Beatles arrive in NZ, June 1964

A DigitalNZ Story by Zokoroa

Memories of the Beatles arriving in NZ on 21 June 1964 for an 8-day tour with 12 concerts in Wellington, Auckland, Dunedin and Christchurch.

Beatles, Music, Pop culture, Bands, Concerts, Beatlemania, John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, Ringo Starr

The Beatles arrived in New Zealand on Sunday 21 June 1964 for an eight-day visit after touring Denmark, the Netherlands, Hong Kong and Australia.  

Titles of songs from their first four albums are used to illustrate the Fab Four's experiences in NZ, as recounted by those who met the band and/or went to one of their twelve shows held in Wellington, Auckland, Dunedin, and Christchurch.

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1. "Eight days a week" in NZ: 21 - 28 June 1964

Fans flocked to see and hear the "Fab Four" musicians from Liverpool - John Lennon, George Harrison, Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr - during their eight-day tour of New Zealand. The Beatles had become popular overseas and in NZ following the release of their first two albums "Please Please Me" (March 1963) and "With the Beatles" (November 1963). Both albums and singles had been released in New Zealand on Parlophone through His Master’s Voice (NZ) Ltd. The Beatles had also appeared on the British music programme, "Top of the Pops" produced by the BBC, which was shown in NZ.  In November 1963, the British press coined a phrase for the frenzied fans: Beatlemania. 

Image: The Beatles and an unidentified Maori group at Wellington Airport during their New Zealand tour

On Sunday 21 June 1964, the Beatles arrived in Wellington for an eight-day tour

John, George, Paul & Ringo were greeted with a Māori pōwhiri by six women from the local Te Pataka Concert Party

The Beatles and an unidentified Maori group at Wellington Airport during their New Zealand tour

Alexander Turnbull Library

Image: Ringo Starr being greeted with the hongi, Wellington

Te Pataka Concert Party performed a haka, before greeting each Beatle with a hongi

NZ was the next stop on their Australasia tour. They arrived from Sydney aboard a TEAL Electra plane.

Ringo Starr being greeted with the hongi, Wellington

Alexander Turnbull Library

Image: The Beatles at Wellington Airport during their New Zealand tour

The Beatles were also given a large tiki and poi

Ringo nicknamed his tiki 'Fred'. The green tikis were made of moulded plastic.

The Beatles at Wellington Airport during their New Zealand tour

Alexander Turnbull Library

Image: The Beatles in New Zealand

This silent film shows a large stuffed kiwi being given to John & each Beatle being welcomed as they left the plane

Accompanying them were their tour managers, Neil Aspinall, Mel Evans & Lloyd Ravenscroft

The Beatles in New Zealand

Manatū Taonga, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage

Image: Crowd at Wellington Airport awaiting the arrival of The Beatles

The Beatles were greeted by 7000 fans at the airport who were kept behind a wire fence with 30 police on guard

Wearing their tikis and waving their poi, the Beatles stood on the back of a slow-moving Holden ute past the fans

Crowd at Wellington Airport awaiting the arrival of The Beatles

Alexander Turnbull Library

Find out more:

For an account of behind-the-scenes planning by airline traffic supervisor Peter Andrews, see: NZHerald (23 June 2014), "It was 50 years ago: Beatles in NZ, day by day". 

To find out what happened to John Lennon's tiki and information about the Te Pataka Concert Party, see: Charlie Gates, "Beatles tiki tour – How John Lennon's plastic tiki became a Kiwi family heirloom" (19 Jan 2019), URL: https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/109543613/beatles-tiki-tour--how-john-lennons-plastic-tiki-became-a-kiwi-family-heirloom

See film of the Beatles standing on the ute and waving at the fans: British Pathé : The Beatles Arrive In New Zealand 1964 (Length 2:13)

You can also listen to this audio account of the Beatles arriving in NZ:  RNZ: "The Beatles New Zealand Tour 1964 Part 1: The Arrival, URL:  https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/afternoons/audio/2600011/the-beatles-new-zealand-tour-1964-part-1

2. "There's a place": Stayed at St. George Hotel

Image: The Beatles on the balcony of the Hotel St George, Wellington

The Beatles stayed at the St George Hotel on the corner of Willis & Boulcott Streets

Organisers arranged for the Beatles to enter through the Hotel's bottle store to avoid the crowd at the front entrance

The Beatles on the balcony of the Hotel St George, Wellington

Alexander Turnbull Library

Image: Civic Reception for The Beatles, 1964

The Beatles appeared on the third-floor balcony to wave at the fans

Civic Reception for The Beatles, 1964

Auckland Libraries

"Please Please Me": Paul borrows a guitar

For reminiscences about the Beatles staying at the St. George Hotel, including Paul McCartney borrowing a guitar to use in his hotel room as the band's gear had been taken to the Wellington Town Hall, see:  Audioculture: Chris Bourke, 'Beatles invade New Zealand, 1964": URL: https://www.audioculture.co.nz/articles/beatles-invade-new-zealand-1964  

"You can't do that": Schoolgirls scaling fire escapes & bomb scares

Manager of the St George Hotel, Frank Drewitt, has shared memories of the Beatles' stay, including schoolgirls trying to reach the Beatles' floor by climbing up fire escapes.  Newspapers also reported that police had received telephone calls that bomb attacks would be made on the St. George Hotel and the Wellington Town Hall. (See Audioculture, ibid)

Image: Civic Reception for The Beatles, 1964

Schoolgirls would climb up the fire escapes to the entrance of the suites but were placed in a lift back to ground floor

Civic Reception for The Beatles, 1964

Auckland Libraries

"Boys": Press conference

Image: The Beatles at a press conference during their tour, Wellington

The press conference at the hotel included TV & radio presenter Pete Sinclair (standing on right with tape recorder)

Press included journalist Jim Hartley, radio hosts Robin King & Doreen Kelso, & Jonny Douglas (ZB's The Sunset Show)

The Beatles at a press conference during their tour, Wellington

Alexander Turnbull Library

Image: Broadcasters Pete Sinclair and Doreen observed Beatlemania first hand

Broadcasters Pete Sinclair & Doreen Kelso recall Beatlemania in 2009

Broadcasters Pete Sinclair and Doreen observed Beatlemania first hand

Radio New Zealand

Image: Remembering the beatles

Jonny Douglas reminiscences how he & Pete Sinclair recorded interviews for ZB's pop radio programme 'The Sunset Show'

Remembering the beatles

Radio New Zealand

"Do you want to know a secret": Interviews with John & Ringo

You can listen to:

'John Lennon interview in New Zealand, 1964', URL: https://nzhistory.govt.nz/media/sound/john-lennon-in-new-zealand-interview-1964, (Ministry for Culture and Heritage), updated 8-Jan-2015 

'Ringo Starr interview in New Zealand, 1964', URL: https://nzhistory.govt.nz/media/sound/ringo-starr-in-new-zealand-interview-1964, (Ministry for Culture and Heritage), updated 8-Mar-2013 

Image: Dominion :Summit fails. Beatles arrive. Monday June 22 1964. [Billboard].

Newspapers reported the arrival of the Beatles

Dominion :Summit fails. Beatles arrive. Monday June 22 1964. [Billboard].

Alexander Turnbull Library

"All I've got to do": Lead up to the concerts

Image: The Beatles tour, 1964

Kerridge Odeon & Harry M. Miller promoted the Beatle concerts

Kerridge Odeon also featured the Beatles on the cover of the April issue of its magazine 'Playdate'

The Beatles tour, 1964

Manatū Taonga, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage

"Can't buy me love": Additional singles released by HMV

Additional songs were released as singles by HMV (His Masters Voice) in NZ: 

"From late April through to June 1964, HMV released as New Zealand singles ‘Can’t Buy Me Love’ b/w ‘You Can’t Do That’ (from the film A Hard Day’s Night, which wouldn’t come out until July), and several other singles taken from early albums or EPs: ‘All My Loving’ b/w ‘Roll Over Beethoven’, ‘Twist and Shout’ b/w ‘Boys’, ‘Money’ b/w ‘Do You Want to Know a Secret’, and ‘Long Tall Sally’ b/w ‘I Call Your Name’."

Source: Audioculture: Chris Bourke, 'Beatles invade New Zealand, 1964": URL: https://www.audioculture.co.nz/articles/beatles-invade-new-zealand-1964  

Image: H.M.V.

From late April to June, additional songs were released as singles by HMV in NZ

Songs were taken from albums and EPs

H.M.V.

Alexander Turnbull Library

Image: HMV record factory

His Masters Voice New Zealand Ltd had a factory at Wakefield St, Wellington

HMV record factory

Alexander Turnbull Library

Image: Beatles stock going for half-price at Mount bookseller.

Beatles publications were also advertised for 1/2 price by a bookseller

Beatles stock going for half-price at Mount bookseller.

Tauranga City Libraries

3. "Twist and Shout": Wellington concerts, 22 - 23 June

Image: The Beatles on stage, 1964

22 June: First two evening concerts held at Wellington Town Hall, 6pm & 8.30pm

Tickets were priced from £1/9/6 to £2/10/6

The Beatles on stage, 1964

Manatū Taonga, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage

"I wanna be your man": Show began with three supporting acts

 See Youtube video: An interview with Johnny Devlin for his reflections on touring with the Beatles. 

Opening acts: Johnny Devlin, Australian singer Johnny Chester (both backed by The Phantoms), & Sounds Instrumental group

Support act Johnny Devlin also toured with the Beatles in Australia

New Zealand invasion of Australia - the 1960s and early 1970s

AudioCulture

"It won't be long": Beatles play setlist of 11 songs over c.30 mins

Image: Fans at the Beatles concert, Wellington Town Hall

The Beatles followed the 3 support acts and played a c.30 minute concert with a setlist of 11 songs

Fans at the Beatles concert, Wellington Town Hall

Alexander Turnbull Library

The  Beatles performed the same 11-song setlist at every show - I Saw Her Standing There, I Want to Hold Your Hand, You Can't Do That, Till There Was You, All My Loving, She Loves You, Roll Over Beethoven, Can't Buy Me Love, This Boy, Long Tall Sally and Twist and Shout. Ringo Starr also sang Boys.  

Image: Ringo Starr playing

Ringo Starr on drums also sang "Boys"

Article includes a link to an audio interview with Ringo and a transcript

Ringo Starr playing

Manatū Taonga, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage

"I don't want to spoil the party": Screams drowned out the music

Those who attended the concert found that the noise of the fans screaming drowned out the Beatles' singing. Only snatches of some words in a song could be heard, especially during the quieter song, "Till there was you".

"Misery": Inadequate PA sound system

The Beatles complained that the PA sound system during their first concert was too low in volume.  One of the supporting acts, Johnny Devlin contacted Philips Industries to arrange a replacement sound system  which included several 100 watt amplifiers and a big Altec flare speaker. A couple of 15-inch speakers were placed by the organ at the back of the hall, and a couple of columns of speakers were positioned on each side of the stage.  By way of thanks, the Beatles agreed to Devlin's request for a photo with them.  (See story and photo in Audioculture, op cit.)

For reminiscences about the Beatles in Wellington, see:  RNZ: "The Beatles New Zealand Tour 1964 Part 2: The Beatles in Wellington, URL:  https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/afternoons/audio/2600012/the-beatles-new-zealand-tour-1964-part-2

4. "Baby it's you": Ringo Starr's & John Lennon's NZ       family connections

Ringo Starr (born Richard Starkey) was visited in his hotel room by Starkey relatives who were living in the Wellington suburb of Karori. The three sisters, who were thought to be distant cousins of Ringo, were Christine (age 16), Patricia (age 13) and Theresa (age 12) Starkey, whose family moved from Liverpool in 1963. Ringo gave them his autograph and afterwards said,  "It was nice meeting them, but I'm not quite sure where in the family they fit in."  See article with photo: Meet the Beatles for real -  "Ringo's mystery cousins" (24 June 2014)

John Lennon's Aunt Mimi (Mary) Smith who lived in Liverpool was visiting relatives in New Zealand. She stayed at her cousin Annie Parker's Koputaroa farm near Levin for a week prior to the Wellington concerts, and stayed on for months after the tour. Aunt Mimi and the Parker family visited John Lennon at the St George Hotel in Wellington and attended the concert later that evening.

Image: Beatle John Lennon with second cousins from Levin

John's second cousins (from left) Mark, Susan & Helen Parker, from Levin, & his Aunt Mimi who was visiting from England

Beatle John Lennon with second cousins from Levin

Alexander Turnbull Library

Image: Beatle John Lennon with second cousins from Levin

John Lennon with his second cousins (from left) Susan, Helen & Mark Parker, from Levin

Beatle John Lennon with second cousins from Levin

Alexander Turnbull Library

Image: Beatle John Lennon with his aunt Mimi Smith, and cousin George Matthew

John Lennon with his first cousin once removed, George Matthew, & Aunt Mimi visiting from England

Beatle John Lennon with his aunt Mimi Smith, and cousin George Matthew

Alexander Turnbull Library

See reminiscences by John Lennon's second cousin Mark Parker in an interview with Paul Williams  (16 June 2020), "Imagine: John Lennon's cousin from New Zealand pressed for memories", Horowhenua Chronicle.

John Lennon's second cousin Lynda Mathews reminisces in 2014 about their meeting fifty years ago

Lennon cousin remembers Beatles visit

Radio New Zealand

5. "I'll follow the sun": Auckland concerts: 24-25 June

Image: Beatle John Lennon boarding aircraft after visit to Wellington

Boarding plane at Wellington to fly to Auckland for concerts on 24 & 25 June

Beatle John Lennon boarding aircraft after visit to Wellington

Alexander Turnbull Library

Image: Beatles Ringo Starr and George Harrison

When the Beatles arrived at the Whenuapai Airport there were about 300 fans waiting

Beatles Ringo Starr and George Harrison

Alexander Turnbull Library

"Misery": Fans jostle Beatles outside Hotel

When the limousine carrying the Beatles from the Whenuapai Airport arrived at the Royal International Hotel, the 2000 waiting fans crowded the vehicle. Only three police had been assigned by the Auckland Police Station to manage the crowd and ensure the Beatles exited their vehicle safely. 

John Lennon said later, “It was a bit rough. I thought definitely a big clump of my hair had gone. I don’t mean just a bit. They’d put about three policemen on for 3000 or 4000 kids and they refused to put more on. ‘We’ve had all sorts over ’ere, we’ve seen them all,’ they said, and they had seen them all as we went crashing to the ground.” Angry, Lennon threatened he wouldn’t perform that night unless more police were on duty.

Source:  Audioculture: Chris Bourke, 'Beatles invade New Zealand, 1964": URL: https://www.audioculture.co.nz/articles/beatles-invade-new-zealand-1964 

"P.S. I love you": Housemaid kisses Beatle on hotel's balcony 

An 18 year old applied to be a housemaid about a week before the Beatles arrived at the hotel. When the Beatles went out onto the balcony to wave to the fans, she used an adjacent room's fire escape to sneak out to join them. After kissing George, she was noticed by the security guards and was hustled back inside.

Source:  Meet the Beatles for real:  Blog post: Tuesday, June 24 2014 "Not the best welcome in Auckland". See Comment posted on April 2, 2021: http://www.meetthebeatlesforreal.com/2014/06/blog-post_24.html

Image: The Royal International Hotel

The Beatles stayed at the Royal International Hotel on corner of Victoria Street and Albert Street

When they arrived, 2000 fans were waiting outside

The Royal International Hotel

MOTAT

"Don't bother me":  Chief Superintendent refused to provide extra police for the Civic welcome at the Town Hall

The Auckland Chief Superintendent refused the request by Derek Taylor, the Beatles’ press officer, to provide additional police to escort the Beatles from their hotel to the Auckland Town Hall to attend the Mayor's civic welcome, saying “You are not royalty”.  Mayor Dove-Meyer Robinson arranged with the city’s traffic commissioner to provide civilian patrol vehicles. 

For reminiscences about the Beatles staying at the hotel and their Auckland shows, see:

Andy Neill (23 June 2014), '"The Beatles in Auckland bigger than royalty", Metro: URL: https://www.metromag.co.nz/arts/arts-music/the-beatles-in-auckland-bigger-than-royalty

Audioculture: Chris Bourke, "Beatles invade New Zealand, 1964": URL: https://www.audioculture.co.nz/articles/beatles-invade-new-zealand-1964  

RNZ: The Beatles New Zealand Tour 1964 Part 3: The Beatles in Auckland, URL: https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/afternoons/audio/2600013/the-beatles-new-zealand-tour-1964-part-3

Image: The Beatles in Auckland

Beatles were greeted at a civic welcome by Sir Dove-Myer Robinson at the Town Hall in front of a large crowd of 7000

NZ On Screen film (Length 8:21)

The Beatles in Auckland

NZ On Screen

Image: The Beatles come to Auckland

The Beatles played 2 nights in Auckland: 24 & 25 June

Two shows were held each evening

The Beatles come to Auckland

Manatū Taonga, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage

Image: Auckland Town Hall, Queen Street, 2008

The concerts were held at the Auckland Town Hall

Auckland Town Hall, Queen Street, 2008

Auckland Libraries

6.  "Not a second time": Dunedin concerts: 26 June

Unlike the Wellington and Auckland concerts where four concerts were held over two evenings, two shows only were held in Dunedin which were on the same evening.  

"If I fell": John Lennon thrown through Hotel's door

When the Beatles arrived at the City Hotel in Dunedin there were about two thousand fans waiting who crowded around the entranceway and on the verandah above.  

"John Lennon was the last out of the car and by this time the police and security men had had enough. Dunedin broadcaster Neil Collins remembers the police picking up Lennon and throwing him through the front door. “I mean that. He was airborne when he reached that lift, and he was wearing leather pants and he cut his knee open on the iron of the lift.” Lennon stormed up to his room on the third floor, and refused to attend the press conference. " (Source: Audioculture: op cit

Archived photographs of the Dunedin concerts were published by the Otago Daily Times on 9 October 2021 in an article by Hamish MacLean, "The day the Beatles rocked staid Dunedin", URL: https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/day-beatles-rocked-staid-dunedin   

For additional reminiscences about Dunedin, including a "germ bomb" hoax, see: Audioculture: Chris Bourke, 'Beatles invade New Zealand, 1964": URL: https://www.audioculture.co.nz/articles/beatles-invade-new-zealand-1964  

Also see: RNZ:  The Beatles New Zealand Tour 1964 Part 4: The Beatles in Dunedin, URL: https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/afternoons/audio/2600014/the-beatles-new-zealand-tour-1964-part-4

Two shows were held at the Dunedin Town Hall on 26 June

The Beatles stayed at the City Hotel. They were met outside by 2000 fans & John was bundled inside by police.

South Island - The Beatles in New Zealand

Manatū Taonga, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage

7. "I'm happy just to dance with you": Last two      concerts held at Christchurch, 27 June

See reminiscences about the Beatles in Christchurch in the following:

Vicki Anderson, 'Fifty years since Beatles' Christchurch tour", Stuff (11 April 2014):  URL: https://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/christchurch-life/9929379/Fifty-years-since-Beatles-Christchurch-tour

Audioculture: Chris Bourke, 'Beatles invade New Zealand, 1964": URL: https://www.audioculture.co.nz/articles/beatles-invade-new-zealand-1964 

RNZ:  The Beatles New Zealand Tour 1964 Part 5: The Beatles in Christchurch, URL:  https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/afternoons/audio/2600015/the-beatles-new-zealand-tour-1964-part-5

Image: Hotels - South Island

The Beatles stayed at the Clarendon Hotel in Christchurch

Amongst the 5000 crowd there were some who threw eggs and tomatoes when the band appeared on the hotel balcony

Hotels - South Island

Archives New Zealand Te Rua Mahara o te Kāwanatanga

Image: Majestic Theatre

Two evening shows were held at the Majestic Theatre on 27 June

Majestic Theatre

Christchurch City Libraries

Image: Beatles NZ 64 Audience Stories: Steve Bridges

Steven Bridges' memories of the Christchurch press conference

Beatles NZ 64 Audience Stories: Steve Bridges

Radio New Zealand

8. "When I get home": Beatles depart christchurch for Australia: 28 June 1964

The following interviews were held on the plane:

'George Harrison and Ringo Starr interview, 1964', URL: https://nzhistory.govt.nz/media/sound/george-harrison-and-ringo-starr-interview-1964, (Ministry for Culture and Heritage), updated 8-Mar-2013 

'Paul McCartney and John Lennon interview, 1964', URL: https://nzhistory.govt.nz/media/sound/paul-mccartney-and-john-lennon-interview-july-1964, (Ministry for Culture and Heritage), updated 8-Mar-2013 

Image: 'TEAL' airline sign fragment

The Beatles left Christchurch aboard a TEAL plane for Australia on Saturday 28 June

Two thousand people watched the Beatles leave the Clarendon Hotel and another 2000 were waiting at the airport

'TEAL' airline sign fragment

Trove

9. "All my loving": other reminiscences of NZ tour

For other reminiscence by Beatles' fans, musicians and broadcasters, see the list of audio clips compiled by RNZ: "The Beatles New Zealand Tour 1964", URL: https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/the-beatles-new-zealand

Image: Beatles souvenir bag

Beatles souvenir bag

Manatū Taonga, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage

10. "I'll be back": Three Beatles re-visited NZ, 1984 - 2017

Three of the Beatles had individual visits to New Zealand between 1984 and 2017. (John Lennon died on 8 December 1980.)

George Harrison (Born 25 Feb 1943 –  Died 29 Nov 2001)

1984: George attended the NZ book launch of the autobiography by former Beatle publicist Derek Taylor - "Fifty Years Adrift" - which George had edited. Publisher was Genesis Publications Limited in association with Hedley New Zealand and Hedley Australia. The book launch luncheon, followed by a press conference, was held at the Auckland Hyatt-Kingsgate Hotel on Wednesday 28 November.

See: 

Youtube: George Harrison & Derek Taylor - Fifty Years Adrift Auckland Press Conference - 28 November 1984: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q0r_nrWW6jU

Papers Past: Chris Knox, "A Beatle, a book, a ballroom:, Rip it Up Issue 89, 1 Dec 1984, pp. 12, 14

Image: Hyatt Kingsgate, Auckland

On Wed 28 Nov 1984, George Harrison attended a book launch at the Auckland Hyatt-Kingsgate Hotel

Derek Taylor's book "Fifty Years Adrift" published by Genesis Publications Limited in association with Hedley NZ

Hyatt Kingsgate, Auckland

Archives New Zealand Te Rua Mahara o te Kāwanatanga

Paul McCartney (Born 1 June 1942 -     )

1993: "The New World Tour" (which included Linda McCartney) at Western Springs, Auckland on Saturday 27 March 1993

2017:  "One On One" tour at Mt. Smart Stadium, Auckland on Saturday 16 December

Image: Paul McCartney: six of his best

Paul McCartney held shows in Auckland on 27 March 1993 & 16 Dec 2017

Paul McCartney: six of his best

Radio New Zealand

Ringo Starr (Born 7 July 1940 -     )

2013:  Ringo and his All-Starr Band performed at the CBS Arena, Christchurch on Thursday  7 Feb and at the Vector Arena, Auckland on Saturday 9 February. The Band comprised: Todd Rundgren, Steve Lukather (Toto guitarist), Richard Page (Mr Mister bassist), and Gregg Rolie (keyboardist & early singer of Santana and Journey).

See:

Stuff: Matt Davey, "Ringo Starr kicks off tour in Chch"  (12 Feb 2013)

NZ Herald: "Concert review: Ringo Star and His All Starr Band, Vector Arena" (11 Feb 2013)

Image: Addington Rugby Stadium & CBS Arena

Ringo Starr and his All-Starr Band held shows in Christchurch and Auckland during February 2013

Addington Rugby Stadium & CBS Arena

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