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Food and Wine
Source : (remove) : The New Zealand Herald
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Food and Wine
Source : (remove) : The New Zealand Herald
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Hawke's Bay F.A.W.C! festival paused amid funding challenges

Hawke's Bay's Iconic FAWC Festival Hits Pause Button Amid Funding Challenges

In a significant blow to New Zealand's culinary and tourism landscape, Hawke's Bay's flagship Food and Wine Classic (FAWC) festival has been officially paused for the foreseeable future. The announcement, made by event organizers, cites severe funding constraints as the primary reason, underscoring the broader economic pressures facing cultural and community events in the region. This decision comes at a time when Hawke's Bay is still recovering from the devastating impacts of Cyclone Gabrielle in early 2023, which ravaged infrastructure, agriculture, and local businesses. FAWC, a beloved annual celebration of the area's renowned food, wine, and hospitality sectors, has been a cornerstone of the region's identity for over a decade, drawing thousands of visitors and injecting millions into the local economy.

FAWC, which stands for Food and Wine Classic, was first launched in 2011 as a way to showcase Hawke's Bay's status as one of New Zealand's premier wine-producing regions. Nestled on the east coast of the North Island, Hawke's Bay boasts a Mediterranean-like climate ideal for viticulture, producing world-class Chardonnay, Syrah, and Bordeaux blends. The festival evolved into a multi-week extravaganza, typically held in summer and winter editions, featuring a diverse array of events such as gourmet dinners, wine tastings, cooking demonstrations, pop-up restaurants, and cultural experiences. It has attracted celebrity chefs, international sommeliers, and food enthusiasts from across the globe, positioning Hawke's Bay as a must-visit destination for epicureans.

The pause was confirmed by the Hawke's Bay Tourism Board and event partners, who emphasized that the decision was not taken lightly. In a statement released to the media, organizers explained that escalating costs, combined with a shortfall in sponsorship and government funding, have made it impossible to deliver the festival at the high standard expected by attendees and participants. "We've explored every avenue to keep FAWC alive this year, but the financial realities have forced our hand," said a spokesperson for the organizing committee. "This isn't goodbye forever; it's a strategic pause to regroup and secure sustainable funding models for the future."

The funding woes are multifaceted. Post-Cyclone Gabrielle, which caused widespread flooding and destruction in February 2023, many local businesses—particularly in the wine and hospitality industries—have been focused on recovery rather than event sponsorship. The cyclone damaged vineyards, wineries, and tourism infrastructure, leading to a dip in visitor numbers and revenue. According to regional economic reports, Hawke's Bay's tourism sector, which contributes over $1 billion annually to the local economy, has been slow to rebound. FAWC itself has historically generated around $5 million in direct economic impact per edition, through ticket sales, accommodation bookings, and increased spending at local eateries and vineyards. The festival's absence is expected to leave a noticeable gap, affecting not just tourism operators but also small producers who rely on the event for exposure and sales.

Local stakeholders have expressed disappointment but understanding. Sarah Thompson, a winery owner in the Gimblett Gravels district, shared her thoughts: "FAWC has been instrumental in putting Hawke's Bay on the map. It's where we've connected with buyers, media, and tourists who become lifelong advocates for our wines. Pausing it feels like losing a family member, but we get it—the costs of staging such an event have skyrocketed with inflation, supply chain issues, and the need for enhanced safety measures post-cyclone." Thompson's sentiments echo those of many in the industry, where rising operational expenses, from venue hires to marketing, have compounded the challenges.

Historically, FAWC has been more than just a festival; it's a cultural phenomenon that celebrates the region's heritage. Hawke's Bay is home to over 90 wineries and a thriving artisanal food scene, including producers of cheeses, olive oils, and fresh produce. Past editions have featured high-profile collaborations, such as dinners curated by Michelin-starred chefs or immersive experiences like vineyard yoga sessions paired with wine pairings. The winter edition, introduced in recent years, extended the festival's reach, capitalizing on the off-season to boost year-round tourism. In 2022, the event drew over 15,000 attendees, with international visitors making up a significant portion, highlighting its global appeal.

The decision to pause FAWC also reflects wider trends in New Zealand's event industry. Many festivals, from music gatherings to cultural celebrations, have faced similar hurdles in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent economic downturns. Government funding bodies, such as Creative New Zealand and regional councils, have tightened budgets, prioritizing essential services over discretionary events. In Hawke's Bay, the regional council has been channeling resources into infrastructure repairs and community resilience programs following the cyclone, leaving less room for cultural subsidies. Organizers have pointed to the need for innovative funding solutions, such as public-private partnerships or crowdfunding campaigns, to revive the festival.

Community reactions have been mixed, with some expressing optimism about a potential return. Local MP and tourism advocate, Catherine Wedd, commented: "FAWC is the heartbeat of our region's hospitality scene. While this pause is disappointing, it gives us time to rethink and rebuild stronger. We're committed to supporting initiatives that could bring it back, perhaps in a scaled-down format initially." Social media has buzzed with tributes from past attendees, sharing memories of sunset wine tastings at iconic venues like Craggy Range or collaborative feasts at Black Barn Vineyard. These stories underscore the festival's role in fostering community pride and economic vitality.

Looking ahead, organizers are not ruling out a revival. Discussions are underway about alternative models, such as virtual events, smaller pop-up experiences, or integrating FAWC elements into other regional happenings like the Art Deco Festival in Napier. There's also talk of seeking international sponsorships or aligning with national tourism campaigns to secure funding. "The passion for FAWC hasn't diminished," the spokesperson added. "We're exploring grants, corporate backers, and even community-driven funding to ensure its legacy continues."

The pause of FAWC serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities in New Zealand's regional economies, particularly those reliant on agriculture and tourism. Hawke's Bay, often called the "fruit bowl of New Zealand," has long leveraged its natural bounty to drive growth, but events like this highlight the need for resilient support systems. As the region navigates recovery, the hope is that FAWC will return, reinvigorated and ready to once again toast the best of Hawke's Bay's food and wine.

In the meantime, locals and visitors are encouraged to support the region's producers directly. Many wineries and restaurants continue to offer tasting experiences and events on a smaller scale, keeping the spirit of FAWC alive. For instance, initiatives like the Hawke's Bay Wine Trail allow self-guided tours of vineyards, providing a taste of what the festival embodies. This grassroots approach could bridge the gap until full-scale operations resume.

Ultimately, the story of FAWC's pause is one of adaptation in the face of adversity. It reflects the challenges of balancing cultural celebration with economic realities, but also the enduring appeal of Hawke's Bay's offerings. As the community rallies, there's a collective determination to see this flagship event uncorked once more, pouring out joy and prosperity for years to come.

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Read the Full The New Zealand Herald Article at:
[ https://www.nzherald.co.nz/hawkes-bay-today/news/hawkes-bays-flagship-fawc-festival-paused-due-to-funding-woes/45HQSN7CHJAPJBZLUA2RL4PBCQ/ ]