At The Muster, our guiding values are community, connection and care. This event is here to bring women together from all walks of life – and we know that access matters. The ticket categories are our way of making the event as inclusive and sustainable as possible. They reflect where you live and who’s paying for your ticket, not what you get from the experience.

The Muster is a not-for-profit event, brought to life with aroha and many hands. We’re not looking to make money – just to cover the costs so this kaupapa can continue well down the track. And putting on an event like this – in a small, remote place like Tokanui – isn’t cheap. We’re bringing in all the infrastructure needed to run a three-day event for over 300 people – that means marquees, temporary kitchens, audio-visual gear, showers, loos and much more. And alongside that, we’re curating a brilliant lineup of speakers, artists and workshop hosts to bring energy, insight and inspiration to the weekend. It’s the kind of quality you might expect at any major event – but in the heart of rural Murihiku Southland. Yes, it would be easier – and cheaper – to hold it in a bigger centre. But being in a wee town like Tokanui is what gives The Muster its unique feel, and we’re determined to hold to our vision.

You’ll notice that ticket prices have increased a little since the prices were set for our last event. Like everything else right now, our costs have gone up – from freight and fuel to catering and infrastructure. Even so, each ticket remains heavily subsidised. The true cost per person is much higher than the price you pay, and it’s only through the generosity of our sponsors, funders and other supporters that we can keep the event as accessible as it is. If you were paying for each of the parts of the weekend separately, it would be far greater.

We’ve also introduced a new category this year: the  Kaumātua Ticket to make the event more accessible for those over 70.