A food vendor operating at Auckland’s Laneway 2026 festival has appealed to festivalgoers to come forward after a wave of online complaints alleging food poisoning linked to a Mexican food truck.
The call for contact follows social media posts from attendees who claim they became unwell after eating food from the SheppardsNZ food truck during the popular music event, which was held at Western Springs on February 5.
According to reporting by Poppy Clark from Stuff, several festivalgoers took to platforms such as Instagram and Facebook to describe severe gastrointestinal symptoms after consuming meals from the vendor. One woman wrote that she suffered from what she described as “the world’s worst diarrhoea,” adding that others she knew experienced similar symptoms after eating from the same truck.
Another attendee claimed she waited nearly an hour and a half for her order, only to spend the following day “fighting for your life with food poisoning.” The comments quickly gained traction online, prompting questions around food safety at large-scale festivals and the responsibilities of temporary food vendors.
When contacted by Stuff, SheppardsNZ acknowledged the complaints and said it was actively seeking to investigate the claims. The operator encouraged anyone who believed they may have fallen ill after eating their food to get in touch directly.
“Food safety is our number one priority,” a spokesperson for SheppardsNZ said. “We take the utmost care in food safety and our trucks adhere to the strict health guidelines for events.”
The spokesperson added that the business works exclusively with premium food wholesalers and that all ingredients are purchased fresh and cooked fresh on the day of service.
“We are currently looking into this situation and encourage anyone who may have been affected to get in touch so we can investigate it further,” they said.
Laneway Festival, one of New Zealand’s most high-profile annual music events, attracts thousands of attendees and features a wide range of food trucks alongside international and local music acts. With long queues and high demand, food vendors are required to meet strict council and event health regulations, including temperature control, hygiene standards, and food handling protocols.
At this stage, no official confirmation has been made by Auckland health authorities linking any reported illnesses directly to SheppardsNZ or any other vendor at the event. Food poisoning allegations can be complex to assess, as symptoms may appear hours or even days after consumption, and illnesses can sometimes be caused by factors unrelated to food eaten at a specific location.
Laneway 2026 itself was otherwise marked by strong performances and notable moments on stage. Among the headline acts was US pop star Chappell Roan, who addressed the crowd with an emotional message about the political climate in the United States.
Speaking candidly, Roan said she had not realised how frightened she felt in her home country until arriving in New Zealand.
“It’s tough in my country right now. It’s tough. It’s always been tough, but Jesus f…ing Christ,” she said.
She added that seeing pride flags and open support for LGBTQ+ communities across Auckland had been deeply moving.
“When I saw the pride flags here, I was just like, mum, I’m so scared in the United State but to be here and see so many businesses with pride flags, this is f…ing awesome,” Roan told the crowd.
“I’m just so grateful that this is a community that accepts and values queer people, so thank you for that.”
Despite the celebratory atmosphere and positive reception to the music, the food poisoning complaints have cast a shadow over parts of the festival experience for some attendees. Public health experts generally advise anyone experiencing symptoms such as severe diarrhoea, vomiting, fever, or dehydration after a public event to seek medical advice and report the illness to health authorities.
For food vendors, such complaints can carry serious implications, even when unproven. Investigations often involve reviewing food storage records, staff hygiene practices, supplier chains, and preparation methods to determine whether any breaches occurred.
As of now, SheppardsNZ says it remains committed to transparency and cooperation, stressing that it wants to hear directly from anyone who believes they were affected.
Call to action:
If you attended Laneway 2026 and believe you became unwell after eating from a food vendor, consider contacting the business directly or reporting your symptoms to local health authorities to help ensure food safety standards are upheld.
FAQs
Which food truck is linked to the complaints?
The complaints circulating online are related to the SheppardsNZ Mexican food truck.
Has food poisoning been officially confirmed?
No. As of now, there has been no official confirmation from health authorities linking illnesses to the food truck.
What is SheppardsNZ’s response?
The vendor has asked anyone who believes they were affected to contact them so the matter can be investigated.
Where was Laneway 2026 held?
The festival took place at Western Springs in Auckland on February 5, 2026.
What should I do if I experience symptoms after the festival?
Seek medical advice and consider reporting your illness to local health authorities or the food vendor involved.
