The Ōpōtiki A & P Show committee has decided to wind the event up.

A public meeting to discuss either saving or ending the 130-year-old event was held at the Ōpōtiki Library on Tuesday morning, but no members of the public came forward.

Treasurer Jenny Gregory said she and her three fellow committee members, Jan Fisher, Norris Jefferies and Doug Wheeler, were left with no option but to wind up the show.

Ms Gregory feels sad that an event which has been such a vital part of town and district, will be no more.

“But I am also relieved in a way because it was a lot of work and we are no longer responsible for making it happen each year,” she said.

“So many people have put such a lot of their time and energy into this show over the years – I have been involved since 2002.

“We are not getting any younger and really wanted to hand the baton on to the next generation, but nobody came forward.

“Well, you can only do so much. If anyone wants to revive the show in future, they will have to start again from scratch.

“Yes, we’re sad, considering the show has been around so long. It managed to survive two world wars, floods and Covid. It was something which made people proud to live in a rural community like ours. It was a time to celebrate our unique way of life, I suppose.”

Remaining funds would be transferred to Ōpōtiki Show Jumping Inc and the Ōpōtiki Pony Club, she said.

“We have plenty of people who want to enjoy the entertainment the show provided but so few willing to help make it happen. But I guess that’s how it is today.

“So, it’s over – that’s it.”