“I have been involved with Splore at Tāpapakanga for 20 years and I feel now is a time to move on.
“I am incredibly proud of all that the festival has achieved and the devoted crew and Splorers who have created such magic and community over that period.”
Minty said after 18 years of financial viability, the festival hit headwinds with costly Covid postponements and cancellations.
“The cost of living crisis led, for the first time, to low ticket sales for the 2024 event.
“We took a rest last summer, hoping things would pick up for the 2026 event but so far that hasn’t happened to the degree that we wanted.”
He said the hope for a lifeline from the Government’s $70 million Event Boost Fund was not successful.
“Despite a comprehensive and what I thought was a very persuasive application.
“So for all Splorers out there, let’s make this 2026 event a beautiful, farewell celebration party on the beach,” Minty said.
Heading the three-day, all-ages festival is Norwegian electronic duo and childhood friends Röyksopp, playing their first New Zealand show in 14 years.
The pair, nominated for two Grammy Awards since their 1998 debut, are booked in after a run of sold-out Australian shows and will perform a two-hour DJ set.
Global artists also confirmed to play are Jamaican dancehall star Sister Nancy, UK trip-hop and downtempo DJ Nightmares on Wax, renowned MC General Levy, Melbourne rapper Miss Kaninna and Berlin’s own techno DJ Franca.
Splore Festival 2026 full line-up
Where: Tāpapakanga Regional Park
When: February 20 – 22, 2026
Who: Röyksopp (dj set), Sister Nancy, + Legal Shot, Nightmares on Wax, General Levy + Joe Airwa, Mind Enterprises, Parson James, Miss Kaninna, C.Frim, Illustrious Blacks, Beatles Dub Club, Franca, Tami Neilson, Coco Solid, Jess B, Christoph El Truento, Estère, Dick Move, Romi Wrights, Te KuraHuia, Benny Salvador, Chiccoreli + Tali, DylanBiscuit b2b ajhoneysuckle, BBYFACEKILLA b2b Snakelegs, GoldTooth, Half Queen, ilish, Kaiviti, Marjorie Sinclair, NymphLoads, ORIKoL, Vercetti, WAEWAEXPRESS, Arcadia, Love Language, Hudge, Bobby Brazuka, Dastardly Bounder, DJ Banty, and Rose Alice.
Tickets: iticket.co.nz
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