Rhythm and Vines moving to new location in 2027

Rhythm and Vines will move to a new “undisclosed location in 2027”, ending its 24-year chapter at Waiohika Estate in Gisborne. The city's mayor says it will be a big loss. First held in 2003, Rhythm and Vines has become a defining part of New Zealand’s summer festival calendar, with thousands flocking to the sprawling 700,000sq m estate. Chief executive Kieran Spillane said they were “deeply grateful to everyone who has helped create 24 years of New Year’s magic at Waiohika Estate.” "Gisborne has been the heart and home of Rhythm and Vines for nearly a quarter of a century,” Spillane said. “We want to make sure we give Gisborne and Waiohika Estate the send-off it truly deserves - and we believe that this year’s lineup will deliver just that.” Gisborne mayor Rehette Stoltz told Checkpoint the city could lose millions of dollars with the festival gone. She said the four day event brought a major economic boost each summer. "For us it's big, it's between three and five million dollars, depending on what year you look at ... so yes it will have a big impact over summertime on local businesses here and that's tough." Rhythm and Vines to move on from iconic Gisborne location Checkpoint Gisborne had had a "good run" hosting the festival for 24 years. "They [the organisers] have to take into account changing needs of their clientele and to be fair 24 years is quite a good run for any festival in a certain location," Stoltz said. She thinks Gisborne's location and the cost to travel there may have been a factor in the move. "It is a location that you travel to, you don't travel through Gisborne - so that will definitely be something that they will take into account. "And then also I think youth 20 years ago, have different needs and it might have changed what our young ones do now, so I think they what they are doing is making sure their festival is fit for purpose for their customers." Gisborne was an excellent host location, she said, and the move could provide opportunity for a new event. "We are great hosts, we've been great hosts for 24 years. We've got a fabulous location, we have great weather most of the time and so what we know is that this is an opportunity also for someone to come and invest in our region, and maybe start something totally different - maybe even better." The first release of artists performing at Rhythm and Vines 2026 will be announced on 29 July.