Rhythm and Vines is committed to providing one of the world’s safest New Year destinations. The festival has a range of initiatives across the festival to ensure attendees have the tools available to reach out should they need help, advice or assistance during the event. We work with a range of charities and services such as LIFELINE, WHITE RIBBON, NZ DRUG FOUNDATION, ST JOHNS, MINISTRY OF HEALTH, NZ POLICE and more to ensure we have all the tools and trained personnel to deal with a range of situations.
NEED ASSISTANCE? TEXT 3960
Safety continues to be a massive focus for us this year at the 20th edition of Rhythm & Vines. We want all festy-goers to feel safe and enjoy their time at Waiohika Estate.
A text helpline was implemented in previous years to great success. When people needed assistance, they were able to reach out directly to our Operations team. We have Zoned Areas and signs around the Festival Site that will let our Operations Team know where you are and we will send the appropriate response teams to your location to assist. Please include as much detail as you can in your message.
THE HAVEN
We love to create spaces that are stimulating for all of the senses. However, we know this can sometimes get overwhelming. The Haven is our safe space area that is located next to St Johns and other medical services (REFER TO MAP). The Haven provides a relaxing sanctuary where trained staff are available for anyone that needs extra support or a quiet moment away. We want everyone to feel safe, so take care of each other. Visit The Haven or tell security if you notice something that doesn’t seem right.
ASK FOR ANGELA INITIATIVE
Our staff are here to support you. Ask any of our bar or security staff for Angela, if something is making you feel uncomfortable, they will help you get to a safespace discreetly.
HARASSMENT
Absolutely no forms of sexual harassment be it verbal or physical, nor any discriminatory act including homophobia, racism, transphobia, sexism or other activity that harms another will be tolerated at the festival.
If at any point you feel that you or others’ health or safety is threatened, you should contact the nearest security guard or Police Officer for assistance. Sexual harassment, bullying or any type of unwanted behaviour is not tolerated and will be dealt with appropriately.
DRUG CHECKING
While Rhythm and Vines does not condone drug use within the festival, we do support the common sense approach to drug safety at events in New Zealand. Drug checking is a proven, effective harm reduction tool that saves lives, by providing people with accurate information to make safer decisions. Drug checking equips you with the knowledge to stay safer and make informed decisions.
The NZ Drug Foundation will be setting up a space to check drugs at Rhythm and Vines this year. This area will be open from 11am – 6pm every day of the festival, Dec 29 – 31, and can be found next to The Haven. Drug checking is free, legal and confidential.
DISCLAIMER: Rhythm & Vines does not condone the use of drugs. Drug enforcement laws are as applicable onsite as anywhere else in New Zealand and it is, therefore, illegal to buy, sell or possess drugs. All drugs are potentially dangerous, there are no harmless drugs. The only way to avoid risks is to not take drugs at all
SICKNESS OR INJURY
AT THE FESTIVAL
Injured, sick or need a RAT test? Head to the St Johns Tent (refer to Map). Text 3960 for assistance.
OUTSIDE THE FESTIVAL
In an emergency dial 111.
For serious injuries or sickness, go to the Emergency Department at Gisborne Hospital located at 421 Ormond Road. Remember to keep ED for emergencies only.
If you have to see a doctor but are not registered with a local GP you can make an appointment with Three Rivers Medical Centre. Call 0508 3RIVERS.
For free 24/7 medical advice you can contact Healthline on 0800 611 116.
GISBORNE HOSPITAL - 06 8690500
THREE RIVERS MEDICAL - 06 867 7411
EMERGENCY DENTIST - 06 929 1614
FAMILY PLANNING - 06 867 1864
COVID
If you get cold, flu or COVID-19 symptoms take a RAT test immediately. Don’t wait until you get home. If you test positive for COVID-19 while on holiday, you will either need to isolate where you are, make plans to isolate elsewhere or to return directly to your home by private transport. If you or the people you are travelling with can drive home in a private or work vehicle, you will need to make as few stops as possible. You need to plan:
- your way home
- how you would get fuel — you should only stop at a contactless petrol station
- supplies for the journey home to reduce the number of stops you make.
- You must not use public transport or do any long-distance road travel that requires an overnight stay or travel between islands.
Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. Be sunsmart; Slip, Slop, Slap and Wrap.
DOWNLOAD THE MOBILE APP
Lastly, download the mobile app. We will be sending out any important safety messaging via push notifications. Make sure when you download the app you allow push notifications to stay up to date.