Around 7000 people have been forced to evacuate Hamilton's Summer Concert series after extreme weather hit the event during the final act's performance.
Earlier in the show, organisers had pleaded with concertgoers to take down tents and gazebos amid expected heavy wind.
Then, during Simple Mind's song 'Don't You (Forget About Me)', security was seen on stage urging singer Jim Kerr to wrap it up.
Moments later a voice told punters to "immediately" move to shelter amid weather worries.
Just after the evacuation order was sounded and the concert ended, a lightning flash was seen to the left of the stage in the distance.
The facility where the concert was held posted a message to Facebook, urging attendees to evacuate.
"Due to adverse weather conditions beyond our control the show has come to an end. Please remain calm," it wrote.
"Walk, do not run towards one of the marked exit points. Do not stop to collect personal belongings. Please assist those who may need help and follow the instructions of security and event staff."
In a statement to Newshub, the event organisers said the early finish was to protect everyone's safety.
"Due to an isolated thunder and lightning storm beyond the control of event organisers, and for the safety of all people involved, including concertgoers, staff and artists, today's Summer Concert - Claudelands Oval was brought to a close 5-10 minutes earlier than scheduled."
Concertgoers leaving the venue told Newshub at the scene they were disappointed people being asked to evacuate were funnelled through one exit only.
Security were seen removing the gating to allow more people to leave the site and avoid any potential crushes.
It's one year since Auckland's Mt Smart Stadium was evacuated during the Elton John concert as flooding hit Auckland.
