Hawke's Bay Farmers' Market to stay open, with strict restrictions but cancellations continue across region

The Hawke's Bay Farmers Market is set to be stripped right back as many acts and events are cut but the market is set to continue. Photo / Ian Cooper

The famous Hawke's Bay Farmers' Market in Hastings will continue to operate, but organisers plan to put strict rules in place due to Covid-19.

The government announced this afternoon a ban on mass gatherings of more than 100 people for indoor events.

This follows Monday's announcement banning public events and mass gatherings over 500 people.

Market spokeswoman Emma Glover said organisers strongly believed the market was an "essential service" and therefore at this stage it will continue to operate on Sunday morning at A&P Showgrounds. The Napier Urban Farmers' Market will continue to operate on Saturday morning in Clive Square.

"The market firmly believe that the customers need access to fresh, healthy, locally produced food and ask that the community support our local farmers and artisan food producers, many of whose livelihoods depend on their weekly trading at the market."

"We are keeping in line with government restrictions and will manage our markets in line with their guide," Market Chairperson Kay Pratt said.

Others are playing it safe as Splash Planet closed its doors for the rest of the season on Thursday.

Council chief executive Nigel Bickle said the decision to close early was in response to the fast-changing situation with Covid-19.

"At this point all other council facilities are operating as usual but council is keeping a close watch on developments and is prepared to be responsive should the Government's advice change, at which time immediate steps would be taken and the community informed."

Glover said the circumstances and public health guidance surrounding safe health practice in relation to Covid-19 is changing frequently.

HBFM is monitoring public information and will communicate with customers via the newsletter (ie, email), its website and social media channels if there are any changes.

There will be changes at the market for the foreseeable future, which are:

• No tastings of any kind.

• No seating or tables.

• No buskers or colouring corner

• No keep cups

• They will be monitoring numbers at the market.

• Customers will be encouraged to flow through the market maintaining social distance.

• Families and friends are asked to have just one member coming to the market to shop.

• Customers who are unwell or at risk must stay away from the market.

On Sunday mornings, to assist with limiting the number of people in the market to below 400, carparking will only be through Gate 3 on Kenilworth Rd - from there you will receive further instructions.

People will queue for the market in their cars.

They ask that people act responsibly and use common sense to reduce risk.

While the farmers' market will continue, cancellations and postponed events carry on through out the region as Henare O'Keefe announced that Wednesday night was their last session at the Flaxmere Boxing Academy until further notice, along with the postponement of Te Rangatahi Court.

"It wasn't a decision we made lightly," O'Keefe said.

"We thought long and hard about it, as we did the cancellation of the launch of the Te Rangatahi Court."

He said it is just not worth the risk during this time.

"We'll tough it out here in Flaxmere as we've always done."

All Anzac Day services in Hawke's Bay and nationwide have also been cancelled.

The Royal New Zealand Returned and Services Association announced on Thursday the cancellations as well as postponing the national poppy appeal.

For one of the few times in its 112-year-old history, the Committee of the Napier Performing Arts Competitions Society (NPACS) has decided to cancel the Hawke's Bay Easter Festival, also known as "The Easter Comps", which has become something of a local institution.

"Given that some 222 children and young people were due to compete in dance, instrumental and vocal classes during the five-day festival, including the prestigious Operatunity Hawke's Bay Aria, together with the fact that the audience usually comprises many older people, it seemed the responsible response to the current situation," said Heather Kelland, NPACS president.

"While the wellbeing and welfare of our competitors, supporters, audience and helpers is paramount, it is good to remember that music, song and dance are food for the soul and still much appreciated in times such as these."

The Heretaunga Women's Centre - Sweet as Banana Pudding Art Exhibition has also been postponed.

Amanda Hanan, from the women's centre, said at this stage they don't have another date set.

"With so much changing around us with Covid-19 we can't even say the postponement date yet, but as soon as we do know we will let you know what is happening."

The Battle For Life 10-year anniversary fight has been postponed and a date will be set when restrictions on mass gatherings are lifted, the announcement said.

Following Thursday Afternoon's government announcement bannin indoor events of more than 100 people, Toitoi - Hawke's Bay Arts and Events Centre has temporarily closed their box office to the public.

Menopause the Musical, The Tapeface Show and International Comedy Allstars are now also cancelled in addition to Owls Do Cry.

Hastings District Council chief executive Nigel Bickle says while the Toitoi team has worked tirelessly to follow Ministry of Health guidelines up till now, any events at the venue in the near future are now not possible.

"As an organisation with community at our heart, we have to put the health of our residents first. The Toitoi team has persevered, in the hope of not disappointing anyone who has bought tickets to see shows at this incredible venue."