Showjumping is a wonderful thing, Dannevirke's Tim Delaney says, but attending day three of the Central and Southern Hawke's Bay showjumping championships in Dannevirke on Sunday hasn't changed the community board member's mind over funding such events.
As riders and horses battled galeforce winds and driving rain, Mr Delaney was enthusiastic about the spectacle, but told the Dannevirke News the community board shouldn't help fund such events, backing their decision in December to turn down the showjumping group's application for funding. In previous years, the community board had given the organisation $500 towards the running of the championships, on the grounds the event brings people into town.
However, Mr Delaney said other events such as the three-day dog show and bird show also bring a similar number of visitors to Dannevirke, without relying on money from the community board.
"My point is that our clubs and organisations shouldn't be relying on the public purse," he said. "But instead cut their cloth to suit their budget."
Weather throughout the three-day show was a challenge for organisers, with gusty winds knocking over fences on Sunday.
