One Love music festival cancelled, organisers cite economic climate

The country’s biggest reggae music festival is the latest gig to be cancelled, with organisers blaming tough economic conditions.

In a social media post on Tuesday night, Tauranga’s One Love Festival announced the event would not go ahead in 2026 after organisers “carefully reviewed several challenging situations”.

“With the cost-of-living crisis ongoing — and more than 80% of our audience travelling for two days — we know the strain this puts on household budgets. We hoped for a strong economic recovery heading into 2026, but that hasn’t happened,” the post read.

“Because of these factors, along with unforeseen developments behind the scenes, our team has had to make the heart-breaking decision to place One Love Festival on hold for 2026.”

An earlier post in August said the full lineup and festival dates would be announced in September, however, this didn’t happen.

The recent post said organisers had considered offering a one-day, scaled down version of the event, but ultimately decided against this.

“As we take this pause, please know that we are continuing to work diligently on what comes next.

“We look forward to seeing you all again in 2027.”

The post also referenced the festival’s previous owner.

“We also want to address recent conversations involving former owner, Pato Alvarez.

“Pato sold One Love Festival in 2022. As part of the sale, Pato had a number of obligations to complete under the contracted handover process. These were fully met and finalised. We want to reassure you all that he is not involved with One Love Festival in any capacity.”

Court documents show Alvarez was convicted in 2023 of two offences, indecent assault and attempted unlawful sexual connection, against an adult babysitter who was sleeping over at his accommodation.

The new owners of One Love bought the festival off him in 2021. Earlier this year, they applied to the Supreme Court for leave to appeal a decision around suppression, which ordered their names and four of their businesses could not be published.

They argued the High Court Judge “inexplicably” failed to extend the order to One Love, and said it would suffer through its connection to Alvarez.

However, the court declined the application in early September, saying “One Love was purchased despite knowing that Mr Alvarez-Riveros had been charged with sexual offences”.

In the cancellation announcement, organisers alluded to further changes planned for the business.

“We’re also navigating some important structural changes behind the scene, including upcoming shifts in ownership and directorship. While these transitions are significant, they’re all focused on restoring the festival’s legacy.

“What will never change is this: One Love has always been bigger than any single challenge, moment, or individual. This festival belongs to the community, to the artists, the fans, and everyone who keeps its spirit alive.”

RNZ has approached One Love Festival organisers for comment.

rnz.co.nz