The time-honoured tradition of waking up at Rhythm and Vines next to a warm beer for brekkie is sadly over. In their debatable wisdom, the powers that be have decided to put an end to the happy campers bringing in their own alcohol.
If the decision was based on the events of 2014 - which saw a few hours of mad riots, ending in 63 arrests - then probably fair enough… However, behaviour from last year’s event was drastically improved, with only four of the 20 thousand in attendance being cuffed. I swear last New Year’s would have seen more people arrested at the local pub in Pleasant Point than the festival itself.
However, councillors and the local constabulary don’t seem to honour any good behaviour bonds from the year before. Even after the drastic changes last year, which saw a limit on the amount of alcohol allowed inside the campsites, the powers that be have decided all vessels must be sunk in the carpark beforehand. If brains were dynamite, it would seem these decision makers would battle to blow their ears off.
Alcohol and Rhythm and Vines are not mutually exclusive. Although the music is a huge part of the event, I don't think it's to far of a stretch to say most go for the party atmosphere. Although I’m on my knees praying it won’t happen, with the new restrictions around alcohol, it would seem that Rhythm and Vines is destined for the same murky grave as the Wellington Sevens.
So why, then, are the local stakeholders looking to run this event into the ground? Are police trying to look tough on such a well-publicised event, to make up for their ineptness when it comes to tackling actual problems, such as the fact they resolved only 9.3% of burglaries last year? Or are Gisborne locals sick of having to queue for food over the New Year period, when the local bars and food joints are busy making money?
Rhythm and Vines brings $12 million dollars to the local economy in Gisborne, and creates around 800 jobs. $12 million ain't a bad return for having to handle a few drunks for three nights of the year.
I just pray this doesn't turn into another event kicked to the curb by the fun police, especially now that the Parachute festival is no longer...
Hugh Baird
Critic Editor