17 Mar 2014

Cutting Polyfest over Lusi 'not an option'

12:58 pm on 17 March 2014

The managers of Auckland's Polyfest, which was cut short because of the remnants of Cyclone Lusi, say it would have been cheaper to cancel the event altogether but that was not an option.

About 50 high school groups were set to perform in the Pacific stages on Saturday, which is traditionally the busiest and most competitive day of the event.

But their performances had to be put off until Tuesday, when a much smaller crowd is expected.

Papakura High School students perform at the festival.

Papakura High School students perform at the festival. Photo: SUPPLIED

Polyfest chairman Steve Bovaird says the final day usually provides the biggest gate takings of about $100,000.

Festival director Theresa Howard says high winds and rain brought by the tail end of Cyclone Lusi meant it was too dangerous to go ahead.

Ms Howard says they considered pushing it out until next Saturday but it would have been too expensive, and cancelling the day altogether would not have been fair to people who had spent months preparing.

The last day of the festival will be held on Tuesday instead with Tongan, Samoan, Cook Island and Niue performances.

But Ms Howard says a much smaller crowd is likely to turn up, which means the festival will take a financial hit. As well, some school groups may have had to return home and not be able to take part.

Nearly 10,000 performers from 62 schools were scheduled for this year's festival, which started on Wednesday.

No big woes for WOMAD

The threat of severe weather didn't keep more than 15,000 people from making the most of the WOMAD festival in New Plymouth.

WOMAD fans Grant Williams and daughter Alice were ready for a downpour.

WOMAD fans Grant Williams and daughter Alice were ready for a downpour. Photo: RNZ / Leigh McLachlan

Despite the forecast, the wild weather held off, with only light showers and winds picking up on Sunday.

Taranaki Arts Festival Trust, which runs WOMAD, says a few of the 3000 campers opted to spend Saturday evening in a neighbouring stadium, which was set up in case of bad weather.

Chief executive Suzanne Porter says the event was a success. It brings in about $12.7 million in economic benefits to the region each year.

The WOMAD festival in New Plymouth.

The WOMAD festival in New Plymouth. Photo: RNZ / James Greenland

Many other events hit

Auckland's one day cricket match against Canterbury at Eden Park's outer oval on Saturday was washed out. Play was abandoned.

Other events in the north were cancelled or postponed. They are:

  • People's Triathlon Series, Maraetai Beach, Auckland has been postponed until Sunday 30 March.
  • Outward Bound 3km Fun Run in Whangarei, Saturday 15 March has been cancelled.
  • Celtic Day at Silo Park in Auckland due to take place on Saturday 15 March has been cancelled.
  • Cruise the Bays, Mission Bay, Auckland has been moved to Friday 21 March.
  • Salty Classic fishing competition in the Coromandel Peninsula has been cancelled.