Code of Conduct

Welcome to our festival community! To ensure a safe, joyful, and memorable experience for everyone—kids, teens, and adults alike—please follow these guidelines throughout your stay. We live by the "don't be a dick" rule.

1. Respect for All

• Treat everyone with kindness and courtesy: This includes all festival-goers, staff, volunteers, performers, regardless of age, (dis)ability, ethnicity, gender (or gender identity), physical appearance, religion, or sexual orientation.

• Zero tolerance for unacceptable behavior: Harassment, bullying, discrimination, aggressive behavior, or actions/attitudes that exclude or make others feel unwelcome will not be tolerated.

• Use respectful language: Be mindful of families, children, and differing comfort levels.

• Respect performances: Keep noise and chatter to a minimum during concerts, especially around the bar and cafe area. 

2. Safety First

• Follow all instructions: Adhere to directions from festival staff, security, and emergency personnel.

• Keep areas clear: Ensure pathways and emergency exits remain clear at all times.

• Report issues immediately: Report unsafe behavior, lost children, or emergencies to staff or security.

• Fire safety is mandatory:

  • No open fires anywhere on the premises due to potential fire bans.

  • Follow all strict fire safety rules for approved stoves and smoking areas.

  • Use of the communal bonfire site is at the festival organisers' discretion.

3. Whānau-Friendly Environment

• Maintain appropriate behavior and attire: Ensure language and clothing are suitable for a family setting.

• Supervise children at all times: You are responsible for your children and those on your ticket.

  • Kids should be supervised near loud speakers, crowded spaces, and when moving through crowds (no pushing or unsafe behavior).

  • Accompany children to specific workshops; leaders are focused on activities, not individual supervision.
     

4. Alcohol and substances:

• Alcohol consumption is allowed in licensed, designated areas; please drink responsibly and legally (no providing to minors). The festival is licensed; no BYO is permitted.

• Illegal substances are prohibited.

5. Camping Guidelines & Noise

• Camp in designated areas only: Respect your neighbors' space.

• Keep noise considerate:

  • Respect quiet hours as posted by the festival and others' need for sleep in camping areas.

  • Late-night noise should be kept to a considerate level in family and quiet camping zones.

  • No car radios or boom-boxes at any time; make your own music in designated late-night areas.

  • Generators, amplified sound, and bright lights should be used responsibly and only during permitted hours.

• Vacate on time: Please vacate your campsite by 10 am on 3rd January.

• Pet owners: Pets must be kept in the specific camping area assigned at the gate and are not permitted in event areas.

6. Kaitiaki of the Land (Leave No Trace)

• Minimize your impact: The festival is committed to looking after the environment.

  • Think about what you bring to reduce packaging waste.

  • Bring refillable water bottles, keep-cups, and your own food containers.

• Manage waste properly: Dispose of all waste properly, use provided recycling and compost bins, and pack out what you pack in.

  • Keep your campsite clean and tidy; secure trash and food to avoid wildlife issues.

  • Take as much rubbish, especially bottles, cans, and plastics, away with you as you can.

• Protect grounds and facilities:

  • No damaging trees, wildlife, or facilities.

  • Water is a precious resource; conserve camp supply by keeping usage to a minimum.

  • Water stations are communal; keep them clean and accessible.

7. General Guidelines

• Keep areas safe: No climbing on structures, fencing, or stage equipment.

• Personal space: Respect personal space and keep dancing safe for those around you.

• Offers of help: Offers of help are always welcome, especially on pack-up day.

• Security of belongings: Keep valuable instruments and anything else locked in your vehicle when your campsite is unattended.

• Consequences: The festival organisers reserve the right to evict anyone whose behaviour is sufficiently disruptive or unsafe, or who is not wearing the appropriate wristband. You are responsible for your own behaviour. 

 

8. Commercial Photography & Filming Policy

Commercial photography, videography, or audio recording of any kind is strictly prohibited on the festival grounds without the prior written consent of the Festival Organiser. This includes, but is not limited to, photography or filming intended for sale, publication, promotion, advertising, or any other commercial use.

The Festival Organiser reserves the right to:

• Refuse entry to, or remove from the premises, any person engaging in unauthorised commercial photography or filming;

• Confiscate or require the deletion of unauthorised footage; and

• Take any other action deemed necessary to enforce this policy.

Personal, non-commercial photography and filming for private use is permitted, provided it does not interfere with the enjoyment, safety, or rights of performers, staff, artists, vendors, or other attendees.
 

9. Pets

• Pets must remain in the Rover Fields at all times.You may not bring them to other parts of the festival site.

• Owners are responsible for cleaning up after their animals.

• Do not leave pets unattended in cars or disturbing neighbours.

• Aggressive behaviour from pets will result in removal from the festival area.
   

10. Lost & Found / Child Safety

• Establish a meeting point with your family or group in case you are separated. 

• Lost items can be reported or retrieved at the festival Hub in the marquee.
  
   

11. Compliance & Community

• Festival staff may issue warnings or request removal of anyone violating these guidelines.

• By attending, you agree to uphold the community spirit that makes this festival safe, positive, and welcoming for all ages.