Artists Lorde (pictured) and Sting have postponed and cancelled their upcoming shows in New Zealand, following the devastation caused by Cyclone Gabrielle.
New Zealand’s North Island was hit by the Category 3 cyclone on February 12, before it gradually moved down the east coast. The death toll stands at 11 and the country is currently in a state of emergency.
Kiwi singer Lorde has postponed her upcoming shows in Hawke’s Bay, which is the hardest-hit area with more than 9,000 people displaced and 62,000 households facing no power.
Lorde said in a statement on her Instagram story yesterday (Monday): “Over the past week, I’ve been following the ongoing devastation in Hawke’s Bay. In line with advice from the venue, the police, and our promoter, I think the right thing to do is to postpone our Hawke’s Bay shows. This is a postponement, not a cancellation at this stage – I’m working on something, and you’ll hear from me soon.”
She added: “I would love to be there with you right now, but I can also read the room, and taking precious resources away from those who need them right now is not it.”
Lorde was due to perform two shows at Black Barn Vineyards in Havelock North, which is located in Hawke’s Bay.
English singer Sting was also forced to cancel his show at The Mission Estate Winery in Napier, within the Hawke’s Bay wine region.
In a statement, Sting’s team said: “Out of respect to those affected by the devastating impact of Cyclone Gabrielle and in the interest of focusing critical attention and resources on relief efforts, Sting’s concert on March 4 at Mission Estate Winery in Napier will no longer proceed.
“A donation will be made by Sting and Live Nation to the Hawke’s Bay Foundation’s Cyclone Relief Fund. All ticket holders will receive an automatic refund.”
In January, Sir Elton John was forced to cancel a performance in Auckland just minutes before it was due to start, thanks to extreme rainfall and flooding.
Lorde is just one of the artists that will perform in the Ōtautahi 4 Aotearoa Cyclone Relief Concert on Friday.