Gisborne leaders vow new events after Rhythm and Vines exit
Gisborne leaders are seeking new events to replace the economic impact of the Rhythm and Vines festival, which is leaving the region. Local officials remain optimistic about the area's tourism potential and are working to secure a diverse calendar of future attractions.
Why it matters
The departure of a major festival poses a significant economic challenge for regional tourism and local businesses.
<p>As the dust settles following the announcement that <a href="https://www.1news.co.nz/2026/07/21/deeply-grateful-rhythm-and-vines-announces-final-gisborne-festival/" target="_blank">Rhythm and Vines will leave Gisborne after this year’s festival</a>, Tairāwhiti is turning its attention to the future.</p> <p><b>By Imogen Brophy for </b><a href="https://ldr.rnz.co.nz/story/r-v" target="_blank"><b>Local Democracy Reporting</b></a></p> <p>Gisborne Mayor Rehette Stoltz says she remains optimistic new opportunities will emerge to attract visitors to the region.</p> <p>“We have consistently advocated for Gisborne as the perfect R&V location over the past 24 years.</p> <p>“I have been actively liaising with Trust Tairāwhiti who have been working behind the scenes to proactively secure possible events and festivals to bring vibrancy and a much-needed economic injection to our region.”</p> <p>In the meantime, Stoltz said continued support for local hospitality and tourism businesses would be essential to help them succeed.</p> <p>An R&V commissioned economic impact survey in 2024 estimated the festival boosted the local gross domestic product by $4.2m, and visitor expenditure that year reached $5.2m.</p>…
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