This year has been tough across the board, but especially so for those organising or hosting conferences and live shows.
None more so than the Poverty Bay A&P Association (PBAPA), the custodians of Gisborne’s most beloved community event, the A&P Spring Show.
Erica McNeil, PBAPA General Manager, says they have really felt the squeeze with all events planned at Showgrounds Park cancelled for six months due to Covid.
“The biggest challenge we face is financial security. The Show is obviously our largest and most high profile event, but throughout the year we also hire out our facilities to generate income to help maintain the facilities at Showgrounds Park.”
Rob Telfer, PBAPA President, says “it was touch and go whether The Show would be able to go ahead. The committee had to decide six weeks out, Auckland was in lockdown 3, the rest of the country in lockdown 2.”
“For an event of this size there are literally hundreds of people involved, and they need time to plan. So the committee made the leap of faith and decided to give it the green light.”
In the end it all worked out and the country was in lockdown 1 which meant The Show could go on.
Erica added that “not many shows in the country went ahead. We’re so glad we could, the community was hanging out for it. We’re really conscious that it’s their show and without our communities support we couldn’t put in on every year.”
“I would like to thank the committee for making the tough decision to go ahead, its important for the community.”
Glenda Stokes, Sunrise Executive Officer believes The Show is an integral part of Gisborne life. “For over 140 years The Show has been enjoyed by thousands of families and has contributed to the social and economic fabric of our community. It helps preserve and celebrate our rural heritage. We are delighted to help them grow their fund at Sunrise to ensure it is here for future generations.”
Glenda added that PBAPA is one of the oldest surviving organisations in Gisborne. “There aren’t many entities in New Zealand that can claim such longevity. Even so, it is a battle for the small organisation to stay financially viable and deliver this large and complex event. A donation to their fund will help secure the future of the A&P Spring Show by guaranteeing a reliable source of income forever.”