THE emergence of COVID-19 cases in Hamilton has wreaked havoc with the scheduling of various upcoming events, forcing rescheduling and even cancellations.

The Hamilton Gallery announced its 60th anniversary HG:60 event was affected, originally scheduled for last night and today – now postponed until February next year.

In a statement, the gallery said they were looking forward to the new dates.

“Though we are disappointed that we are having to reschedule two of our major public events, the most important thing is to keep our visitors, staff and volunteers safe,” the statement said.

“We can't wait to welcome the community and Australia's most esteemed art historians, scholars and curators to share their insights, and to celebrate our 60th Anniversary alongside our next exhibition.”

However, they have extended both exhibition dates and have rescheduled the upcoming event calendar as well.

The gallery is still open for visitation weekdays 10am-5pm and over the weekend 10am-2pm - entry is free but visitors are asked to QR code in and ages 12+ must show proof of vaccination status or medical exemption to gain access to the exhibition spaces and shop.

The weekly Tuesday After School Art sessions will have a break, with no session on Tuesday, November 30, or Tuesday, December 7.

Gallery updated dates and times:

Exhibition celebrations and publication launch, HG:60 and Peter Coates celebration event, Friday, February 18, 2022, 6-9pm.

HG:60 Symposium – 16 objects – 60 years, Saturday, February 19, 2022, 9.30am-4pm.

Live Music: Hamilton String Ensemble, Saturday, December 11, 2.30-3.30pm.

After School Art, Tuesday, December 18, 4-5pm.

Peter Coates: A Portrait of a Place (exhibition extended), Saturday, November 27 – Sunday, February 26, 2022.

Peter Coates artist floor talk, Saturday, February 5, 2022, 11am.

60th anniversary exhibition extended to Sunday, March 27, 2022.

Other events in the south-west

The return of the Hamilton parkrun will go ahead as planned today at 8am, and co-event director, Cindy Riddle said they were aware of the current situation but felt the event had a few advantages to avoid having to be cancelled.

“Yes, we are going ahead with parkrun,” she said.

“We thought we've got everything in place that we need to have, we've got the COVID framework, we've got council support, we can socially distance (and) it’s an outdoor event.

“We want to be responsible, but at the same time, we need to look after mental health (and) continue the event if we can.”

St Mary’s Primary School cancelled their Swimming Carnival and Monivae College also cancelled their Cadet Annual Dinner originally scheduled for tonight, but The Hamilton and Alexandra College reported their Australian String Quartet free community concert this Sunday November 28 at 2pm would be going ahead.

The venue is the Simons Auditorium, Kantor Family Music and Performing Arts Centre.

The Glenthompson Art Show was also still going ahead this weekend at 13 McLennan St, Glenthompson with strict COVIDSafe guidelines.

However, the Hamilton HIRL Farmers and Craft Market today has been cancelled – more details about the cancellation can be found on page 5.