Thursday, 16 February 2023 16:18

East Coast Farming Expo cancelled

Written by Sudesh Kissun

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Wairoa Showgrounds, where the Expo was set to be held, is flooded in the wake of Cyclone Gabrielle.

The 2023 East Coast Farming Expo, scheduled for next week in Wairoa, has been cancelled.

Devstation caused by Cyclone Gabrielle has cut off the northern Hawke’s Bay town, with regional and local roading damaged.

In an email to exhibitors, Expo event manager Sue Wilson says the Wairoa A&P Showgrounds has been dissemated with water and silt ripping through buildings leaving total distruction.

With some buildings and fences destroyed it will take months to restore the grounds.

Wilson says after three challenging years, her team were looking forward to delivering the event next week for farmers on the east coast.

“But it isn’t to be, and we need to concentrate on making sure our local community are okay.

“Right now our focus is on those who need support, with some team member’s homes and land being destroyed in Gabrielle’s path of destruction.

“Stakeholders and exhibitors are asked to be patient for the next week until communication is restored, when we will be in contact.”

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