Two major events on the Hawke’s Bay food and wine calendar have been affected by the COVID-19 outbreak with Summer F.A.W.C postponed and the Hawke’s Bay Wine Auction cancelled. 

F.A.W.C! was due to celebrate its 10th anniversary between November 5-14, with this year’s festival breaking records for the most tickets sold during pre-sales in the festival’s 10-year run.   

The Board of Hawke’s Bay Tourism made the decision to postpone after consulting the hospitality, event and food and wine industries. Summer F.A.W.C will now be held January 28 – February 6, 2022. 

“With Auckland still at Alert Level 3 and new cases emerging in other districts, we could not put people at risk by gathering event goers from around the country together for F.A.W.C!,” said Hawke’s Bay Tourism Chief Executive Hamish Saxton. "We were also keen to give our event organisers and ticket holders some surety and something to confidently plan for.” 

The postponement dates have been selected to avoid clashing with the region’s grape harvest and as many published major summer events as possible, said Saxton.  

“After consulting with our members, it was decided that F.A.W.C! could have real value during late January, when visitation traditionally quietened down ahead of school starting back. 

“We also hope that by January there will be further certainty and stability for the events industry as a whole. The Government has signalled that vaccine passports could be required for future events, and this would certainly act as an added layer of security once the entire country is allowed to travel freely once again.”  

F.A.W.C! organisers will be in touch with ticket holders over the coming weeks to advise of rescheduled dates and to process any requested refunds. 

Meanwhile, organisers of the 30th annual Hawke’s Bay Wine Auction have announced its cancellation for 2021, saying their aim now is to hold it on 17th September 2022 at ToiToi HB Arts and Events Centre. 

The auction is New Zealand’s oldest and most prestigious wine auction and supports Cranford Hospice. As the largest annual contributor to Cranford Hospice, Hawke’s Bay Wine Auction committee says it is devastated not to be in a position to raise the much-needed funds this year. 

Auction General Manager, Elisha Milmine, said the decision was not made lightly. “We are so grateful for the understanding of everyone involved, with all our sponsors and key people supporting this decision.” 

Organisers intend on having all the same auction lots available at that time, but say they will work through the details in the coming weeks.