to see rising international pop star Kimbra live.
With Vector Arena in a more intimate set-up - about two thirds of its regular size - and Ruby Frost and The Black Seeds having worked the crowd into party mode, the atmosphere was warm and welcoming by the time the Hamilton-born singer took the stage with her four-piece band (all Kiwi lads except one, "and he's okay" she joked).
In an eye-catching, multi-coloured skirt that flew around her shimmying hips, and impressive stage production including five large video screens, Kimbra was every inch a star.
She's got a quirky dance style, and a highly theatrical and physical delivery, which is certainly attention-grabbing, even if it does make her gasp for breath during her between-song banter (in her bemusing half-American accent).
It's a rare performer who can fling herself around with such fervour, and still deliver a convincing vocal performance, but Kimbra conquered the stage in a way that Beyonce or MIA might, all vocal acrobatics and fierce attitude.
