The event, which has been running since 2011, has traditionally been held in Buckingham St in early December.
However, Arrowtown Promotion and Business Association manager Nicky Busst said the significant worker shortages being felt across the district had also affected many of Arrowtown’s restaurants.
"Because of this, many are either unable to commit, or have had to significantly reduce their plate offering numbers.
"This, in turn, has impacted the financial viability of the 2022 event."
The situation was "incredibly challenging" and the association, in conjunction with the businesses involved, concluded it would be unfair to put further pressure on restaurants, which were already struggling, Ms Busst said.
"Many are closed several days a week and we don’t see the situation improving in the short term."
The upside, however, was the association had used the opportunity to commission Mel Gimlett and her team to run the December 1, 2023 "Arrowtown Long Table" event, with a new look, brand and style.
It would include shade/rain cover down the whole street, Ms Busst said.
"Attendees over the last couple of years have been hit with unseasonably inclement weather, and in previous years we’ve had the opposite issue with stunning early summer days making it reasonably hot at the outdoor tables.
"It’s a logical progression that we introduce cover to provide peace of mind for both our restaurants and the guests attending, regardless of the weather."
