The owner of the Splore music and art festival has announced that next year’s edition will be its last, due to ticket sales falling short of expectations.
Owner John Minty explained that after 18 years of financial sustainability, the event faced challenges from COVID-related postponements and cancellations.
Minty noted that the cost-of-living crisis resulted in low ticket sales for last year’s festival.
“We took a rest last summer, hoping things would pick up for the 2026 event,” he said. “But so far that hasn’t happened to the degree that we wanted.”
There was hope that the festival could secure support from the government’s $70 million event boost fund. Despite Minty’s description of their “comprehensive” and “very persuasive” application, it was rejected.
“I have been involved with Splore at Tāpapakanga for 20 years, and I feel now is a time to move on,” Minty said. “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.”
“However, it’s becoming more difficult to sustain a festival of Splore’s quality and depth, so rather than diluting it, I’d rather it finish with a bang.”
Next year’s festival is scheduled for February 20-22 at Tāpapakanga Regional Park in eastern Auckland.
“So for all Splorers out there, let’s make this 2026 event a beautiful farewell celebration party on the beach,” Minty concluded.