Ōtepoti Youth Music Community Announces ‘Rock The Vote’

17 August 2026

Ōtepoti’s vibrant youth music community is stepping up to tackle a growing national concern: low youth voter enrolment and disengagement among young New Zealanders. In response, local rangatahi musicians have united to create Rock The Vote, an all‑day outdoor music festival designed to energise, empower, and remind young people that their vote counts and their voice matters.

Rock The Vote will take place Saturday, 3 October at Southern Lights Yard, Dunedin, with gates opening at 12.15pm.

A Massive Lineup of Ōtepoti Talent

The festival features an impressive roster of emerging artists who have been driving the all‑ages music scene forward:

Bunchy’s Big Score, Coward, Deaf Raccoon, Dolly Possum, Grace Gemmell, Motheaten, Rheumy, Seek Help!, Sivle Talk, Sogg, Strap, Talking Furniture, The Pink Opaque, U‑No Juno, Vagina Dry + DJ Selectors

DJ Selectors will perform between acts, as well as at the beginning (from 12.15pm) and end of the show (8.30pm). Live music runs 1pm – 8pm.

The event will also include on‑site voter enrolment and a pair of notable political speakers, encouraging attendees to take action on the day.

A Gift to the Community

The festival is made possible through the generosity of Southern Lights and DUN Records, who are gifting full production, staging, crew, and the venue itself.

Natasha Griffiths of DUN Records explains how the event came to life:

“Michael Cracroft from Southern Lights approached me and said that for his significant birthday, he wanted to give back to the incredible all‑ages music scene. He offered the Southern Lights yard and everything needed for the artists to put on an outdoor music fest with space for a big audience. The criteria was simple: the bands are rangatahi who have been contributing heavily to the all‑ages scene.

The musicians were offered the opportunity to design the show, and the idea for Rock The Vote came up quickly.

Another important aspect is the accessible ticket pricing. Michael said from the start that 100% of ticket income would go to the musicians. The community is keeping ticketing as low as possible so everyone can come along – they aren’t expecting to make money from this.

This is a chance to support artists directly. None of these performers are receiving financial support from music industry grants, government grants, or local council investment. At the ticket site there is also a donation button where – if you’re able – you can donate as you buy your ticket, and that will go straight to the musicians. Everyone performing has an important project happening. This community is once again working hard to fight for another important cause.”

Tickets & Transport

Tickets are available now via Humanitix. When booking, attendees can also reserve a seat on a free Iconic Tours bus.

Bus Schedule:

– 12pm – 1pm: Bus Hub → Southern Lights

– 8pm – 9pm: Southern Lights → Bus Hub Seats are free, but attendees must board the bus assigned to their ticket. Additional buses will be added based on demand.

Event Details

– All Ages / Alcohol‑Free
– Food trucks on site
– Free water available
– Attendees may bring their own food
– Bag checks will be conducted; alcohol will be confiscated

ROCK THE VOTE

Bunchy’s Big Score
Coward
Deaf Raccoon
Dolly Possum
Grace Gemmell
Motheaten
Rheumy
Seek Help!
Sivle Talk
Sogg
Strap
Talking Furniture
The Pink Opaque
U‑No Juno
Vagina Dry
+ DJ Selectors