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"Pretty exciting times": L.A.B go back to grassroots in launch of new summer festival

Author
Newstalk ZB,
Publish Date
Thu, 2 Jul 2026, 9:20am
Photo / Andy Jackson
Photo / Andy Jackson

A major new music festival is set for Rotorua in January, with hopes of it going international. 

New Zealand reggae band L.A.B and their record label Loops have launched '8th Wonder'. 

The one-day family friendly event is expected to attract 10 thousand people to the lakefront, showcasing Kiwi talent. 

L.A.B's Frontman Joel Shadbolt told Mike Hosking the aim is to go big after the initial show. 

He says they want to take Aotearoa music to the world – they'd love to see something like this go off in places like Hawaii. 

8th Wonder will take place in Rotorua on the 23rd of January, 2027 – the line up consisting of L.A.B, Sir Dave Dobbyn, Te Wehi, Aaradhna, Betty-Anne (Ardijah), Corrella, Che Fu and The Kratez, The Elovaters, Ladi6, and Son & Water. 

Tickets are on sale from 12pm tomorrow at 8thwonder.live.

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