Like everyone in our region the Hawke’s Bay A&P Society cannot comprehend what has happened in the past few weeks: since Thursday 16th February, the Tomoana Showgrounds, Hawke’s Bay has been the base of the Cyclone Regional Distribution Centre which has become a National priority to help those who are isolated in the region.
General Manager, Elisha Milmine, and Event & Sponsorship Manager, Samantha Greene of the Hawke’s Bay Agricultural and Pastoral Society have been working alongside Hawke’s Bay Civil Defence, New Zealand Army, New Zealand Royal Navy, Hawke’s Bay Volunteering, Tihei Mauri Ora, Iwi’s, and various regional and national organisations to create this centre.
General Manager, Elisha Milmine, says ‘Our thoughts are with everyone throughout New Zealand who have been affected by Cyclone Gabrielle.’ ‘It is a heart-warming to experience to see the generosity and hard work of everyone involved.’
Out of respect to those affected by the devastating impact of Cyclone Gabrielle, and in the interest of directing critical attention and resources on relief efforts, the 2023 Napier Port Primary Sector Awards will be suspended. On Wednesday the 5th of April 2023 they will announce an updated plan for the year. The National Horticultural Field Days will also be postponed and plans will be assessed in April.
The Hawke’s Bay A&P Society manage and own four significant events in the Hawke’s Bay Primary Sector, Hawke’s Bay A&P Show, Napier Port Primary Sector Awards, National Horticultural Field Days, and the Hawke’s Bay A&P Bayleys Wine Awards. Throughout these events there are numerous volunteers that help us during the year which is why we are so focused on ensuring that we can help to offer support and provide the right information and resources to assistance the region on rebuilding.
The Hawke’s Bay Primary Sector is a resilient sector, but it is important to continue to connect with like-minded people on the journey to get through this together.