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The Entertainment Venues Association of New Zealand (EVANZ) has looked back on what it has achieved in the past 12 months.

In a communication to members and stakeholders, EVANZ General Manager, Sally-Anne Coates wrote “in February, the EVANZ Board met at Vector Wero Whitewater Park, hosted by Angharad Sturrock and her team at the Vodafone Events Centre.

“It was a beautiful, sunny day and we were in a really positive mood. However, even then Adam Lynch was noting signs of something untoward happening (with visitor attraction) Hobbiton was already experiencing a downturn in visitors from China.

“Literally a month later, we'd all be in full lockdown on 25th March - and we didn't get back to Level 1 and unrestricted gatherings until 8th June.

“From that point the EVANZ Board met on a weekly basis and determined that we had a two-fold role: to support our members with communication, sharing knowledge and providing a means of keeping in touch with each other; and to make sure that the voice of the venues industry and everyone who works at or provides support services to a venue was heard at Government level.

“As time went on, and the impact on our industry under lockdown and any Alert Level less that 1 was catastrophic, we embarked on a PR campaign to raise awareness even further and lobby for funds to directed to venues.

“(As a result) we've had numerous articles published in the media and been asked to comment on TV and radio.

“We've been working directly with other Associations - including NZEA, ETNZ, BEIA and the Promoter's Association; Creative New Zealand and PANNZ, Ministries - Culture and Heritage, Health, the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet.

“These relationships are ongoing and the discussions will continue next year.

“We really enjoyed delivering over 18 hours of content via our weekly Zui's and online Knowledge Cafe.

“A real highlight was seeing so many venues participating in #WEMAKEEVENTS and lighting up in red.

“Unfortunately, we had to cancel our mid-year Symposium at Bill Richardson's Transport World in Invercargill but getting everyone together in person and online for the end of year Conference and Awards at Claudelands was a fitting end to the year.

“We're not out of the woods yet but with the breadth of Kiwi talent on show around the country this Summer and the number of events happening we're showing our resilience.

“Please support the 'Make Summer Unstoppable' campaign to keep everyone safe both working in our venues and attending our events.”

Mark Gosling, Chief Executive of The Trusts Arena, has assumed the role of EVANZ Board Chair, taking over from Keith Parker at the Association’s recent 2020 conference.

Image: Mark Gosling taking over role of EVANZ Board Chair from Keith Parker at the Association’s recent 2020 conference.

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