Due to the recent community outbreak of COVID-19 Omicron and the move to a Red Light COVID protection framework across Aotearoa, it is with heavy hearts that we are announcing the cancellation of the February offering of Te Tairāwhiti Arts Festival. Having moved this once already, the further postponement of the event is not viable at this time.

We will continue to plan for our festival event later in 2022 and look forward to bringing the full might of our creative abundance in Tūranga-nui-ā-Kiwa and the great Te Tairāwhiti region. Our sincerest aroha goes out to all our artists, crew, suppliers, ticket holders and community who have backed and believed in us since the beginning.

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THE F WORD: Songs of Feminism in Country Music 

From Dolly to the (Dixie) Chicks, THE F WORD is the journey of feminism through song from the first #1 hit for a female country artist in 1952, through to today. 

Performed by award-winning Country artist Tami Neilson and her hot rocking band - with special guest, Jenny Mitchell - this rich songbook of country classics explores why songs of gender equality were banned from country radio faster than a dirty word! 

Country music is known as one of the most conservative musical genres, its radio DJs making or breaking an artist’s career, but, despite vehemently denying being feminist, high- profile female artists like Dolly Parton (whose “9 to 5” tackled sexual harassment in the workplace) and Loretta Lynn (whose “The Pill” celebrated the dawn of birth control), had songs banned by country radio that still soared to #1 and became feminist anthems. 

While THE F WORD is a musical concert experience, it’s also held together with humorous storytelling about the women behind the music. Dr Jada Watson, a Professor of Musicology - performed by Liv Tennet - opens the show and welcomes the audience to her “presentation” of Songs of Feminism in Country Music, peppering her shocking statistics and fun facts throughout. 

While delivering a tongue-in-cheek exposé of gender inequality in country music, THE F WORD is such a boots-up, barn-burner of a good time, y’all might just wanna come back now, ya hear! 

“Her powerhouse voice recalls 1950s stars such as Wanda Jackson and Patsy Cline” – The Guardian UK 

www.tamineilson.com @tamineilsonmusic 

Written by Tami Neilson and Dr Jada Watson. Research by Dr Jada Watson, SongData. Starring Liv Tennet as Dr Jada Watson. 

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Wheelchair seats must be reserved in advance, please ring 0508 iTICKET (484-253).

Please note there may be a lockout policy in place once the show starts, so please ensure you are on time.

Children under 5 - Children are aged 12 and under. All children must have a ticket regardless of age. Please note, only select shows have a child’s price.

COVID Protection Framework
By purchasing a ticket, you agree to comply with all NZ Government requirements related to COVID-19, including the presentation of a valid My Vaccine Pass.

Events will go ahead under the new traffic light system if Tairāwhiti is in Orange or Green.

To keep safe and comply with the restrictions, people will be required to show their My Vaccine Pass on entry to festival events and may also be asked for ID. Failure or refusal may result in cancellation of your ticket without refund.

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