A fundraiser has been started to save Neck of the Woods — and it’s over $15k in just five hours.
The fundraiser page on Give a Little was created by Nymph Ltd., “a group of artists & promoters who have a long standing working relationship” with the beloved Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland venue, whose owners announced its closure this week.
“For eleven years, Neck of the Woods has been a core pillar of Karangahape Road’s creative communities. They have provided a nurturing ground for countless musicians, bands, DJs, performers and collectives — always leading with integrity, manaakitanga and a genuine love for the communities they provide for,” Nymph Ltd. writes on the fundraiser page.
“Like a lot of music venues, Neck of the Woods has been struggling since Covid and this year has just gotten harder. Sold out shows don’t always mean a club is doing well, as they survive mostly on bar sales. In the midst of a cost of living crisis, and with a lack of funding for music venues, this business model is not working.”
As the group notes, Neck of the Woods’ “space and sound system are unmatched, but more than anything it is the people who work there.”
“The team at Neck of the Woods are some of the most kind, hard-working, funny, loving, nurturing people we have ever had the pleasure of working with. They have cultivated a space that bridges communities in Tāmaki Makaurau, Aotearoa and to the world,” they add.
According to the fundraiser page, Neck of the Woods owners think it will take $150k “to keep the doors open.”
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At the time of writing, the fundraiser is well on the way to meeting that target by next week’s scheduled closure.
“These funds will be broadly allocated toward final operational obligations, outstanding venue expenses, and wrapping up remaining contractor and staffing commitments incurred during this final trading period,” Nymph Ltd. explains.
If you’re able to, you can donate to the fundraiser here.
The Karangahape Road hotspot’s owners revealed the shock news that it was closing after 11 years in a social media statement on Thursday (June 18th).
“We have some heavy news to share. Like a lot of music venues, we’ve been struggling since Covid and this year has just gotten harder. We see sold out shows and think a club is doing well, but we live or die by our bar sales. That’s fine when the economy is up, but unsustainable in the current climate and as people are drinking and spending less,” the statement read.
“We’ve been fighting hard to stay open under ever increasing debt. We’ve tried everything but today we’ve had to face the hard truth that after 11 amazing years we’ve come to the end of our journey.”
Neck of the Woods today announced a ‘Last Call’ event, scheduled for tomorrow (June 21st). Halfqueen, Bbyfacekilla, Fox Glove, and DylanC will help see off the venue (for now) in style.
Entry to the event, which kicks off at 7pm and runs until 1am, is koha on the door, with proceeds going “to make sure our beautiful Neck of the Woods staff is taken care of.”
