Th'Orchard

10/06/2026

Christchurch singer/songwriter Zoe Hunter is performing tomorrow night.
Link below 💚🩵
Come join us

Zoe Hunter & Jules Blewman invite you to a soulful night of original music and reimagined R&B/Jazz classics—intimate, fresh, and unforgettable.

30/05/2026

Taking a trip down our past as we visit the old shop we started Th'Orchard. It's been quite the journey for the team lately. Thankful to have these moments of connection and reflection with Detroit Linwood. Biggest love to all of our families and friends who support us and keep us going. More projects in the pipeline. Keep a look out for the next Orchard project. Biggest love ❤️

18/05/2026

We are very fortunate to have Mark Vanilau as one of our guiding lights at Th'Orchard. Your mastery of the arts speak for itself, however for us it's your dedication and work ethic around creating a safe environment for creatives and your warmth that attracts so many to you. We love you bro and are glad to be a part of your sphere❤️

A stirring, emotionally-charged video from Director Karl Lear (RedYeti Films)Cinematographer Donny Duncan Art Director Tane Jarrett 'Giant of the Sea' is wr...

05/05/2026

It's been over 8 years since Mark Vanilau and I started Th'Orchard. We decided in the earlier parts of the journey that we weren't going to chase the various funding opportunities to sustain what we do. We strongly believed in the autonomy of what we and everyone else built and the ability to not change what we did to meet someone else's funding criteria and the integrity of creating art.

We have from time to time although tapped into funds that have worked around our creative outcomes and vision without compromising our integrity. Also we have done things like Boosted - A crowdfunding option through the arts.

What we are really appreciative of though is the people who have continually shown up for us and offered support for our work. The work that still to this day happens voluntarily and when Mark and I have time between our 9-5s, family and other commitments. The quiet voices that asked never to be acknowledged publicly, but continue to reach out year on year to offer support and a kind encouragement. This for us is life sustaining nourishment and has kept us going throughout the now years.

Thank you again everyone for your continued support and our beautiful families that put up with our late night calls, rehearsals, random hours ruminating sessions and money for food and resources supposed to be going into our homes but also sustains th'Orchard.

What a journey❤️

Sol

20/03/2026

Otautahi performance announcement incoming.

Looking forward to sharing the details soon😊

24/02/2026

LOVE & HOPE performing live at St Pauls Church, Wellington City.

LOVE & HOPE are Troy Kingi Mark Vanilau & Mara TK

21/01/2026

Hello everyone😊 Apologies, it has been a while since our last post. It has been a hectic time for th'Orchard. Both Mark and Sol have continued working away in the background toiling away at more opportunities to collaborate, travel and develop some really cool projects.

It's been 8 year since we started in 2018. In that time so much has happened and we've met some amazing people along the way. We thank you for your continued support. Just know if you don't hear from us, it's most probably because the team are galavanting around and breaking bread with amazing other artists who share our energy and vibe. Biggest love to you all.

Remember to keep checking and sharing our compilation album Conversations on the Edges of Rooms. A album made up of original pieces, both song and poem. It features Christchurch Pasifika artists yearning to share their stunning words and songs with the world.

Album · 2025 · 12 Songs

21/10/2025

So proud of Masina and Khonnah❤️

25/09/2025

Congratulations to our 'The Saplings duo' , Masina Tawhai & Khonnah Vanilau for their placement and awards at this years 2025, Smokefree Tangata Beats

We are all very proud of you both. Keep creating and sharing your beautiful messages with us

Aotearoa’s top young musicians take the stage! Watch the full webisode of the Smokefree Tangata Beats 2025 National Final, featuring original songs celebrati...

12/09/2025

We want to send a big Orchard hug to our wonderful Saplings Khonnah and Masina who were picked as finalists for this weekends National final.

Biggest love and please our Auckland friends show some support for our wonderful South Island, Christchurch talent❤️

After months of incredible mahi, unique storytelling, and powerful performances across the motu, we’ve reached the pinnacle of this year’s Smokefree Tangata Beats journey. ✨

Celebrating kaupapa Māori and Pacific cultures, this national final will showcase 10 outstanding acts - 2 solo-duos and 8 bands - who have earned their place on stage through creativity, passion, and powerful original music.

✨ Finalists:
Levol Y – Manurewa College (Auckland – Tāmaki Makaurau)
The Saplings – Hagley College & Christchurch Girls’ – Te Kura o Hine Waiora (Christchurch – Waitaha)
Crown – Alfriston College (Auckland – Tāmaki Makaurau)
IWI – Gisborne Boys’ High School (Gisborne – Tairāwhiti)
Kotahi te Rā – Rotorua Boys’ High School (Rotorua)
Lights Go Out – Te Kura Waenga o Rutherford, Whanganui High School, Cullinane College (Whanganui)
Manawhenua – Flaxmere College & Tamatea High School (Hawke’s Bay – Te Matau-a-Māui)
Nesian 8 – Manurewa High School (Auckland – Tāmaki Makaurau)
Ngā Kai Kiore – Ngā Tamariki o Ruatāhuna, Kākahu Ruatāhuna (Bay of Plenty)
Revival – Aorere College (Auckland – Tāmaki Makaurau)

📅 Saturday 13 September
📍 ASB Waterfront Theatre, Tāmaki Makaurau
🎟️ Ticketing link - https://www.atc.co.nz/asb-waterfront-theatre-events/2025/smokefree-tangata-beats-national-final-2025