Another two local events have announced they cannot go ahead under the red traffic light setting. 

Macpac Motatapu organisers have now cancelled the 2022 event, which was due to take place on March 5, while the Wānaka A&P Show organisers say if the traffic light setting remains at red the event cannot go ahead.

“We know you are patiently waiting to hear what ‘red’ means for Wanaka A&P Show, however the best and honest answer we can give right now is that we cannot run the event under the red light status,” Wānaka A&P Show event manager Jane Stalker said.

“Under the red setting, the Wanaka A&P Show cannot proceed, however if the status changes to orange, the board will re-evaluate the situation.”

The Wanaka A&P Show is one of New Zealand’s largest agricultural and pastoral events, attracting around 40,000 people each year. It is scheduled to take place March 11 and 12. 

“We are so sorry we cannot give you a definitive answer at this time, but we feel we owe it to our show, and to you our loyal volunteers and supporters, to try and find a way before we make a final call,” Jane said. 

A further update would be provided on February 14, she said.

Macpac Motatapu race co-owner Craig Gallagher said the team looked forward to creating an “epic” 2023 event after making the decision to pull the plug on this year’s event.

The Macpac Motatapu, an annual off-road sporting event, has been cancelled.

He said the team had been doing their due diligence since the country moved to the red traffic light setting to try to deliver the event but found it was not possible.

“We know we have such an amazing and committed athlete whānau and we really went down every avenue to give people the opportunity to participate in the Macpac Motatapu,” Craig said.

“But the sheer volume of competitors we have moving through the valley makes it impossible for us to prevent convergence of 100 person pods and the potential spread of Covid-19 amongst our athletes.” 

The Macpac Motatapu attracts up to 4,000 participants and traverses Motatapu, Soho and Glencoe stations, accessing high country terrain only available to the public one day a year for the event.

“Our competitors and volunteers are our top priority and their health and wellbeing have been the number one factor in our decision making,” Craig said.

“These risks to our competitors, volunteers and staff, alongside the potential impact on our frontline workers in the region and the health of our community led us to make this sad decision.”

Other events including Aspiring Conversations, Warbirds over Wānaka, Challenge Wānaka and the Contact Epic have also been cancelled since the country entered the red traffic light setting.

PHOTO: Supplied