'One final dance': Rhythm and Vines to leave Gisborne after 24 years

As Kiwis festival-goers see the first sunrise of 2027, they will also see the sunset over an era in Gisborne.

Iconic New Year's Eve festival Rhythm and Vines has confirmed this year will be the final event held at its home on Waiohika Estate in Gisborne.

The announcement brings a huge 24-year residency in Tairāwhiti to a close, as organisers assure fans next year's change of location is to "support the festival’s long-term future and continued evolution".

Rhythm and Vines Festival CEO Kieran Spillane shared the team's gratitude to the Gizzy locals over their era.

"Gisborne has been the heart and home of Rhythm and Vines for nearly a quarter of a century," Spillane said.

We are incredibly proud of what we have built alongside the community, and deeply grateful to everyone who has helped create 24 years of New Year's magic at Waiohika Estate.

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The event, dubbed R&V by regulars, began in 2003 with a humble 1,800 attendees before it evolved into the Kiwi rite of passage it is today.

Last year's three-day festival attracted 26,000 music lovers to the East Coast and also boosted the region's visitor economy.

Initially, the lineup featured homegrown roots and reggae acts such as The Black Seeds, Fat Freddy's Drop and Shapeshifter.

But over time, it expanded its main stage offering to international acts, including Chance The Rapper, Calvin Harris, and Moby, alongside local acts like Six60 and L.A.B.

Organisers are staying tight-lipped about next year's location, teasing that the announcement will be made "in due course".

Their attention is instead focused on the final chapter at Waiohika Estate, with the first lineup announcement planned for next week.

"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," Spillane said.