Festival Review: Vibes On Vine @ Vine Street, Whangārei – 8/02/2025

Vibes on Vine: A Triumphant Return of Street Festivals to Whangārei.

For the first time in over 15 years, the streets of Whangārei came alive with Vibes on Vine Festival, and what a homecoming it was! With perfect summer weather, a stellar lineup of local talent, and the iconic Black Seeds headlining, the festival delivered an unforgettable experience that had festival-goers reminiscing about the past and looking forward to a bright new era of events.

Community vibes were strong from the start. Accessibility and comfort were a priority, with the organizers and the community working together to create a welcoming space. No sooner did concerns about shade and access ramps surface online, than quick action was taken. Couches, bean bags, and shaded areas kept festival goers cool under the summer sun. Local businesses stepped up, with mobile bars serving Pal’s mixed drinks and slushies, and cafés, vendors, and takeaways extending their hours to keep everyone well-fed. Vine St Vinyl proudly showcased New Zealand music, while DJs Nick and Will kept the energy flowing between sets. Behind the scenes, waste management, first aid teams, and plenty of toilets ensured everything ran smoothly. But at the centre of it all? The stage—the true heartbeat of the festival.

MC Toast from More FM Northland kicked things off with a knowing chuckle—”In classic Whangārei fashion, we’re starting late.” But once the music began, the energy never dipped.

• Alofau opened the day with a set of originals in English and Te Reo. Her voice — light and jazzy — floated over acoustic guitar like Sade meets Anna Coddington.

• Ness took the stage next, funktified rhythms coursing through her Ibanez semi-acoustic. Her originals revealed a powerful, husky voice and pop sensibilities.

• Blind Eyes, a young up-and-coming Whangārei band, delivered tight, rock-reggae fusion with soaring classic rock inspired guitar solos. The sound of youthful, talented musos channeling the greats and preparing for bigger things.

• Kohia began their set with a goosebump-inducing mihi before settling into their laid-back reggae-rock vibe. Multiple vocalists harmonized beautifully, delivering crowd favourites and embodying the essence of a classic NZ street party.

• Osheen took things up a notch with an all-original set that could hold its own on any international festival stage. Think touches of early U2 meets Hozier — fresh, new, and utterly festival-ready.

• Illumingāti brought the ultimate party vibes, with a horn section and powerhouse vocals delivering a mix of funk, soul, pop, RnB, Waiata, and even gospel. Pure dance band energy with exceptional musicianship.

Otium, fondly dubbed “the people’s band”, delivered a masterclass in live performance. Their set was filled with playful energy, and unexpected twists—extended versions of fan favourites with rapped remixes, halftime breakdowns, and even metal-infused moments. Their new single “Hold The Line” was an instant crowd sing-along, while their cover of “Praise You” was a love letter to Whangārei.

By the time The Black Seeds hit the stage, the crowd was buzzing. The eight-piece band, complete with horns and percussion, delivered a flawless set of classic hits, including “Cool Me Down,” “So True,” and “Fire.” Their signature reggae-funk sound had everyone moving, while a politically charged medley of “Let’s Get Down” into “Send the Message” into “What We Need” served as a powerful moment of reflection. By the time they closed with “Take Me Home,” joined by their youngest whānau and a flurry of beach balls bouncing through the crowd, the night had cemented itself as a true festival milestone.

With top-tier production, a dynamic combination of local and national talent, community care, and a buzzing festival atmosphere, Vibes on Vine set the stage for what we hope is the revival of regular street festivals in Whangārei. If this was just the beginning, we can’t wait to see what’s next.

Photo Credit: Up Imagery
Images: The Black Seeds, Illumingati, Otium, The Black Seeds