Dunedin Music Festival: Local Bands Play for Voter Turnout

Dunedin music organizers spent their own funds to build a professional stage in an industrial parking lot, aiming to boost voter registration among young adults. The event, held on October 3, featured 15 local bands and a voting booth, with all profits going directly to the performers.

Natasha Griffiths of DUN Records co-organized the festival. She stated that the local music scene is underfunded and that youth enrollment remains low. Her goal was to create a safe third space for young people and remind them that their votes matter. The production was provided free of charge by Southern Lights and DUN Records.

The lineup included Motheaten, Coward!, the pink opaque, Grace Gemmell, and Deaf Raccoon. Bands played continuously from noon until 8 p.m. The event was broadcast by Retrospect Entertainment, which livestreamed the performances on YouTube. Craig Daniels of Campus Watch conducted interviews between sets for the digital audience.

Political candidates from the Dunedin electorate attended the event. Victor Billot of the Alliance, Francisco Hernandez of the Greens, and Rachel Brooking of Labour were present on the grounds. Hernandez noted that young people often feel ignored by the current government but are engaged by specific politicians. Brooking added that some right-wing politicians are actively trying to disenfranchise youth as the October 25 enrollment deadline approached.

Musicians at the event described the gathering as a political act. Zac of the pink opaque said the showcase provided an opportunity to see the local scene in a format similar to larger festivals in better-funded regions. Tane of Sivle Talk stated that art is inherently political and that the community is united by shared financial struggles. Both artists drew parallels to past punk movements that protested against political systems.

The crowd included several hundred supporters, many of whom received bumper stickers after confirming their enrollment status. A large Palestine flag was visible on site. One minor technical issue occurred when the band Bunchy’s Big Score caused a generator failure. The event concluded with the livestream remaining available for those who missed the in-person show.