Big lineup for next year’s Shepherdess Muster

Burlesque performance and workshops are one of the many experiences on offer at The Shepherdess Muster. Picture by Louise Gronold

The Shepherdess Muster is coming back to Te Tairāwhiti, from February 16-18, 2024. The immersive festival will see a full programme of creatives, speakers and artists from around Aotearoa descend on the tiny village of Motu — an hour from Gisborne — for a weekend that will make you laugh until you cry, and dance the night away.

Originally scheduled for February 2023, the event was postponed due to Cyclone Gabrielle hitting the region in the same week.

The Tairāwhiti community has been extremely supportive of The Muster coming back to Motu, seeing the event as a way to celebrate the community and support the region economically after such a tumultuous period.

Sandra Matthews, farmer from Rere west of Gisborne, says Tairāwhiti has been under enormous stress since the devastating cyclones and storms hit.

“It is heart-warming to know The Muster is committed to bringing this event to our region so we can come together for connection, learning and fun.  Wow, do we need some fun and laughter after the year we have had, and The Muster will be just the place.”

The long weekend is an opportunity for women to engage in experiences daily life doesn’t always leave much time for — from arts to entrepreneurship, and provides a chance for open and frank discussions around often taboo subjects like menopause, sex and relationships.

Festival director Kristy McGregor says she is heartened by the support The Muster has received from the community.

“We consulted with the Motu community, farmers across the region, the council and the Mātāwai Marae, to ensure we were doing the right thing by bringing the event back to Motu after an extremely tough time. We were very conscious of not putting extra strain on the area, but the community have been unified in their encouragement and support of hosting The Muster in Tairāwhiti.”

The immersive three-day event is the perfect getaway for a weekend with friends. The menu is catered by the renowned Flying Trestles, known for their film set catering.

All meals are included in the ticket price — and event-goers can spend the weekend doing whatever takes their fancy, from creating flower crowns to learning the art of stand-up comedy.

“Where possible, the event uses local businesses to bring The Muster to life, with event operations supporting local businesses. As well, The Muster gives locals the opportunity to experience acts from around New Zealand close to home — opportunities they wouldn’t usually get — with a relaxed weekend away”, says Kristy.

A limited number of 100 tickets are available now to purchase.

Locals living in the Gisborne, Wairoa and Ōpōtiki Districts receive a special discounted price of $349. General attendee ticket prices start at $449.

The programme and tickets are available now at www.shepherdessmuster.co.nz.

Local groups, Trust Tairāwhiti and Lottery Bay of Plenty Gisborne Community Grants, and national organisations from across the rural sector have come together to support the event, including Platinum sponsors The Agricultural and Marketing Research and Development Trust (AGMARDT), Rabobank and the Ministry for Primary Industries and Gold Sponsors, Beef + Lamb NZ and the Rural Support Trust.