Auckland’s Neck of the Woods announces ‘heartbreaking’ closure after 11 years

Auckland music venue, Neck of the Woods, has announced it will be closing its doors after 11 years.

The venue shared the news in an Instagram post on June 18, writing: “Like a lot of music venues, we’ve been struggling since COVID, and this year has just gotten harder.”

“We see sold-out shows and think a club is doing well, but we live or die by our bar sales,” the venue added. “That’s fine when the economy is up, but unsustainable in the current climate and as people are drinking and spending less.”

“We’ve been fighting hard to stay open… We’ve tried everything, but today we’ve had to face the hard truth that after 11 amazing years, we’ve come to the end of our journey. We’re closing our doors next week, making this weekend our last.”

Many have jumped into the comments of the announcement to share their disappointment with the closure, along with fond memories of the venue.

Shapeshifter’s P Diggs wrote, “Sad to hear indeed. Some truly amazing nights were had!”

Drum and bass duo The Upbeats shared: “Devastated to read this, so many incredible nights with the NOTW’s family over the years. Thank you for creating such an amazing space and supporting our dance communities for so long. Big love and salute for everything.”

Producer Alix Perez described the news as “truly devastating”, adding the venue was “an absolute pillar and institution in the Tāmaki nightlife.”

Meanwhile, Green Party co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick simply commented: “Oh, my heart.”

This is just the latest in a string of major blows to the Aotearoa music scene, with Auckland record store, Flying Out Music, also announcing its closure on the same day.

Flying Out shared its news in a post yesterday, writing: “Over the last few years, a pandemic, 3 festival cancellations, the effects of ongoing roadworks, the CRL construction and the continuing economic downturn has become an unpleasant, perfect storm.”

And just weeks ago, Christchurch’s Hide Club also announced it was shutting its doors for good.

The owners, Mitch Ryder and Sam Smith, revealed they had sold the business in an Instagram post on June 4, saying: “All great parties must come to an end.”

“After 7 amazing years, we have made the hard decision to sell our business and make way for the next chapter at 172 St Asaph Street.”

“To everyone who partied with us over the years, thank you. To all of our loyal regulars, promoters and artists, you have become a second family to us - you have made Hide more than just a nightclub.”

11 years is an unreal run for any live music venue, but this is sadly becoming a trend.

It’s an important reminder to get out and support your local clubs - they need us now more than ever.