Signature Choir set to bring the Christmas spirit home with ‘Welly Wonderland’ concert

Wellington’s Signature Choir is bringing the Christmas spirit home while celebrating Pacific culture and community.

After a milestone year that saw them perform at the Sydney Opera House and tour across Aotearoa, the choir returns to the Michael Fowler Centre for Welly Wonderland on 7 December and promises a festive concert full of powerful voices, joy, and giving back.

Fepulea’i Helen Tupa’i, the choir’s musical director, joined Island Time to talanoa and reflect on a remarkable 12 months, describing the experience as “a whirlwind” that still feels surreal.

In May, Signature Choir returned to Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland’s Spark Arena, and performed for a crowd of 8000.

A month later, they achieved a milestone by selling out two headline shows at the iconic Sydney Opera House, making them the first Pacific ensemble to do so.

“Sydney was a dream come true for many of us,” Fepulea’i says. “If God opens opportunities, you walk and you listen.

Fepulea’i says they took a downsized choir across the ditch and joined up with 50 vocalists from across New South Wales. “What was crazy was people were travelling at least three to four hours a day just to get to rehearsal.

“But that shows the passion and the vision that Mana Moana has brought to the people, uniting people. It’s people wanting to be part of the journey.

“You know what it is? It's really a blessing to be a part of God's love, joy and everything.”

Watch Fepulea'i Helen Tupa'i's full interview below.

Their Homecoming concert in July, the first in Wellington since 2022, also sold out, demonstrating the choir’s ever-growing community of supporters. Add to that a recent journey to Rotorua for the city’s 20th Pasifika Festival.

Now, demand continues to rise across the Tasman as Signature Choir prepares to take Mana Moana to Melbourne’s Sidney Myer Music Bowl in January 2026, where they will perform for a potential audience of 12,000 alongside the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra.

“We’ve never sung outdoors before,” Fepulea’i says. “So this is going to be another new for us. Not sure if we can…actually, I know we're going to do it - God is good.

“People like the Beach Boys have performed there, ABBA, and just a month ago, Burner Boy.”

Before heading back to Australia, all attention is on Welly Wonderland, a Christmas special that is close to Fepulea’i’s heart.

“If there’s a performance I’m looking forward to, it’s this one. Jesus is the reason for the season, and this is a beautiful opportunity for us to just share the love and joy of Christmas through singing.”

The event will feature collaborations with the Wellington Brass Band, inflatables for children, and a line-up of talented soloists, including Hoseah Partsch and Rowena Yates.

Welly Wonderland is also encouraging attendees to bring a can of food to support the Wellington City Mission, helping families in need during the festive season.

With powerful voices, community spirit, and a message of hope, Signature Choir is set to deliver a Christmas celebration that Wellingtonians won’t soon forget.

Welly Wonderland will take place on 7 December at 3pm at the Michael Fowler Centre. Tickets are available here.