Skip to main content
News

Taranaki swamp blues fever spreads with help from NPDC Creative Communities funding

News Featured news
PUBLISHED: 17 SEPT 2026
Share this article

The sound of Taranaki swamp blues could soon be getting a wider audience, thanks to funding from the NPDC-managed Creative Communities Scheme.

Taranaki band Courtnay & the Unholy Reverie were able to get a professional recording of a live performance at the start of their nationwide Hellbent Tour last month to promote their music and drum up future gigs.

The band, who recently signed to Kiwi label Allgood Absolute Alternative Records, received $1,200 from the Creative Communities scheme, which enabled them to put on a free live show in New Plymouth and create a professional recording of their “swamp blues, soul-rock fusion” music.

“For us, it’s really important that live music and the arts are accessible to everyone, regardless of whether they can afford a ticket,” said lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist Courtnay Low.

“Having the opportunity to create and share our music in this way, while bringing people together through a free community event, was incredibly valuable.
Support like this doesn’t just help artists create, it helps make sure our communities can continue to experience, connect with and benefit from the arts.”

Check out other videos by Courtnay & the Unholy Reverie on their website.

This year, NPDC has been teaming up with Creative Taranaki to support applicants in the funding process and help them in understanding the priorities and criteria, and a drop-in session will be held from 4.30 to 6pm on Wednesday 23 September at the Daily News Café in the Puke Ariki Library.

Creative Communities funding is open to applications from 19 September to 19 October.  Find out more at Creative Communities Scheme page on our website.

At a glance

  • The Creative Communities Scheme is a partnership between the government’s Creative New Zealand arts agency and councils to promote community involvement, diversity and young people participating in the arts.
  • The NPDC Creative Communities Scheme is distributing around $70,000 this year on behalf of Creative New Zealand to local artists and arts groups.
  • Last year the scheme helped 39 artists and arts groups.

Caption: Courtnay & the Unholy Reverie live on stage.

Subscribe to our new In Touch newsletter

Page last updated: 09:50am Thu 17 September 2026

Contact us
06 759 6060 enquiries@npdc.govt.nz
Visit us

84 Liardet Street
New Plymouth

Search
Find by A–Z
Navigate
Useful links
Our NPDC family
New Zealand Government logo