2 Dec 2021

Rhythm and Vines moves to Easter after hearing from local iwi

From Checkpoint, 5:45 pm on 2 December 2021

Rhythm and Vines festival director Kieran Spillane told Checkpoint they decided to postpone the event to Easter after talking with local iwi and listening to the concerns of the local community.

With booking international acts he said they have to essentially start again.

"But we have some plans in place. For some acts the Easter dates no longer work so we're a little bit back to the drawing board. But certainly the vast majority of our Kiwi talent is prepared to play at Easter so we'll juggle things around."

They will have to use the MIQ lottery system again for international acts.

Spillane said about 8 percent of those who had booked for Rhythm and Vines have cancelled their tickets as they do not want to be vaccinated.

Refunds are being offered in a two-week window to those who cannot attend the rescheduled event.