Bay of Plenty Reggae festival One Love have announced their 2026 cancellation earlier this week, citing the ongoing cost of living crisis and unforeseen behind-the-scenes developments as the reason why. Speculation around the cancellation continues to tie the festival's legacy to its previous promoter and founder, Pato Alvarez, following his sex offending conviction in 2023.

Producer Jasmine Gray spoke to musician and sound engineer Lora Thomson, about what the cancellation of the festival indicates for Aotearoa’s live music scene, and the accessibility of venues and touring circuits for musicians in Aotearoa.