Latest news with #BayleysTussockCountryMusicFestival
Otago Daily Times
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Otago Daily Times
Festival pumps $2.52m into economy
Visiting bands Butter Wouldn't Melt (Wellington) and Rufous Whistler (Australia) jam at Gore's Table Talk Cafe in May as part of the Bayleys Tussock Country Music Festival. PHOTO: CALLUM THOMAS Gore had an increase in country music festival-goers this year, with visitors coming from far and wide, injecting an estimated $2.52 million into the Eastern Southland economy. Bayleys Tussock Country Music Festival had a 26% increase in attendees and an 18% rise in new visitors, a statement from organisers said. According to post-festival economic data, the average visitor's spend went up by 6%, leading to a calculated $2.52m being fed back into the local economy. The data showed that individuals also stayed longer at the 10-day festival and attended more of the 72 events on offer. The increase in numbers illustrated the festival's broadening appeal, which festival trust chairman Jeff Rea said was palpable. "This was our fourth festival and it felt like there was a notable lift in patron numbers, and new faces from all around New Zealand," he said. "We're ecstatic to see that reflected in the data also, and the trajectory of growth is nothing but exciting for the region of Eastern Southland." Festival organisers said the ongoing growth was due to an expanded programme of events, appealing to a wider range of audiences. Jeff Rea (left) and Phillip Geary. PHOTO: JAMES MACKERETH This growth was predicted by organisers a couple of months ago, when the festival's Gold Guitars competition had a record number of entries. At the time, awards panel convener Phillip Geary said the contest had 832 entries, which was about 100 more than the year before. Mr Geary noted the teenage intermediate section had recorded a big increase. The awards also had their 50-year celebration concert this year, bringing back past winners and nominees for a star-studded event. The anniversary show, Mr Rea said, without a doubt contributed to the rise in numbers. "There's no doubt this year's lift can in part be attributed to the 50th celebrations of the MLT NZ Gold Guitar Awards." He also acknowledged the "tireless work" of volunteers. "[The organisations and volunteers] all share our vision of developing this relatively new festival concept into one of New Zealand's biggest and most successful annual music events," he said. "Witnessing the festival's growth and the benefits it's bringing to our community is a welcome reward for the efforts of many." — APL
Otago Daily Times
30-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Otago Daily Times
Festival's increase in patronage helps pump $2.52m into economy
Visiting bands Butter Wouldn't Melt (Wellington) and Rufous Whistler (Australia) jam at Gore's Table Talk Cafe in May as part of the Bayleys Tussock Country Music Festival. PHOTO: CALLUM THOMAS Gore had an increase in country music festivalgoers this year, with visitors coming from far and wide, injecting an estimated $2.52 million into the Eastern Southland economy. Bayleys Tussock Country Music Festival had a 26% increase in attendees and an 18% rise in new visitors, a statement from organisers said. According to post-festival economic data, the average visitor's spend went up by 6%, leading to a calculated $2.52m being fed back into the local economy. The data showed that individuals also stayed longer at the 10-day festival and attended more of the 72 events on offer. The increase in numbers illustrated the festival's broadening appeal, which festival trust chairman Jeff Rea said was palpable. "This was our fourth festival and it felt like there was a notable lift in patron numbers, and new faces from all around New Zealand," he said. "We're ecstatic to see that reflected in the data also, and the trajectory of growth is nothing but exciting for the region of Eastern Southland." Festival organisers said the ongoing growth was due to an expanded programme of events, appealing to a wider range of audiences. This growth was predicted by organisers a couple of months ago, when the festival's Gold Guitars competition had a record number of entries. Jeff Rea and Phillip Geary. PHOTO: SUPPLIED At the time, awards panel convener Phillip Geary said the contest had 832 entries, which was about 100 more than the year before. Mr Geary noted the teenage intermediate section had recorded a big increase. The awards also had their 50-year celebration concert this year, bringing back past winners and nominees for a star-studded event. The anniversary show, Mr Rea said, without a doubt contributed to the rise in numbers. "There's no doubt this year's lift can in part be attributed to the 50th celebrations of the MLT NZ Gold Guitar Awards." He also acknowledged the "tireless work" of volunteers. "[The organisations and volunteers] all share our vision of developing this relatively new festival concept into one of New Zealand's biggest and most successful annual music events," he said. "Witnessing the festival's growth and the benefits it's bringing to our community is a welcome reward for the efforts of many." — APL
Otago Daily Times
27-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Otago Daily Times
Festival's increase in patronage helps pump $2.52m into local economy
Visiting bands Butter Wouldn't Melt (Wellington) and Rufous Whistler (Australia) jam at Gore's Table Talk Cafe in May as part of the Bayleys Tussock Country Music Festival. PHOTO: CALLUM THOMAS Gore had an increase in country music festivalgoers this year, with visitors coming from far and wide, injecting an estimated $2.52 million into the Eastern Southland economy. Bayleys Tussock Country Music Festival had a 26% increase in attendees and an 18% rise in new visitors, a statement from organisers said. According to post-festival economic data, the average visitor's spend went up by 6%, leading to a calculated $2.52m being fed back into the local economy. The data showed that individuals also stayed longer at the 10-day festival and attended more of the 72 events on offer. The increase in numbers illustrated the festival's broadening appeal, which festival trust chairman Jeff Rea said was palpable. "This was our fourth festival and it felt like there was a notable lift in patron numbers, and new faces from all around New Zealand," he said. "We're ecstatic to see that reflected in the data also, and the trajectory of growth is nothing but exciting for the region of Eastern Southland." Festival organisers said the ongoing growth was due to an expanded programme of events, appealing to a wider range of audiences. This growth was predicted by organisers a couple of months ago, when the festival's Gold Guitars competition had a record number of entries. Jeff Rea and Phillip Geary. PHOTO: SUPPLIED At the time, awards panel convener Phillip Geary said the contest had 832 entries, which was about 100 more than the year before. Mr Geary noted the teenage intermediate section had recorded a big increase. The awards also had their 50-year celebration concert this year, bringing back past winners and nominees for a star-studded event. The anniversary show, Mr Rea said, without a doubt contributed to the rise in numbers. "There's no doubt this year's lift can in part be attributed to the 50th celebrations of the MLT NZ Gold Guitar Awards." He also acknowledged the "tireless work" of volunteers. "[The organisations and volunteers] all share our vision of developing this relatively new festival concept into one of New Zealand's biggest and most successful annual music events," he said. "Witnessing the festival's growth and the benefits it's bringing to our community is a welcome reward for the efforts of many." — APL
Otago Daily Times
24-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Otago Daily Times
‘Pumped' for tour
Australian country music artist Brad Cox will be performing at Gore's Croydon Lodge on November 15. PHOTO: SUPPLIED Australian country music star Brad Cox is bringing his powerful voice and songwriting back to Aotearoa this November, and stopping in at the country music capital. Cox will be covering the motu in a five-date tour this year, stopping in New Zealand's home of country music, Gore. The songwriter, whose song Give Me Tonight has over 12-million streams on Spotify, will play at The Croydon Lodge Hotel on November 15. Outside of the town's Bayleys Tussock Country Music Festival in May, the show will be an extra treat for Southern fans of the genre. Bayleys Tussock Country Music Festival chairman Jeff Rea said his team were delighted to support Cox in bringing his show to Gore. "The festival has helped put Gore on the map as a must-visit destination for international country artists," Mr Rea said. "This concert will not only give fans in the South something to celebrate but also give a great boost to the local economy." Cox has been nominated for APRA Awards in 2021, 2022 and 2024. At the 2024 Country Music Awards of Australia, held in Tamworth, Gore's sister city, he won Male Artist of the Year. He also won Contemporary Country Album of the Year and Top Selling Australian Country Album of the Year for his album Acres. The Australian has completed his tour in Australia and is now bringing it to NZ — a country which he said he loves. "Travelled there numerous times for work but mainly for pleasure, because I just absolutely love the country. ... See you mob in a few months. I'm pumped." Tour dates include Auckland on November 12, then Christchurch, Dunedin, Gore and Queenstown in the following days. Tickets from — APL
Otago Daily Times
10-06-2025
- Business
- Otago Daily Times
Budget benefits southern people
A standout of the Budget, that I believe will pump a lot of energy into the Gore area is Investment Boost. The programme gives tradies, farmers, and other businesses a tax incentive to invest in new tools and equipment to boost productivity and lift wages. Businesses can now deduct 20% of the cost of new machinery, tools and equipment off their taxable income. This is on top of existing depreciation meaning a much lower tax bill in the year of purchase. If a farmer wanted to buy a new tractor for $150,000, they would be able to immediately deduct $30,000. Investments like this pump money directly into our local economy, making everyone better off. The Budget also includes $164 million over four years to expand urgent and after-hours healthcare, including better access to diagnostics, urgent medicines and 24/7 on-call clinical support. Over the next two years improved services will be rolled out to rural communities in places like Balclutha, Lumsden and Roxburgh. I am also pleased to see that the Budget will help up to 66,000 more SuperGold cardholders with their rates payments, with a new income abatement threshold to assist SuperGold cardholders being introduced from July 1. Another excellent development for the South is the investment for Milford Sound announced last week. Certainty for cruise ship access and the retention of the Milford Aerodrome is incredibly important for this community. With many of the sound's visitors moving through our region, this $15.2m investment will bring confidence for Southland and will help ensure a strong future. Reforms to Fish & Game New Zealand are on the way. The changes will modernise and strengthen the organisation, as well as improve the management of hunting and fishing resources and advocacy, while maintaining local control. Legislation will be introduced this year, and the select committee will provide an opportunity to provide feedback on the proposals. Finally, it was great to see such a packed lineup of events come to Gore for the Bayleys Tussock Country Music Festival. The festival is a great example of our region leading the way in the country music scene.
