Splore Festival Holds Final Event
New Zealand's beloved boutique festival Splore has held its final event, ending over two decades of vibrant, inclusive festival culture. Fans and organizers are reflecting on the memories and community spirit that defined the iconic gathering's unique identity. The closure is being felt as a significant loss to the region's music and arts scene.
- The decision to end the festival was driven by financial unsustainability, with long-time owner John Minty citing the cost of living crisis, low ticket sales for the 2024 event, and the lasting financial impact of COVID-19 postponements. - An application for financial aid from the government's $70 million Event Boost Fund was declined, which festival director John Minty said would have "made a world of difference" in preventing the closure. - Splore began in 1998 as a New Year's Eve rave for about 500 friends on a clifftop at Karioitahi Beach before moving to its long-term home at Tāpapakanga Regional Park in 2006. - The festival was known for its strong connection to the local mana whenua, Ngāti Paoa and Ngāti Whanaunga, whose ancestral land the event was held on and who had a visible presence at the festival. - Beyond music, the three-day event was an immersive arts and culture gathering that included a contemporary visual art trail, performance art, workshops, and a dedicated family-friendly area called the "Rumpus Room". - With an attendance of approximately 8,000 to 10,000 people in recent years, the festival became known as "New Zealand's biggest dress-up party" due to its popular Saturday night costume tradition. - Over its history, Splore hosted a wide array of both local and international artists, including Kae Tempest, Fat Freddy's Drop, and Tami Neilson, and was a platform for social and political discourse. - The final festival, scheduled for February 20-22, 2026, will feature artists such as Röyksopp, Sister Nancy, and Nightmares on Wax.
