With the country in the red traffic light level Music in Parks and Movies in Parks events have either been cancelled or postponed until the end of February.
Councillor Alf Filipaina, Chair of Auckland Councill’s Parks, Arts, Community and Events Committee says that it is really disappointing for the teams that have worked hard to deliver these much-loved community events, but it was impossible to run them under red.
“I want to thank the events teams, the contractors and all the musicians who were working towards delivering great events for our communities. I also want to show my appreciation and acknowledge the local boards, whose parks are where these family events were to be held, for their support. Unfortunately, with the Omicron variant being here, the country was moved to red meaning these events couldn’t take place. It is about putting the health and safety of our communities first.”
Councillor Filipaina says that the rest of the season will be assessed when we have a greater understanding of how Omicron has spread and is affecting our communities.
“We know that these are really tough times for everyone, and particularly whānau and ‘aiga (families) and we know that community events like Music in Parks and Movies in Parks are really helpful for community well-being. We are delaying decisions on the rest of the season until we know more about how Omicron affects us here in Tāmaki Makaurau, because if we can deliver these events safely, we want to do so.”
Postponed events
The highly popular Opera in the Park was scheduled for this weekend (29 January) but has been postponed. The new date is 10 April.
The 2022 Movies in Parks season was scheduled to premier this weekend in Manurewa. This has now been postponed until Friday 25 March. The Epsom event originally scheduled for 11 February has also been postponed until Friday 8 April.
Cancellations
As has been the case for the last two years, during the COVID-19 pandemic, local boards who were looking forward to deliver great family events, have had to make hard decisions and cancel events.
Music in Parks Pukekohe, originally scheduled for Auckland Anniversary Weekend (Sunday 28 January) has been cancelled as has Waitangi ki Manukau, the wonderful and popular celebration normally held on Waitangi Day (6 February).
The signature Kiwi Anthems in the Park, originally scheduled for 28 February has also been cancelled.
Six Movies in Parks events originally scheduled for February are cancelled as well.
Councillor Filipaina reminds people that although events can’t take place, keeping in contact with loved ones is very important, as is doing what is needed to keep your whānau and ‘aiga safe
“We all cope differently and some of us will be struggling. Get hold of your loved ones and support them. Please remember to wear a mask whenever you leave your home, and if you are feeling unwell, please stay at home. Also, if you are due for your second COVID-19 vaccination shot or your booster, don’t delay. Make sure you keep your protection against this virus up. Kia kaha Tāmaki Makaurau and please stay safe.”
For all up to date information on Music in Parks, head to the website.
For all Movies in Parks up to date information, head to the website.
Events affected
Event |
Location |
Date |
|
Movies in Parks Manurewa |
Randwick Park, Manurewa |
28 January |
CANCELLED |
Opera in the Park |
Glover Park, St Heliers |
29 January |
CANCELLED |
Movies in Parks Onehunga |
Fergusson Domain, Onehunga |
29 January |
CANCELLED |
Music in Parks Pukekohe |
Bledisloe Park, Pukekohe |
30 January |
CANCELLED |
Blues at Blockhouse Bay |
Blockhouse Bay Beach Reserve |
4 February |
CANCELLED |
Movies in Parks Māngere |
David Lange Park, Māngere |
5 February |
CANCELLED |
Waitangi ki Manukau |
Hayman Park, Manukau |
6 February |
CANCELLED |
Movies in Parks Epsom |
Windmill Park, Epsom |
11 February |
CANCELLED |
Movies in Parks Pakuranga |
Lloyd Elsmore Park, Pakuranga |
12 February |
CANCELLED |
Beacon in the Park |
Albert Park, Auckland Central |
12 February |
CANCELLED |
Movies in Parks Hillsborough |
Monte Cecila Park, Hillsborough |
18 February |
CANCELLED |
Music in Parks Mangere |
Boggust Park, Favona |
19 February |
CANCELLED |
Music in Parks Albany |
Albany Lakes Civic Park, Albany |
20 February |
CANCELLED |
Movies in Parks Birkenhead |
Harvey Wright Sportsfield, Birkenhead |
25 February |
CANCELLED |
Movies in Parks Papakura |
Central Park Papakura |
26 February |
CANCELLED |
Kiwi Anthems |
Lloyd Elsmore Park, Pakuranga |
27 February |
CANCELLED |