Photo: Paul Hoelen Photography
New Zealand’s biggest and best New Year’s festival Rhythm and Vines hit its ten year anniversary and went off in style in 2012. Thousands partyed over three nights at Waiohika Estate vineyard in Gizzy; a small town on the East Coast that made a name for itself through R&V! Founded by three uni mates Hamish Pinkham, Tom Gibson and Andrew Witters (whose family own the sick venue!), R&V has grown from a small new year’s party made for a few mates to have some fun in a safe setting to one of the worlds most recognised New Year’s festivals.
With many top international acts the trip down under to perform, Rhythm has become one of the most desired places to be to see the new year! This year Netsky, Knife Party, Disclosure plus many others rocked the stages along with local talents including Kimbra, Home brew and Ruby Frost putting NZ’s own musical touch on the festival which has been a great platform by providing countless opportunities for emerging talents since it all began back in 03. Providing a bit of something for everyone it had over one hundred acts on five stages, did you share the past and be a part of their future?
Dan Dale - Sponsorship Manager R&V
So tell us, how was your RNV 2012/13 experience?!
Where did you choose to stay and why?
And your favourite act for the festival was?
Favourite act was between Chase and Status and Kraftykuts. There atmosphere was electric and they played all my favourite bangers including;
Where were you for the countdown? Did you get a new years kiss?
What was your most essential item, that you couldn't have survived RNV without?
What have you got planned for 2013 now that the silly season is over?
Kyle Bell - Concrete Playground
So tell us, how was your RNV 2012/13 experience?!
It ended up being one of the best for me. After attending all ten, it was pretty special watching the little party for mates provide so much joy to the masses. The 10th Anniversary had the highs and lows, with the speakers blowing out on the first, to totally redeeming themselves on the 30th and 31st. The 30th December ended up being one of my favourites of all time. Definitely top 3. Hard to beat the first one as we had an unlimited bar tab...Where did you choose to stay and why?
The Quality Hotel Emerald in Gisborne. Some clever cat decided to organise these Hotel Packages that included heaps of Moa Beer, Triumph and Disaster facials, Pool parties, wristbands delivered to the Hotel so we didn’t have to deal with the admin, our own bus and heaps of cool people including that guy from the Block Ben and that famous soccer player Dan Carter. Plus we were upgraded to the Penthouse, so really crushed life this time round... www.fb.com/kiwianaaccomm
And your favourite act for the festival was?
Charlie 2Na, followed close second Blackbird and Sons of Vegas.
Where were you for the countdown? Did you get a new years kiss?
Yeah, scored a hottie. Got a pash up in the VIP with the GF. A mate of mine dropped knee also.
What was your most essential item, that you couldn't have survived RNV without?
Lube. Got real bad chafing in the gnotcha.
Tom Lawson - I Love Ugly
So tell us, how was your RNV 2012/13 experience?!
Overall, a really fun experience. I've been a few times and every time it's different which keeps things interesting.
Where did you choose to stay and why?
Onsite camping. Main drawcard was the convenience of being so handy to the festival. We also had a big crew and created a small village of tents!
And your favourite act for the festival was?
Favourite act was Maya Jane Coles.
Where were you for the countdown? Did you get a new years kiss?
Main stage, and yes!
What was your most essential item, that you couldn't have survived RNV without?
The airbed I bought on the 2nd day. Much more comfortable than the dirt.
What have you got planned for 2013 now that the silly season is over?
Back to the office and getting stuck in. Holding onto summer by getting to the beach most weekends though!
By: Ashley
