2025
Sanctuary Sounds
Music Festival
2025 Feature Artist
Kokoa Nashi is a six-piece band from Palmerston North pushing the boundaries of Aotearoa’s live music scene. Blending progressive rock, soul, jazz, and groove, their sound is both musically complex and emotionally charged — designed to move both heart and body.
2025 has been a breakthrough year for the group. After taking out Battle of the Bands NZ, Kokoa Nashi secured a tour in Japan and further cemented themselves as one of the most exciting emerging acts in the country. They’ve performed at major festivals including Twisted Frequency and Sound Valley, and have shared the stage with international touring artists.
What sets Kokoa Nashi apart is the chemistry of their six members —
Levi Lewis (vocals)
Jimi Afeaki (keys/guitar)
Ron Jones (bass)
Christian Perry (guitar)
Alex Debenham (guitar)
Daniel Ashcroft (drums)
Together they create a live experience that’s dynamic, soulful, and unforgettable. With an album in the works and their first international tour on the horizon, Kokoa Nashi is a band on the rise, bringing a fresh, powerful sound from Aotearoa to the world.
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2023 Feature Artist
Lost Tribe Aotearoa
“We have played some of the biggest festivals throughout the country and this would always stand out as one of our favourites.
The crowd is amazing, sound technicians on point and all-round vibes of the festival is amazing. We love the themes of the festivals and the diversity of the crowds from young to old and everything in between.”
- Lost Tribe Aotearoa
Sanctuary Sounds is a not-for-profit music festival showcasing an eclectic
mix of music from all over New Zealand and abroad. The 3 day festival is a true
grassroots experience, held on a rural property in Takapau, Central Hawkes Bay,
where you will find yourself immersed in music, art, food and friendship!
Sanctuary Sounds 2020
Video courtesy of
www.regenerationproductions.org
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Music: Lost Tribe Aotearoa - Stick Together
When and Where
Sanctuary Sounds annual festival takes place the first full weekend in December.
5 - 7 December 2025
What To Expect
Culture
Sanctuary Sounds is an inclusive gathering of friends that share a love of music and community.
We love to party!
With your help, we create a party like no other, fuelled by kindness, generosity, and good ol'fashion fun!
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Theme
We are known for our yearly theme that helps set the scene and gives us all the opportunity to party in costume. We encourage everyone to come with at least one costume and also have fun at your campsite by decorating your space and immersing yourself in the weekend!
Camping
We have enough camping space for everyone! Top Paddock camping is reserved for long wheel base caravans. All others are stationed in the Back paddock. Cars and tents are in the back paddock.
Zero Waste
We are proud of the land we inhabit and want to care for it as much as we do each other. Please bring what you need and take away what you bring.
Kids
Don't hesitate to bring the kiddies along! They will love the relaxed vibe and freedom to explore the land. Kids 13 and younger are FREE!
Food
There is plenty of food available from multiple food trucks. Always something for everyone! Feel free to bring extra bits and pieces for your campsite, but please patron the food trucks that help make our community.
Stalls
Need a break from front of stage, take a wander to the stall area. You'll find artists, tarot readers, massage therapists and heaps more!
No BYO
We endeavour to keep our bar prices as affordable as possible. You won't find the usual festival prices here, just mates rates!
Please do not bring
your own booze into
the festival area.
Get Involved!
We are always looking for yummy food trucks to provide food over the weekend.
If you have a food truck,
tell us about it!
There is plenty of space to show and sell your wares!
Let us know what you
specialise in!
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Performer Expressions
of Interest
