The Spirit of Rhythm

Rhythm and Vines was started by a group of friends that wanted to have somewhere for their mates to catch up to celebrate the New Year, listen to some awesome music and ultimately have the time of their lives. That was 2003. And this still rings true today, over 2 decades later. The spirit of Rhythm and Vines is one of friendship, and mutual respect. Having the time of your lives with your friends, meeting new ones and celebrating, (or commiserating) the year we had.

We strive to be the safest place in the world to celebrate the New year. Together, let’s make Rhythm and Vines a festival where everyone feels at home.

The spirit of Rhythm and Vines reflects our shared belief in the principles of manaakitanga (hospitality), kotahitanga (unity), kaitiakitanga (guardianship of the land), hauora (safety and well-being), korero pono (positive communication), and te whakanui i te kanorau (celebrating diversity).

So if you are coming to R&V, get in the festive spirit and bring some aroha and mana to Waiohika Estate this summer.

1. MANAAKITANGA – Respect for All

We show manaakitanga by treating each other with aroha (love), mana (dignity), and rangatiratanga (respect). Everyone—regardless of their whakapapa (heritage), ira tangata (gender), iwi (ethnicity), or other identities—deserves to be valued and heard.

We stand against all forms of whakaparahako (discrimination) or whakapōrearea (harassment), ensuring a safe and respectful environment for everyone. There are no exceptions to respect no matter whether it contradicts your personal beliefs.

At Rhythm and vines we ask everyone to respect each other and treat each other with kindness.

2. KOTAHITANGA – Unity and Collaboration

Kotahitanga is the principle of working together as one. We believe everyone deserves the right to celebrate in a safe and inclusive party environment. We encourage everyone to unite at the festival to create an environment where everyone feels included, understood and wanted.

By coming together to peacefully to share facilities, share performances and overall share experiences we can celebrate the amazing culture that New Zealanders share.

3. KAITIAKITANGA – Guardianship of the Environment

We are kaitiaki (guardians) of the whenua (land) that hosts our event. Protecting Papatūānuku (Mother Earth) is a collective responsibility. We encourage tikanga tiaki (sustainable practices) such as leaving no trace, picking up after yourself and doing your best to limit your waste.

Our respect for the taiao (natural environment) ensures that it will continue to be enjoyed by future generations. A key part of this is at the end of your R&V experience making sure you are leaving your campground and the treasured festival site as you found it and not leaving your mess for someone else to clean up.

By putting your drinks, food packaging and other rubbish in the suitable place you can guarantee that your rubbish is not making its way further into our environment.  Thank you to all our guests who choose to stay in our planet friendly BOOKATENT's.

4. HAUORA – Safety and Well-being

The hauora (health and well-being) of other attendees is so important to understand. We are committed to creating a safe and supportive environment, fostering both physical safety and mental well-being. Access to tautoko (support) is always available when needed.

But please make sure you are checking on your friends, checking on your peers and just being there to support people if they really need you.

If you ever feel unsafe or unstable the festival provides a range of help services, the Text helpline is open 24/7 so text 3960 or the Haven is a safe place to go and try to relax or have a chat.

Rhythm and Vines supports the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Initiative. is an initiative created, to help those with non-visual disabilities receive the help and support they may need. Wearing the Sunflower discreetly indicates to staff, colleagues and health professionals that the wearer (or support person with them) has a hidden disability and may need additional help or simply more time.

5. KORERO PONO – Positive Communication

We believe in korero pono (honest communication) that is open, respectful, and constructive.

This means making sure how you communicate with your friends and other festival goers is occurring in a way that uplift and empower, we don't want to be dealing with cases of verbal abuse because people have forgotten their respect for one another, Resolving raruaru (issues) can be done in a way that is shows fairness and understanding.

This year, we have partnered with Everyday Solitude. Download our free Everyday Solitude game to encourage healthy conversations with your mates, or head to our HAVEN for a friendly chat with our team.

6. TE WHAKANUI i te KANORAU – Celebrating Diversity

Rhythm and Vines is enriched by the many reo (languages), tikanga (customs), and perspectives that make up our community, we celebrate and embrace kanorau (diversity) by honouring each person’s uniqueness, we build a stronger, more connected community that thrives on inclusivity.

Being accepting of how people feel, dress or act is a key aspect of celebrating diversity and ensuring personal beliefs don’t get in the way of showing other festival goers the respect they deserve.

Supporting the Rainbow Community is a key part of our commitment to making Rhythm and Vines a safe, inclusive, and welcoming space for the LGBTQIA+ community. This year, we’re providing rainbow stickers for staff to wear on their shirts as a symbol of their support.