Huge effort to create festival

WHEN Rhythm and Vines Festival-goers arrive here next week for New Zealand’s biggest New Year event, they will see the magnificence of the transformed Waiohika Estate first-hand.
About 2000 production, sound, scaffolding, building and other staff are busy on the ground setting up for the 25,000-plus expected to converge on Waiohika.
Organisers have included a number of initiatives to allow smooth flow at the festival, including new wristbands that contain a person’s money and ticket in a chip — the first of its kind at any event.
Everyone can buy alcohol and food at the swipe of the wristband.
Another feature is Treble Camp and a new tepee village.
A team from Australia were at the venue on Thursday to set up the village, which includes about 25 tepees that can sleep up to six people and 15 deluxe tepees.
R&V head of marketing Peter Hall said the Australian team were impressed.
“They said this was the most spectacular venue they had ever set up at,” he said.
“The village is environmentally- friendly, as the canvases are made from used billboards.
“We have had a lot of artist and sponsor requests for a tepee of their own because they think it will be way cooler.”
Among facilities are showers and toilets, “chill-out” spots, Electric Avenue (full of eclectic and quirky sideshows) and the waterslide.
People camping at Waiohika will not lose their way — the vines will be lined with LED lights.
Mr Hall says they have put in decent facilities to make the experience a memorable one.
Artists will be sure to remember their R&V experience – their waiting rooms before they take the stage are decked out with quirky paintings and things Kiwi.
“We have not got anything posh in them. We have decorated the areas with antique furniture.
“Our staff have bought quirky items from second-hand shops and we look in the Eastland Trader for funny items as well.”
Organisers have introduced a yellow card system — anyone who acts inappropriately will have their wristbands frozen and will not be able to buy alcohol.
“We have our rules and when you enter the gates you comply with them,” says Mr Hall.
VIP guests will be treated to the works, including priority seating, table service, a first-hand view of the main stage and all-night pouring at the bar.
Another festival-first is the Red Bull Music Academy Stage for up-and-coming or well-established artists. This stage will showcase a lot of New Zealand talent and there will be music workshops.
Organisers say they are on schedule for the three-day festival.
“Waiohika is the perfect outdoor venue for anything like this because the natural features are more than fitting for this event.”
The festival is spread across about eight hectares, which includes Waiohika Estate and part of Mangatu Incorporation land.
• ANYONE who tries to use fake identification at Rhythm and Vines and BW Camping festivals could be prosecuted.
Senior Sergeant Maui Aben says festival-goers will be required to present ID at the gate to gain entry to the R18 events.
“Security staff and police will keep a close eye on IDs presented.
“Each year there is an increasing number of youngsters trying to get into the festivals with borrowed and counterfeit ID.”
“This year, IDs will be under the microscope and if we find anyone trying to use anything false, they will not be allowed entry and are likely to be prosecuted.
“It is nonsensical to risk losing money . . . those turned away at the gate for using false ID will not get a ticket refund.”