Rhythm and Vines – Article [Video]

From the original concept as a one-night party for friends, Rhythm and Vines has evolved into the country’s biggest multi-day New Year festival, annually drawing around 30,000 concert-goers and attracting some of the biggest names in music.

The idea of Rhythm and Vines came about in 2003 after fellow University of Otago students Hamish Pinkham, Tom Gibson, and Andrew Witters set out to hold an event for their friends in a safe and secure location. After some rough planning, the trio decided to approach Andrew’s father, Dean Witters, who owned the Waiohika Estate, a 6.7-hectare vineyard at the edge of the Poverty Bay flats near Gisborne. As well as a pristine setting with ample space, the property featured a natural amphitheatre which had been developed to attract concerts to the region.

Rhythm & Vines 2003/4

Hamish Pinkham recalls that the initial sales pitch to Witters was angled along “promoting his wine”. “When we approached …