Barnes said it’s been an “emotional and stressful” few months for the community and more rain is almost the icing on the cake. She especially felt for all the stall holders that committed to the event.
“This isn’t what I needed. We’d hoped for a nice sunny day and lots of people out shopping, but it’s just not going to happen,” said Barnes.
Harvest Hawke’s Bay, however, which is being held on Tuki Tuki Rd, near Havelock North, is in a zone with a heavy rain watch rather than a warning and is “absolutely” going ahead.
“We’re very much advising all our festival-goers to dress accordingly and we’re just in the process of having our fabulous, flagship 40-metre marquee put down the centre of the site, so there will be plenty of shelter,” Pollock said.
“We’re very excited, it’s been a long time coming and we’re committed as are all our exhibitors. It’s going to be great wine, great food, lots of shelter, great music, great day.
“People are welcome to bring handheld brollies and a sensible shoe but, as someone said to me the other day, good times are not weather dependent.”
Pollock said she’s hopeful Havelock North will be spared the worst of any rain, with MetService forecasting the Wairoa district will be hardest hit.
It said 130mm to 180mm of rain could accumulate during the orange warning period, potentially causing streams and rivers to rise rapidly. Surface flooding and slips are also possible, with drivers advised the conditions could be hazardous.
Hamish Bidwell joined Hawke’s Bay Today in 2022 and works out of the Hastings newsroom.
