Covid cancellations

Covid-19 restrictions have forced the cancellation of the Southland A&P Show, for the first time since World War II. It was due to be held on March 6.

‘‘At this stage the home industries section, beef herdsperson and dairy showmanship will be held on an alternative date and place once alert level 2 restrictions are lifted. There may also be a chance for showjumping to be held at a later date,’’ the association says.

It will still go ahead with its major fundraising raffle for the Southland Charity Hospital.

Yesterday the planned Relay for Life in Invercargill was quickly cancelled and further cancellations and postponements followed over the rest of the day.

The Golden Shears in Masterton was cancelled which was devastating for Southland shearers Nathan Stratford and Leon Samuels who both had a genuine chance of becoming the first Golden Shears Open champion from the South Island since Edsel Forde in 1989.

The Macpac Motatapu 2021 event has been cancelled.

The owners behind the event said the competitors were their top priority and their health and wellbeing had been the number one factor in this decision.

‘‘We realise that this decision will affect all our athletes who have put in countless hours’ training and appreciate and share their disappointment,’’ they said.

To postpone the event was not financially viable.

The Otago Goldfields Cavalcade is still going ahead but the trails only. The major parade and hoedown planned for Twizel (the final destination and host town) had to be cancelled.

Traditionally the host town is where all the various horse riding, wagon, bike, running and walking trails converge.