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A three-day boutique festival held for the first time high in the hills above Leigh last year is back for a second event from December 29 to 31.
The 2024 Matakanarama was an invite-only event for just 350 people at a property on Cape Rodney Road, but it proved so successful organisers have ramped it up for this year, opening the festival up to 1500 ticket-holders.
The line-up has also been scaled up, with roots reggae favourites The Black Seeds and well-known jungle/bass DJs Alix Perez and Paige Julia as headliners, along with more than 45 other acts, including Wet Denim, the UK’s Mystic State, Dancing Monkey Gangstas, Frank on Tap, Kipper Reid and Duckland.
What makes Matakanarama different from most summer music festivals is that the team behind it is not an established event or concert promotions outfit, but four friends who decided to turn a vivid dream one of them had about an unforgettable party into reality.
One of the organisers, Scott Mueller, said that dream prompted eight months of intense preparation and regular 20-hour days to make Matakanarama into “a glowing success”.
“The thrill of hosting events dug its claws into us,” he said.
“Preparations commenced in early January and thousands of hours of collective effort have already gone into organising this year’s event.”
As well as multiple stages and international artists, Matakanarama will have stalls from local artisans selling handmade art, clothing and jewellery, together with food vendors and wellness spaces “designed for connection and care”.
Matakanarama runs from Monday, December 29 to Wednesday, December 31 at Cape Rodney Road. Gates open 10am, music starts 4pm. Limited tickets available.
Info: www.matakanarama.co.nz
