Carols at the Marae for Bay of Plenty community

The New Zealand National Youth band will headline Carols at the Marae. Photo / Getty Images

The New Zealand National Youth band will headline Carols at the Marae this Sunday at Tuariki Marae in Te Teko.

The band comprising of members from Eastern Bay Brass will be joined by a local lineup of artists who will perform a set-list of Christmas carols throughout the evening.

"We encourage all the community to bring their whanau, a picnic, something comfortable to sit on and come and sing their Christmas hearts out," marae chairwoman Mary Hepi said.

The New Zealand National Youth Band was made up of 35 brass and percussion members and a quarter of the band were members from Eastern Bay Brass' A Grade Band - the third best brass band in the country.

The band was preparing to tour Australia in January 2019 and fundraising efforts were under way.

"We are excited to support the National Youth Band and have them perform on the marae,
it will be a special occasion to see and hear," Hepi said.

The free event was being organised by the Ngati Tuariki Development Trust who will be selling candles for a gold coin donation.

Kai stalls and free children's activities will be available.

Carols at the Marae
Sunday, December 23, 7pm to 9pm
Tuariki Marae - 322 Galatea Rd
Te Teko