.
Porter said the Taranaki Arts Festival Trust (TAFT) – which had produced WOMAD in Taranaki since 2003 – had “always been known for taking a risk and having a go at things” and WOMAD Aotearoa 2027 would be no different.
“We have just have negotiated a new contract with WOMAD International the UK and taking that year off has allowed us to sort of, you know, take time to think about how we’re going to do things. And yeah, we’re prepared to have another shot at it.
“It’s been a few weeks in the negotiating phase, but yeah, it’s been fantastic. So yes, it’s exciting to be able to say that WOMAD 27 will be back.”
Synonymous with global music, arts and cultural exchange, WOMAD Aotearoa welcomed thousands of visitors to Taranaki each year to celebrate creativity, diversity and connection in one of the country’s most unique festival settings.
Porter said WOMAD Aotearoa would return with a clarity of vision confidence and ambition.
“WOMAD Aotearoa has always stood for quality, inclusively and meaningful cultural exchange. When we return in 2027, it will be with fresh energy, renewed focus and a festival experience that stays true to what people love about WOMAD.”
Tickets for WOMAD 2027 will go on sale in July to give festivalgoers plenty of time to plan their visit to Pukekura Park and the Bowl of Brooklands.
Porter said it was hoped to keep tickets for the entire three-day event at about the $400 mark.
WOMAD International chief operating officer Mike Large, said WOMAD Aotearoa continued to be a very important member of the global WOMAD family.
“For more than two decades, WOMAD Aotearoa has been a hugely significant event in the WOMAD calendar. Its return in 2027 reflects the strength and values of the festival and the passion and energy of the community that supports it.”
Porter said TAFT was currently seeking a Festival Director for WOMAD Aotearoa, signalling a new opportunity to bring fresh thinking, strategic leadership and creative vision to the festival.
The role would play a key part in shaping WOMAD Aotearoa’s future direction while honouring its legacy as one of the country’s most significant cultural events.
Since relocating to Taranaki, WOMAD Aotearoa had generated an estimated $190 million in economic benefit for the region, according to independent assessment by BERL.
New Plymouth mayor Max Brough said although he had never attended the festival, he recognised it was a cornerstone event for Taranaki and a drawcard for visitors from across Aotearoa and overseas.
“Well, look, I’ve never been a participant. We actually live close enough to hear most of that stuff and it’s not my thing, but I’m really excited that people that really buy into that can, and that we can bring that back again as a city and it’s really good for the district and our economy. It’s good news all round, really.
The district council had previously underwritten the festival and Brough praised local negotiators who had managed to pull off the festival’s return without calling on the NPDC for financial stake.
“I’ve got to take my hat off to the people that are involved with renegotiating the contract for TAFT and WOMAD. They did an outstanding job and the ratepayer is no longer required to underwrite it.”
The economic benefit to the wider region was not lost on Porter either.
“I mean, it’s just quite dire out there in the hospitality sector. They’re really not looking forward to not having that money coming in [this year] just before they get into the tight months of winter. I think there’ll be a lot of celebrations in the accommodation, hospitality sector.
“We’ve had some bad news over the last few years in old Taranaki, but I think with the LNG announcement and with us still being here we want the New Plymouth and Taranaki to be known as the place to go for great events.”
Further details about WOMAD Aotearoa 2027, including programming and key announcements, would be shared over the coming months on its social channels.
