Rhythm and Vines (RnV), one of New Zealand’s most anticipated New Year’s festivals, is set to embrace Māori cultural principles at its 2024 event in Gisborne, creating a deeper, more meaningful experience for festivalgoers. With a commitment to inclusivity and respect, this year’s festival will incorporate key Māori values, enriching the celebration of music, friendship, and unity.
The festival organisers have introduced the principles of manaakitanga, kotahitanga, kaitiakitanga, hauora, kōrero pono, and te whakanui i te kanorau as guiding values for the event. These principles, deeply rooted in Māori culture, are designed to foster an environment where attendees can enjoy the festival while honouring the traditions and spirit of Aotearoa.
Kyle Bell, marketing veteran leading R&V said the Māori values encompassing the ‘spirit of rhythm’ are the missing piece of the puzzle that highlighted what RnV always hopes to achieve.
“When we sat down with staff to evaluate internally what are our key values? It was evident that these [Māori] pillars reflected the more than 18,00 workers/volunteers we bring on board. Then we thought, well hold on, what about the attendees? So, these key values become the benchmark for what we expect when you arrive not only in Gisborne but the wider Tai Rāwhiti region.”
The festival begins today 31st December 2024, with more than 18,00 staff members onsite prepared to welcome the 25,000 set to arrive for the first RnV night.
Bell said the introduction of these pillars is not only to set the theme for this year’s festival, but future festivals to come.
“For the past 24 months our internal staff have been taking te reo lessons, wanting to work close with local iwi, Te Waihīrere to better our understanding for the betterment of the festival...from manaakitanga to Kotahitanga, and kaitiakitanga and the rest, it’s a kaupapa we want to emulate to keep everyone on the positive festive vibe.”
This year’s Rhythm and Vines aims to be more than just a music festival; it seeks to create a space where Māori values are honoured, ensuring that the spirit of aroha and mana is felt by all.
Bell wants to encourage attendees to bring their own mana as well and embrace the spirit of the festival as they celebrate the New Year with these newly adopted Māori principles. Especially as they return home to their own whenua.
“We have all the safety measures in place, but everyone having a safe New Year’s and returning home to their families. We couldn’t ask for anything more than that.”
