Flooded Wairoa A&P Showgrounds results in Farming Expo being cancelled
The impact of Cyclone Gabrielle on Wairoa has been devastinging, resulting in the cancellation of the 2023 East Coast Farming Expo scheduled for next week.
The Wairoa A&P Showgrounds, where the event was to be held next Wednesday and Thursday, was badly hit, with water and silt ripping through buildings.
East Coast Farming Expo event manager Sue Wilson says: “It will take months to restore the grounds."
“After three challenging years, we were looking forward to delivering our very special event to farmers of the East Coast but it isn't to be. But now, we need to concentrate on making sure our local community is okay."
"Right now our focus is on those who need support. Gabrielle's path of destruction has destroyed some of our own team members’ homes and land.”
She asks for patience from stakeholders and exhibitors for the next week until communications are restored when we will be in contact.
The 2023 East Coast Farming Expo is a two-day mid-week gathering (February 22-23) for sheep and beef producers focusing on farming smarter. It’s held annually at the Wairoa A&P Showgrounds and includes exhibits, outdoor demonstrations and seminars. It’s a chance for farmers to talk one-on-one with industry innovators and leaders and has become a key go-to for the region’s farmers, as well as attracting some from further afield.
