SPONSORS
Tussock Country is proud to partner with Air New Zealand, connecting festival-goers from across Aotearoa to the heart of New Zealand’s country music capital. This partnership strengthens regional tourism, supports local businesses, and makes it easier than ever for fans, artists, and industry to experience ten days of music, storytelling, and southern hospitality in Gore.
Together with Air New Zealand, we’re showcasing Southland’s unique culture and helping the festival continue to grow and soar.
For over 20 years Gore District Council has supported and contributed to district events. In 2018 the Council developed an event strategy that identified the opportunity for the country music events held over King’s Birthday weekend to become part of a collaborative New Zealand country music festival.
The Gore District Council is a major partner of Tussock Country – New Zealand’s Country Music Festival and continues to support the New Zealand Country Music Festival Trust with funding. The Trust is very grateful for the ongoing support.
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GWD Toyota has been fully committed to servicing southern motorists since 1906. If you’re seeking a new car, a used car, a fleet of vehicles, or even servicing and panel work you’ll find GWD Toyota an excellent company to do business with. They're locally owned and operated and the best providers of new and used vehicles in Invercargill, Southland and Central Otago.
In this age of gimmicks and promises, service is still a tradition at GWDs. GWDs are proud sponsors of the Tussock Country Ute Muster.
Community Trust South is a major contributor to Tussock Country Music Festival providing funding for a three-year period to assist with establishing the festival.
Community Trust South is the guardian of a community endowment of over $224 million and helps a wide range of groups and people in the south every year by distributing grants, scholarships and community loans.
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The New Zealand Country Music Festival Trust has enjoyed working with Community Trust South. Their financial support has made the development of Tussock Country - New Zealand’s Country Music Festival possible.
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iTicket is proud to be the official ticketing partner of Tussock Country, managing all festival event tickets since 2020. 100% Kiwi born and bred, iTicket has been bringing Aotearoa’s greatest live events to audiences since 2004.
Their expertise ensures a smooth, reliable ticketing experience, making it easy for fans to secure their spot at ten days of music, storytelling, and southern hospitality in Gore.
The Gore RSA has long been a supporter of Gore’s country music scene. The New Zealand Country Music Festival Trust is extremely grateful for the RSA’s contribution to partner with the Trust to produce street banners for Tussock Country.
During the Festival, the RSA provides country music entertainment and hosts auditions for the MLT NZ Gold Guitar Awards. The Gore RSA has a large membership that is proud of its Club and its facilities.
The Otago Daily Times is a newspaper published by Allied Press Ltd in Dunedin, New Zealand. The ODT is one of the country's four main daily newspapers, serving the southern South Island six days per week and 24/7 online at www.odt.co.nz. Allied Press is proud to be a media partner of Tussock Country.
Lottery Grants Board distributes the profits made from New Zealand state lotteries, such as Lotto and Instant Kiwi, for the benefit of New Zealand communities.
Lottery Community grants are available for not-for-profit organisations with a community or social service focus for ongoing operating costs or projects which help improve the quality of people’s lives in their communities.
iHeartCountry NZ is proud to be the radio partner of Tussock Country, bringing Aotearoa’s love of country music to the airwaves. As the home of country music on air, they celebrate both local and international artists, sharing the stories, songs, and spirit that define the genre.
Their support helps connect fans across New Zealand to the heart of the festival in Gore, keeping the music playing and the country community thriving all year round.
The NZ Herald is proud to be the official digital media partner for Tussock Country 2026. As one of New Zealand’s leading news platforms, they bring festival news, updates, and stories to audiences nationwide, helping fans stay connected to the excitement of ten days of music, storytelling, and southern hospitality in Gore.
Their partnership ensures Tussock Country’s events, artists, and experiences reach Kiwis across the country, strengthening the festival’s profile and celebrating the best of Aotearoa’s country music scene.
Tussock Country is proud to be sponsored by Tussock Creek, an iconic southern apparel brand and firm favourite in the wardrobes of New Zealanders who value comfort, durability, and timeless style. Specialists in premium moleskin trousers and jeans,
Tussock Creek has spent more than 25 years perfecting hard-wearing garments designed to last. Their commitment to quality fabrics and practical styles aligns perfectly with the rural, rugged spirit of our festival. We’re thrilled to partner with a brand that embodies true southern reliability and pride.
Good Tech Team is a valued partner of Tussock Country, providing comprehensive office technology solutions across Southland and Clutha. Specialising in multi-function printers, copiers, smartboards, and management software, they support businesses and schools of all sizes with efficient, cost-effective technology.
As the only locally owned and operated copier company in the region, Good Tech Team’s clients benefit from direct, accountable service and fast issue resolution. Their reliable, personalised approach makes them a trusted name in office and education solutions throughout the south.
Proactive HR is a Southland-based consultancy, helping businesses build HR systems that genuinely fit the way they work, and align people, processes and performance. We focus on practical improvements that lift capability, reduce friction, and support people to do their best.
With a passion for rural communities, Proactive HR is proud to support Tussock Country and help showcase a little of what makes rural Southland special.
SouthTech is a valued partner of Tussock Country, proudly celebrating 20 years in business. With offices in Winton and Te Anau, they provide trusted technology solutions for homes, businesses, and farms across Southland and Fiordland - including all the way to Milford Sound.
Their services span security camera systems, point-to-point wireless links, computer maintenance and repairs, and more. With two decades of experience and a commitment to local support, SouthTech continues to keep the south connected and running smoothly.
Whitestone Cheese is a proud partner of Tussock Country, bringing the flavour of the south to New Zealand’s biggest celebration of country music. Family-owned and based in Oamaru since 1987, Whitestone crafts award-winning artisan cheeses inspired by the region’s distinctive limestone - the “whitestone” that enriches local pastures and gives their products a unique character.
Using milk from local herds and traditional, additive-free methods, they create handcrafted cheeses enjoyed across Aotearoa and around the world. Their commitment to quality and regional pride makes them a perfect match for Tussock Country.
The New Zealand Merino Company is a world-leading supplier of ethical wool. Through our wool programmes ZQ and ZQRX, Kiwi growers’ quality fibre is marketed and sold directly to global brands and local legends alike including Icebreaker, Rodd & Gunn, Swanndri, Allbirds, and Bremworth.
With our certified wools exclusively available via forward contracts, growers and brands are protected from market volatility and can work together towards a superior product while having a better impact on the world.
Texel Air is a thriving cargo airline with a truly international footprint and a proud connection to Southland. Founded by John Chisholm—who grew up on a farm in Woodlands, near Invercargill—Texel Air began operations in Bahrain in 2014. The airline has since built a strong reputation across the Middle East, operating a modern fleet of Boeing 737 aircraft specially converted for freight.
Building on that success, John launched Texel Air Australasia in Auckland four years ago. Today, Texel is a family-run business with 11 aircraft flying routes across the Middle East and Australasia.
Texel Air’s remarkable growth is matched by its ongoing commitment to supporting the region it originally called home. John is passionate about giving back to Southland and contributing to the success of local exporters.
