Tickets are on sale now to The Shepherdess Muster – a three day festival for rural and regional wāhine to relax, create and have a laugh with friends which takes place 17th -19th February, 2023 in Motu, Te Tairāwhiti.
“Set in Motu village, an hour from Gisborne, the event is a chance for women to get away from it all and concentrate on themselves for three days,” says Kristy McGregor, founder of the inaugural event.
The Shepherdess Muster will have a relaxing retreat feel with a festival vibe, and the programme works like a menu of activities where you can pick and choose which workshops, speakers, beauty therapists or health services you’d like to attend each day.
Kristy explains the programme is designed to give women a chance to have a go at something they don’t usually have time for, to use their hands to create, get a massage and simply enjoy having delicious food made for them for three days.
“The aim of the event is for festival goers to leave feeling refreshed, energised with a new stash of tools in the toolbox to take on life’s challenges,” says Kristy.
Farmer Trudy Hales from Weber, will MC the event and much-loved New Zealand comedian Michelle A’Court will be part of the entertainment line-up as well as L’Amour – a burlesque studio based in Wellington. Local artist and weaver Fiona Collis is confirmed to lead a workshop in working with harakeke and talented mural artist Kelly Spencer will be live painting a large-scale mural throughout The Muster.
Other programme highlights include well-known New Zealand sex therapist Jo Robertson, who will speak at the festival on all things sex, love and relationships.
Additional workshops, live music and a series of speakers are set to be announced soon plus market stalls, beauty providers and health services.
General attendee tickets are $449 per person and include delicious food throughout the three days, entertainment and workshops. There will be a cash bar onsite, and accommodation is BYO tent, camper van or horse float. There is also a set up tented accommodation option for $200 per person, twin share.
If you’re a Te Tairāwhiti, Wairoa or Ōpōtiki local, you have access to a special ticket price of $349 per person and corporate tickets are $649 per person.
What to expect at The Shepherdess Muster
- Friday night sees an official welcome of all festival goers, plus cocktails and canapés, a stand-up comedy show with Michele A’Court, live music, and – for those who’ve danced the night away – a late supper.
- Saturday starts with a light walk or workout and breakfast together before their keynote speaker takes to the stage.
- Then head off to a workshop of choice for the morning. Lunch brings everyone together again for a sit down meal and a speaker before everyone heads back to workshops, any scheduled beauty appointments, a drink at the bar or to browse the market stalls. Everyone comes together for a sit down, plated dinner and evening entertainment.
- After breakfast on Sunday morning, a panel on entrepreneurship will take place, followed by workshops and an early lunch before heading off home, refreshed and energised.
The event has also been embraced by the local community who have come together to support the inaugural event including Trust Tairāwhiti and Lottery Bay of Plenty Gisborne Community Grants.
National organisations from across the rural sector have come on board to support this much needed community event, including Platinum sponsors, The Agricultural and Marketing Research and Development Trust (AGMARDT), Rabobank and the Ministry for Primary Industries and Gold Sponsor, Beef + Lamb NZ.
ALL tickets are available now at www.shepherdessmuster.co.nz and you can follow @theshepherdessmuster on Instagram and Facebook for festival updates.
