Highlife Matakana Offers Promised 'Razzle Dazzle'

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There is something about a full moon. It brings out a rare energy in people. A primeval nature left over from our distant ancestors.

The full moon which fell on New Year's Eve 2009 made for a great party the 'Highlife' NYE Music Festival in Matakana.

What is usually a petting zoo at Matakana Country Estate was transformed into a standup venue that attracted a crowd of over 9000 revelers.

Headliners Sneaky Sound System (Aus) delivered the countdown as five different stages, ten international and fifty local artists offered a smorgasbord of music.

The crowd was an eclectic mix - and the event attempted to cater for that. A 'VIP' add-on gave people willing to spend a little more money access to a private bar and additional privileges.

Furthermore, the addition of "Flight Lounge" this time around offered helicopter transit to the event from Auckland.

For those looking for some more intelligent discourse – the Heineken R24 bar restricted entrance to those over the age of 24.

Throughout the day, the folks at Highlife Entertainment treated the crowd to some of that promised 'razzle dazzle'. Warplanes roared through the sky in the mid afternoon pulling off loops and dives. Later in the night, a spectacular fireworks display turned over the decade.

"It is about doing things differently" says Highlife Director and Owner Adam Bennett.

"That's what distinguishes us from other New Years Eve parties such as R&V and Coro Gold – we keep it fresh."

"We don't cut costs. We always go the extra mile. We look after the area that we do it in and we look after all of our people. That's what it is all about."

This was only the second time the event was held at Matakana – having previously been held at Stony Ridge Vineyard on Waiheke Island.

The venue has been locked in for the next three years. Although, the countdown to a full moon occurring on New Year's Eve again is much longer and people will have to wait until 2028.

A selection of images from the concert follow:

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War planes perform aerial acrobatics over Matakana

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The entrance to the event with vineyards in distance

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Sola Rosa perform on the main stage

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Sola Rosa, up front

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A DJ 'mixes it up' in the Canadian Club tent

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An older crowd enjoys Heineken's R24 Bar

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The VIP bar

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Huffer Girls pose for the camera man

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The Sol area

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Some party animals enjoy a bucket of Sol beer

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Crowd performers on stilts

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Party goers enjoy local band Tahuna Breaks at the front of the main stage

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ENDS

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