Despite New Zealand returning to Covid-19 Alert Level 1 – with the exception of Auckland – the organisers of the Effluent & Environment Expo have decide to cancel the event for 2020.

Set to go head on November 10-11 at Mystery Creek near Hamilton, event spokesperson Amanda Hodgson says it is not a decision her team had taken lightly.

“It is with much disappointment that we’ve decided to cancel this year’s Effluent & Environment Expo.

“A lot of work has gone into this event to date so it is not a decision that we have taken lightly. This event relies heavily on sponsorship and we have decided to be prudent and cancel the event until November 2021.”

This year the expo’s focus was to be broadened out to create a wider dairy field day event to fill the gap left by the axing of this year’s National Fieldays.

Earlier this year Amanda had said the team of organisers were planning to open up the scope of the event “and offering an invitation to any dairy sector companies outside the normal effluent and environment scope to take a site and engage with farmers”.

“The strong feedback we have had is that farmers and businesses alike are eager for some face-to-face interaction.”

But this was not meant to be in 2020 – with the second outbreak of Covid-19 unfolding in recent weeks.

Amanda says the event is an important one for all exhibitors and farmers alike. “But the reasons why we have taken this course of action is due to the following:

“Farmer-related feedback indicates discomfort and reluctance to travel to other regions.

“The event is not covered with insurance if we have another outbreak under the pandemic clause i.e. Covid-19.

“If Auckland remains in Alert Level 2 – all exhibitors and farmers in this area will be excluded/prohibited to come to this event.”

Amanda says while it is a “real bugger” and a shame to see all the work go in to-date not coming to anything – it’s not a waste. “It allows us to have early preparation for the next event!

“We will continue to put a lot of time and energy getting the event organised for November 2021!

“We think that this event is so important for our dairy farmers and we have had amazing feedback from all those that have attended in the past.

“Thank you for your understanding, if you have any questions please feel free to discuss with us anytime.”

To get in touch with the expo team, visit: https://effluentexpo.co.nz/