The bad weather currently tearing through New Zealand's summer plans has claimed another victim, with the Coroglen Tavern's planned Rockin Horse festival being postponed, seven hours before it was due to begin.
The Coromandel venue revealed the news on social media at 11.30am on Thursday, saying: "Storm activity over the past 12 hours has been worse than anticipated, flooding our campsite and numerous important access roads."
"We are absolutely heartbroken to announce Rockin Horse 2023 will no longer be going ahead," the Facebook post read.
"The Coroglen Tavern has never seen weather activity like this. Our top priority is the health and safety of you as well as the artists and team."
"Gutted! You can never rely on a kiwi summer … but on the upside it’s only postponed not cancelled," the Coroglen Tavern posted.
Organisers said they would be in touch soon to organise refunds and would also advise of a new date when the event could take place.
The beachfront festival was to have been headlined by Lime Cordiale.
It's the third in a string of cancellations to hit the summer live entertainment scene in Aotearoa in summer 2023.
On Wednesday, British reggae band UB40 cancelled their Bay of Plenty concert.
The 'Red Red Wine' hitmakers were due to headline A Summer's Day Live concert on Wednesday at the Trustpower Baypark in Tauranga.
But hours before it was set to start, promoter Neptune Entertainment announced it was being called off, after the weather watches for the region were upgraded to warnings.
And on Tuesday, organisers of the Summer Haze Matakana festival, which had been scheduled for Wednesday, decided to cancel their show.
"The health and safety of our crew and attendees are paramount, and the decision has been made in conjunction with the venue, production and promoter team," Summer Haze said on its website.
"We thank you for your understanding and patience while we work to secure the site and apologies for any inconvenience caused."
