Gathering faces competition

The Gathering, in Nelson, is New Zealand premier New Years dance event, but this year it faces competition.

Takaka man Richard Lochner is organising an event called the Vision Party. Rising ticket prices for the Gathering prompted Lochner to offer a cheaper alternative. The Vision party will be held in Hamama just 20 km from the Gathering’s Takaka site.

Organisers of the Gathering have criticised Lochner’s plans, calling it the Anti Gathering and say the region would not cope with both events. Murray Kingi Chief Executive of the Gathering said: “There’s room for many events in the area but not at that time.” Both events are expected to attract up to 20,000 to the Golden Bay are.

Lochner said the Vision Party is not competing with the Gathering, he just wants to offer a smaller, cheaper alternative. The Gathering is in its fifth year, attracts more than 10,000 people and this year tickets are $160. Tickets for the Vision Party will be $65 and 2000 tickets will go on sale next week, with a further 3000 available if needed.

Both events will start on December 31 with The Vision Party finishing on January 2 and the Gathering on January 3.

Mr Kingi said it is ludicrous to say the Vision Party was not competing with the Gathering. “It’s happening in the same time just 20 km away. It’s completely and utterly in competition”

Line-ups for the events have been announced yet, but the Gathering is planning to host up to 150 djs and performers. Similar details for the Vision Party have not been released yet.

By Rebecca Thomson

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