The Shepherdess Muster

We are excited to announce that The Shepherdess Muster is coming back to Te Tairāwhiti, February 16-18, 2024 – with tickets on sale now!

Originally scheduled for February 2023, the event was unfortunately postponed due to Cyclone Gabrielle.

The festival will see a full program of creatives, speakers and artists from around Aotearoa descend on the tiny East Coast village of Motu (an hour from Gisborne) - for a weekend that will make you laugh until you cry and dance the night away.

The long weekend is an opportunity for women of all ages to engage in experiences daily life doesn’t always leave much time for, from arts to entrepreneurship, and provides a forum for open and frank discussions around often taboo subjects like menopause, sex and relationships.

Pick and choose from over twenty-five workshops on offer over five concurrent sessions, and sign-up to whatever takes your fancy. From making floral crowns, chats about menopause or youth, sex and porn, through to financial literacy and understanding HR.

Enjoy our speaker series across the weekend with interesting wāhine from across Aotearoa. From ‘Interruptions to Intimacy’, to ‘Let’s Talk about Menopause’, followed by a Business and Entrepreneurship Panel on Sunday morning where three women will discuss creating thriving business and work opportunities whilst living in provincial Aotearoa.

Be entertained by an array of talented performers - with comedy, and burlesque dancing. Dance the night away with live music both Friday and Saturday evenings.

Take time out to look after yourself – with beauty, health and wellness appointments available on-site. From eyebrow tints, to botox, pedicures and massage, to women’s health checks, wellness consultations and spot checks at the Melanoma NZ van.

Enjoy good food and good company. Coming together over good food is one of the highlights of the weekend – from canapes to sit down dinners. All food is provided from Friday arrival to Sunday lunch, and our caterers are experienced in crafting incredible dining experiences. Pick up a coffee from Wairoa’s Rose Haynes, at The Farm Shop coffee cart. Cash bar open both evenings.

Active relaxers can enjoy morning fitness sessions - with a selection of planned fitness activities to kick-start each morning, including a farm walk and hatha yoga.

Browse market stalls - with a curated collection of artisanal goods from local women-lead businesses.

BYO tent, horse float or caravan for free accommodation or take advantage of our set-up twin share tents - $200 per person for the two nights of the muster.

Grab your friends and enjoy three blissful days away with The Shepherdess Muster.

A limited release of 100 tickets are available on our website: www.shepherdessmuster.co.nz.