Filipino pop-rock band The Itchyworms will perform in four New Zealand cities this September as part of their “Akin Ka Na Lang New Zealand Tour 2026.”
The band is scheduled to perform in Auckland on Sept. 18, Wellington on Sept. 19, Queenstown on Sept. 25 and Christchurch on Sept. 26.
The tour will bring the group’s music to Filipino communities in New Zealand while also introducing its songs to local audiences.
Jugs Jugueta said the tour is an opportunity for the band to reconnect with Filipino communities and share aspects of Filipino culture through music.
“It’s very humbling. It’s really great that the world is now discovering all things Filipino,” Jugueta said, referring to what he described as growing international interest in Filipino culture, artists and music.
He also encouraged Filipino audiences to attend the shows with their New Zealand friends and family.
“We encourage all Filipinos to bring their Kiwi friends and family so that we can show them how Filipinos party!” he said.
Drummer and vocalist Jazz Nicolas said the band’s songwriting, which often combines humor and more serious themes with pop melodies, is another aspect of its music that audiences can expect.
“It’s like hiding medicine in chocolate. We like to put petty or tragic lyrics inside a catchy pop melody,” Nicolas said.
The tour will begin at Galatos in Auckland on Sept. 18, followed by a performance at the Notre Dame Performing Arts Center in Wellington on Sept. 19.
The band will perform at the Queenstown Memorial Center on Sept. 25 before concluding the New Zealand leg at the Christ’s College Auditorium in Christchurch on Sept. 26.
Tickets are priced at NZ$99 for Standing VIP, which includes a photo opportunity, and NZ$69 for Standing General Admission.
