• WOMAD Aotearoa 2027 Volunteer Application

  • WOMAD volunteers are a big part of what makes the festival happen. From welcoming festival-goers to supporting artists, helping backstage, in Kidzone and across the site, there are plenty of ways to get involved.

    Whether you’ve volunteered with WOMAD Aotearoa before or this is your first time, we’d love to hear from you.

     

    Volunteer Application Process

    Application period from 9 September 2026 - 14 February 2027. Applications will be assessed on an ongoing basis. Application close date may change based on numbers of applications.

  • How does it work?

  • Volunteers receive one 3-Day Pass to WOMAD Aotearoa valued at $395, plus free camping if required.

     

    In return, WOMAD volunteers are expected to:

    • complete approximately 16 hours of volunteer work across their allocated shifts
    • attend a compulsory volunteer briefing before the festival
    • follow WOMAD Aotearoa volunteer policies and instructions
    • arrive on time and complete agreed shifts

     

    Roles and shift times vary. We’ll consider your preferences, past experience and availability when allocating roles, but cannot guarantee a particular role.

  • Ticket process for first timers 

  • First time volunteers are required to purchase a refundable ticket, which acts as a bond, refundable on completion of the required volunteer hours.

     The process:

    1.  You're accepted as a volunteer - Yay!
    2. A code is emailed to you with a link to purchase a Volunteer Ticket, which will cost $395, or $495 if you want to camp onsite in general camping.
    3. Follow the link to purchase your Volunteer Ticket. Only this special ticket type is able to be refunded later -- do not buy a general ticket.
    4. Festival period begins and you complete 16 hours of volunteer work.
    5. Your ticket price (face value) is refunded. Allow up to three weeks for the refund to be processed.

  • About you

  • Format: (000) 000-0000.
  • Are you under 18? (If you are under 18 we will allocate you to suitable roles)

  • Languages

  • Supporting you to volunteer

    This could include accessibility requirements, adjustments, physical considerations or the type of work environment that suits you best.

  • Camping

    Detailed camping information will be collected later
    • Volunteers are able to camp in a tent (bring your own) in the General Camping area for free. Your camping ticket will be refunded with your festival ticket. 
    • Motorhome camping is available to volunteers at a cost of $125 for 3 nights.
    • All spaces are limited. More information will be provided to successful applicants.
  • If you are accepted as a volunteer, are you likely to need festival camping?

  • Returning?

    Tell us about your experience volunteering with WOMAD
  • Have you volunteered at WOMAD Aotearoa before?
    • Previous experience 
    • Which year(s) did you volunteer?
    • Would you like to be considered for the same kind of role again?

  • Festival availability

    WOMAD needs volunteers before, during and after the festival.
    • Consider what would suit you, taking into account that you will need to be available for 16 hours of volunteer work across allocated shifts.
    • Some roles are particularly suited to people who are available locally during set-up and pack-out.
    • You'll have an opportunity to confirm your availablity later on if accepted as a volunteer. 
  • Set up: When are you available to work before the festival?
    Rows
  • Festival weekend: When are you available to work during the festival?
    Rows
  • Pack down: When are you available to work after the festival?
    Rows
  • Can you commit to at least 16 hours of volunteer work across your allocated shifts?

  • The roles

    Below is some information about the roles we need help with -- take a look! Then select three role preferences. We will do our best to place you in a role that you have selected.

  • Your role preferences

    Select three role preferences. We will do our best to place you in a role that you have selected.
  • If those roles aren't available, are you happy for us to consider you for another suitable role?
    • Kidzone Info 
    • If your allocated role requires Police Vetting or another child-safety check, are you willing to complete this? Actual vetting information is collected later only from volunteers who require it.
    • Pack-in & Pack-out 

    • Practical roles helping build, prepare and clear the festival site. These roles take place outside the festival weekend and may involve physical work.

      Possible roles:

      • Tent builders
      • Trellis pack-in / pack-out
      • Flag pack-in / pack-out
      • General crew / site hand
    • Site Operations 

    • Keeping the festival site running smoothly and helping festival-goers find what they need. Practical roles helping build, prepare and clear the festival site. Some of these roles take place outside the festival weekend and may involve physical work.

      Possible roles:

      • City Host
      • WOMAD Angel
      • Information Centre
      • Global Village
      • Tent / Stage Guardian
      • Accessibility / Mobility support
      • Campsite / parking
      • Site Operations support
    • Gate Services 

    • Welcoming festival-goers and supporting smooth entry, queues and campsite access.

      Possible roles:

      • Gate Services
      • Queue Host
      • Campsite Gate support
    • Artist & Backstage Support 

    • Helping artists and festival teams behind the scenes.

      Possible roles:

      • Ground Transport
      • Artist support / minder
      • Backstage support
      • Buggy driver
      • Artist signing / related support
    • Technical & Production 

    • Supporting festival stages and technical operations.

      Possible roles:

      • Stage Assistant / Stage Crew
      • Production support
      • Food / crew delivery
    • Kidzone 

    • Helping create a welcoming, creative and safe experience for children and whānau.

      Possible roles:

      • Kidzone Assistant
      • Arts / activity support

       Kidzone roles may require additional suitability checks and Police Vetting.

    • Retail & Hospitality 

    • Supporting festival retail, lounges and hosted areas.

      Possible roles:

      • WoStore / Retail
      • VIP / Corporate hosting
      • Artist Lounge 
    • Sustainability 

    • Helping WOMAD reduce waste and support good recycling and waste practices across the festival.

      Possible roles:

      • Zero Waste Assistant

  • Let's go!

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