For those looking at making the annual pilgrimage to Rhythm and Vines, expect to be hit in the pocket. This year, the campsites organisers are planning on doing away with the BYO after concerns from local police and council.
On site camping at Rhythm and Vines increased last year after the closure of the BW campground in central Gisborne, following riots the year before which saw 83 injured and 63 arrested after three hours of madness in which cars were upturned and tents turned to ash. However, behaviour from last years event was drastically improved with only four arrests in total.
In a council report, officers claimed that there was non-compliance issues with resource consent and regulations around the campsites, in particular the Woodlands campsite which was issued an abatement notice at last years festival due to non-compliance around bad hygiene, intoxication and site control.