Brent Courtney
Dub in the Valley is an outdoor reggae soundsystem gathering held at the historic Kauaeranga Valley Hall, Thames, to celebrate Waitangi Day and Bob Marley’s Birthday!
Set on the edge of the Coromandel Forest Park, this relaxed community event celebrates the spirit of Waitangi Day, and Bob Marley’s birthday, through an afternoon of roots reggae and dub. Dub in the Valley is designed as a space where the community can come together – grounded in their love of reggae music.
Central to the experience is the Reggae Rodeo Soundsystem, a custom-built and authentic Jamaican soundsystem designed for depth, warmth, and a bubbling atmosphere. At its heart is a one-of-a-kind reggae preamp, designed and built in Matamata by Ekadek Electronics. Fully transistor-driven and tuned specifically for reggae and dub, it delivers the rich, heavy sound the culture is known for.
The Reggae Rodeo speaker stack features six 18-inch sub-bass speakers, eight 15-inch mid-range speakers, four one-inch horns, and four bullet tweeters, all powered by Yorkville amplifiers. Together, they create a full-spectrum, immersive soundsystem experience in a natural outdoor setting.
Providing the soundtrack throughout the day are respected reggae vinyl selectors Undercover (Auckland / Thames), Red Robin (Raglan / Auckland) Empress Naima (Auckland / Coromandel), and Misteek (Wellington / Thames), alongside a live dub and MC set from Burning Soundz (Auckland). Expect a journey through roots, dub, and deeper reggae selections as the sun moves across the valley.
Alongside the music, respected artist Naomi Azoulay aka Empress Naima will be exhibiting a selection of her artworks inside the hall. Known for her collage, portrait, and mixed-media works, Naomi’s art explores identity, culture, and creative freedom, adding a visual layer to the soundsystem experience.
Dub in the Valley runs from noon until 9pm and is intentionally laid back. Bring a picnic, blanket, water bottle, sunscreen, some refreshments, and your dancing shoes, although barefoot on the grass is encouraged. Attendees can bring their own kai, and there will be a limited selection of food and drinks available – so bring some cash. There are no alcohol sales onsite, keeping the day family friendly and focused on connection.
Located just 10 minutes from Thames township and around 90 minutes from Auckland, the Kauaeranga Valley is an easy day trip or a longer weekend escape. For those wanting to stay on, there are several DOC campsites a short distance up the valley, alongside river swims, birdsong, and bush walks, including the popular Pinnacles Track.
This is a gold coin, non-profit community event, with proceeds going to the Aotearoa Sounds for Jamaica Hurricane Relief Fund. Dub in the Valley is made possible through a local grant from Creative Coromandel and the generosity of local volunteers, DJs and artists.
At its heart, Dub in the Valley is about unity, coming together on Waitangi Day to share reggae music under the sun, in good company.
