Southern Field Days have become the latest event to cancel due to ongoing Covid-19 restrictions. 

The bi-annual rural showcase was due to take place in Waimumu, near Gore, from 9-11 February, 2022. 

But the organising committee confirmed this morning they have pulled pin for the first time in 40 years, due to the pandemic. 

"This decision was not made lightly," chairman Warren Ross said. 

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"We felt that running a large event with visitors from around New Zealand would bring too much risk to our community and that it would be difficult to comply with Government regulations under the traffic light system if there were a sudden change in circumstances.

"We wanted to make this decision early to allow our community, exhibitors, volunteer groups and local businesses who are a huge part of our event to be able to plan ahead for other opportunities." 

The farming community event draws a crowd of thousands to see the latest in rural tech, equipment and ideas, along with competitions such as fencing, shearing and a tractor pull, and demonstrations, awards and stalls. 

The committee is now planning for the 2024 event, due to be held from 14-16 Februrary.