Organisers cancel Auckland's Polyfest amid coronavirus concerns

The organisers of Polyfest, one of New Zealand schools' biggest events, have cancelled the gathering that was due to go ahead from March 18-21.

Polyfest officials took the drastic action after talks between organisers and the Auckland Regional Public Health Service, RNZ reported.

Nga Oho o Waiorea (Western Springs College) on the Maori stage at Polyfest 2019. Photo / Jason Oxenham

Earlier, Auckland Mayor Phil Goff prompted organisers to should call off the four-day event.

The cultural gathering was planned for March 18 to 21.

"To date the Ministry of Health advice has been that the risk of community spread of the virus remains low. However, internationally we are seeing that cancelling large gatherings has been adopted to help reduce the spread of the virus. We believe that this needs to happen here," Goff says.

"I anticipate that there will be cancellations or scaling back of council events. We will make final decisions following the government's announcement on nationwide gatherings.

"We have already conveyed to the Polyfest Trust over the weekend our strong view that Polyfest must be cancelled. While disappointing for those who have put so much effort into organising and preparing for the festival, public health and safety must be the paramount consideration," he said.

The Polyfest Trust last night said it had been meeting with the Auckland Regional Public Health Service, and Ministry of Education regarding this year's festival.

"There are further meetings required in the morning with key stakeholders. A decision on whether the 2020 ASB Polyfest will proceed or not, will be announced tomorrow afternoon. We appreciate your patience and will advise you of a final decision," the trust said.