1814 to Headline New Whakatāne Reggae and Seafood Festival

Whakatāne will host a new reggae and seafood festival next summer, with organisers hoping the event will become an annual fixture for the Eastern Bay of Plenty.

The inaugural Redemption Roots Reggae Seafood Festival is scheduled for Saturday, February 13, 2027, at Mataatua Reserve.

New Zealand reggae band 1814 will headline the event, alongside Hori Shaw, Classick J, Brutha Rodz and Rio Hemopo of Trinity Roots, who will perform DJ sets between acts.

Festival founder Craig Murray, of Intrinsic Events, said the location was a major factor in bringing the event to Whakatāne.

Situated beside the Whakatāne River, close to where it meets the ocean, Mataatua Reserve offered a natural setting for an event combining roots reggae and seafood, he said.

“Summer, roots reggae, seafood, right by the coast. You can’t get more iconic than that,” Murray said.

He said support from Ngāti Awa and Whakatāne District Council had also helped make the location an appealing choice.

Organisers are planning a range of food vendors, with seafood a central focus alongside options such as pizza, burgers, chips and loaded fries. Sweet treats and ice cream will also be available.

A market area is planned, with stalls selling items including clothing, jewellery, hats and sunglasses.

Murray said the festival would also include cover bands performing familiar songs, with music from artists such as Bob Marley and LAB among the expected selections.

A dedicated whānau area is planned, while a separate area around the pōhutukawa trees will provide a more secure space for families.

The event will also have a VIP area with capacity for up to 200 people, featuring a dedicated marquee, additional seating and separate toilet facilities.

Murray said organisers wanted to keep the event accessible, with general admission tickets starting at $59. A group ticket for four people and a $200 whānau ticket covering a group of five will also be available.

Murray hopes to build the festival into an annual event that would attract visitors from around New Zealand while providing opportunities for local businesses.

The first year would focus on establishing the festival and its food offering, with plans to expand the seafood component in subsequent years.

“The second year, we’ll be elevating the seafood element and having seafood activations and things like that as well,” he said.

Local food truck operators and market stallholders interested in participating are being encouraged to contact organisers through the festival website.

Murray said the preference would be to give Whakatāne businesses the first opportunity to take part before approaching vendors in other areas.

Whakatāne District Council Team Leader Events Kim Fort said the festival aligned with the district’s aims of attracting visitors and supporting the local economy.

“Redemption reflects the type of event experience we want to see grow in Whakatāne, one that celebrates our place, attracts visitors, and contributes to a thriving local economy,” Fort said.

The festival will be held at Mataatua Reserve on Muriwai Drive on Saturday, 13 February 2027, from 2.00pm to 10.00pm.