The Hawarden A&P Show in North Canterbury has also been cancelled as has the Strath-Taieri A&P Show.
“We really didn’t have a choice after the announcement and we want to do what’s best to keep the community safe,” secretary Angela Cooper said.
Strath-Taieri organisers said it wasn’t an easy decision but believe it is the most responsible choice.
They are still planning to hold the Gift Lamb Competition.
The South Canterbury-North Otago showjumping event at Waimate A&P showgrounds on March 28 and 29 has been cancelled.
The annual AgFest-West Coast event to be held in Greymouth on March 27 and 28 has been postponed.
All Foundation for Arable Research events have been postponed or are being held electronically.
They are likely to be a combination of approaches including videos on the FAR website, podcasts via Cut the Crop and video conferences or webinars.
FAR staff will also be restricting travel, particularly international travel, to the bare minimum.
Irrigation New Zealand has postponed its 2020 Water for Life conference in Christchurch from April 7-9.
“We have done this in response to the Government, which asked for events over 500 to be cancelled.
“We aim to postpone the event to a later, appropriate date.”
DairyNZ is closely monitoring Health Ministry advice but will continue to hold events that meet Government requirements for reducing risk of covid-19.
“We’ll be increasing other ways of communicating so you can get the tools and information you need via social media, webinars and our website,” chief executive Dr Tim Mackle said.
“We are working with the Ministry for Primary Industries to seek clarification from the Ministry of Health on the practical application of this (self isolation) policy in an extensive farm setting.
“We’ll update our covid-19 web page with any new information.”
Federated Farmers has prepared a fact sheet on employer responsibilities including what to do if an employee is sick or required to self isolate. It is at www.fedfarm.org.nz
It recommends farmers with employees from overseas who might be planning a trip home to think through the implications of travel restrictions and how farmers might support them to keep in touch with family remotely.
Rural Support Trust is also available on 0800 787 254.
