Latest News

Back to Latest News back

 

Director General of Health signs off on New Zealand Events Sector Voluntary Code

Director General of Health signs off on New Zealand Events Sector Voluntary Code
June 9, 2020

With New Zealand having lifted almost all of its internal Coronavirus restrictions, the nation’s Director General of Health has signed off on a new Voluntary Code for event organisers, developed to outline best practice behaviours to prevent/minimise ongoing COVID-19 risks and impact.

Developed by a working group including MBIE (NZ Major Events) along with Conventions and Incentives New Zealand (CINZ), Entertainment Technology New Zealand (ETNZ), Events Venues Association New Zealand (EVANZ), New Zealand Events Association (NZEA) and the New Zealand Promoters Association (NZPA), the New Zealand Events Sector Voluntary Code includes a key function around record keeping to support the nation’s Ministry of Health contact tracing processes.

Advising that New Zealand’s business events sector is excited all restrictions on social distancing within the country have been lifted, although borders remain closed, CINZ Chief Executive, Lisa Hopkins stated “we are aware of the need to continue to be vigilant, and ensure some of the measures put in place during past three months of restrictions are still maintained, as part of standard operating process and best practice.”

Dubbed the ‘Covid Code’, the initiative shows the sector’s support for New Zealand’s efforts in the key areas of public health risk, and most particularly for enabling contact tracing.

Its development has been industry led, so it is written in a way that works for the sector as a whole, and it does not in any way override or add to the existing health and safety or workplace requirements that the sector is currently operating within..

Hopkins adds “the Code is seen as an ‘intent’ to support the Government’s ongoing directive to maintain health and hygiene standards as well as track and trace. It is a way of working in an environment where there are mass gatherings for a single purpose.”

Under the Covid-Code, the sector agrees to take responsibility for regularly and consistently staying up-to-date with Ministry of Health guidance on the response to COVID-19. Industry members will undertake best practice to enable and encourage individuals to keep a record of where they have been, including attendance at events. Operators are encouraged to ensure attendee information is obtained and retained (within the bounds of the Privacy Act) through whatever mechanism is best suited to the event. The sector will use reasonable measures to ensure that any person on site - whether front or back of house - has the appropriate resources or facilities to ensure they undertake best practice hygiene standards.

Hopkins went on to say “we have agreed the sector will uphold a culture of compliance to reduce COVID-19 related risks through leadership, influence and education to ensure best practice across the sector.

"The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, who authored the Code, as well as the Ministry of Health understands that within the business events environment, much of what is being asked is already being done in practice as part of a normal registration process..

"The opening up of our borders, starting with the trans-Tasman bubble will be key to our success. We are fully supportive of the work both governments are doing to expedite this.”

Click here to view MBIE's COVID-19 Advice for event organisers.

Image: Gisborne's Rhythm and Vines festival.

Related Articles

8th June 2020 - New Zealand Government lifts all internal Coronavirus restrictions

5th June 2020 - New Zealand fitness centres return to 70% activity levels

4th June 2020 - New Zealand looks for return of spectator sport from next week

3rd June 2020 - New Zealand Government moves to eliminate Coronavirus restrictions

2nd June 2020 - New Zealand Rugby announces details of new domestic competition

29th May 2020 - CINZ welcomes decision to allow multiple groups of 100 in New Zealand conference venues

28th May 2020 - Advisory group says Australia-New Zealand travel bubble could be in place in months

28th May 2020 - Te Pae Christchurch secures host of events despite COVID-19 challenges

25th May 2020 - Survey shows most New Zealanders keen to start travelling again

21st May 2020 - New Zealand events bodies submit industry recovery plan to Government

20th May 2020 - New Zealand Prime Minister flags four-day working week to boost economy

17th May 2020 - New Zealand budget includes $265 million for sport and recreation

15th May 2020 - Skills Active keen to help New Zealanders get back into working and training

5th May 2020 - New Zealand Prime Minister Ardern says no open borders for ‘a long time’

1st May 2020 - New Zealand ski areas look to snow season operations with restrictions

15th April 2020 - Nature key to New Zealand’s post Coronavirus recovery

7th April 2020 - New Zealand Events Association highlights dramatic deterioration of the sector

2nd April 2020 - Economist’s prediction anticipates no foreign visitors to New Zealand until late 2020

24th March 2020 - New Zealand events industry reports cancellation of more than 3,000 events


Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.

 

supplier directory

The Complete Guide to Leisure Industry Products & Services.

See the directory see all

PathMinder

PathMinder Pty Ltd have partnered with AllUser Industries srl to bring Europe’s most advanced high security portals to the Australian and New Zealand markets. AllUser Industries started to…

read more

Access / Fitness / Recreation / Security

 
 

Tim Batt Water Solutions

Tim Batt Water Solutions are at the very forefront of the commercial aquatic business in Australia, with over 30 years specific experience supplying and installing chemical control and dosing…

read more

Aquatics / Environment / Recreation / Technology / Venues

 
 

BODY BIKE APAC

BODY BIKE® International is a leading manufacturer of indoor bikes with a 20-year track record of creating the best indoor bikes. Stay connected with Body Bike Australia…

read more

Fitness / Recreation / Sport / Technology / Wellness

 
 

BioLab Australia Pty Ltd

BioGuard is Australia and New Zealand’s most trusted supplier of premium, innovative and affordable commercial water treatment systems and chemicals. BioGuard offers a comprehensive range of…

read more

Aquatics / Technology / Waterparks

 
 

Clubworx

Switch to smarter fitness management software with Clubworx based in Australia that enables fitness businesses to start or grow their business with ease. - all in one place from anywhere in the…

read more

Fitness / Recreation / Technology / Wellness

 
 

Polin Waterparks

Polin was founded in Istanbul in 1976, and has since grown into a leading company in the waterparks industry. Today Polin is one of the world leaders in the design, production, and installation of…

read more

Aquatics / Attractions / Play / Waterparks

 
 

Links Modular Solutions

Links Modular Solutions was a leading provider of high-quality, innovative software solutions for aquatic and recreation facilities. Links Modular Solutions is now part of Xplor Technologies.

read more

Access / Billing / Finance / Fitness / Technology

 
 

SimplySwim

    SimplySwim is a school management solution that helps swimming school owners and managers optimize operations by automating functions such as managing class schedules, billing and…

read more

Aquatics / Education / Recreation / Safety / Technology

 
 
 
 

get listed with our suppliers directory

Get your business noticed in our targeted directory. Viewed by 10,000 industry professionals per week!

list your business