Kount Five Plus TwoPop culture in retro Taranaki 1966-1983

Step into retro Taranaki and discover Stratford’s own, Kount Five Plus Two, the iconic covers band of the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s. Puke Ariki Museum’s newest exhibition Kount Five Plus Two: Pop Culture in Retro Taranaki 1966-1983 invites you to hit rewind this summer and take a nostalgic ride through the local music scene in this pop culture extravaganza!

Originally from Stratford, Kount Five Plus Two were an iconic Taranaki covers dance band, playing regular dances, cabarets and at hotels. With five men and two women, the band played regular nights at the Westown Motor Hotel.

Starting out in the mid-1960s and continuing for 17 years meant the band played through a period of social change in New Zealand. The new generation was questioning the status quo and challenging established ideals. But it was also a time where music and entertainment were greatly valued, and Kount Five Plus Two was one of the many outstanding Taranaki bands that filled that spot. Only Terry, John and Marty played for the full 17 years. Glennis Edwards took over from Jenny and then Kevin Olsen took over from Joe on keyboards. Chrissy Te Kahu replaced Sharon and finally Grant Campbell took over on drums in 1979.

Follow Kount Five Plus Two as they started out playing country dances in the 1960s, a regular Saturday night staple back in the day. Through to when they backed famous celebrities of the era like Ray Columbus, and continued performing all over the region, from the Ōpunake Mardi Gras to the Bowl of Brooklands in the 1970s. They had a taste of the 1980s as the band finished up their hay-day throughout their regular Hotel spots.

At this exhibition you can explore what was big on the radio, try on the retro clothes, or break out your dance moves for the light up floor! If you remember the good ol’ days, were a regular at the country dances or the Westown Motor Hotel, be sure to bring the family along to share in the laughs and nostalgia as you explore your memories with the whole whānau!