The government announced its ban on all gatherings of more than 500 people, and indoor gathering of more than 100 people. 

The Matakana Farmers Market will remain open, while practising precautionary measures, such as withdrawing any food sampling, and providing market goers with hand sanitiser at key points around the venue.

On an average Saturday, anywhere upward of 1,500 people attend the Matakana Village Farmers Market over the five hours that it is open. The market attracts locals, as well as people from out of town. One of the concerns about shutting the markets was the impact on the small business owners and stall holders who attend each week. 

While there may not be more than 500 people on the premises at one time, many locals are questioning why the markets are continuing to operate in the midst of this global pandemic. 

A post on Facebook about the markets continuing operation was met with a lot of backlash.

One disgruntled local addressed this, saying they were happy to continue supporting these businesses, but from a lower risk location: “Be responsible - close the markets! Better to do it now rather than deal with the dire consequences further down the track. You've put a post up highlighting the suppliers. This is great as people can deal with them directly if they need to, therefore continuing to support them.” Food for thought.

While the markets are still planning on going ahead, these events have been cancelled in the area:

March

21st: Leigh Raft Race

21st: Matakana Tennis Open

21st: Warkworth A&P show

26th: Warkworth Town hall talk

27th: Warkworth School Fiesta

28th: Mahurangi East Library Twilight Pasifika Festival

28th: Goat Island Snorkel day

April

4th: RSA Fishing Competition

12th: Kaipara Flats Club outdoor cinema

25th: All ANZAC day services

May

Creative Matakana

Warkworth Theatre Group has postponed its production of Le Sud