New Zealand’s business events industry calls for 'radical change' to isolation policy

Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA) has cautiously welcomed the New Zealand government announcement, 3 February, to begin a phased opening of international borders. BEIA still believes that this announcement will not help revive New Zealand’s hard-hit industry unless there is a radical change to isolation requirements. Lisa Hopkins, chief executive of BEIA, stated: “Currently NZ$150m (US$100m) worth of business events are at risk because of international border settings. The sooner the government can announce opening to Australian manuhiri [visitors to a Mauri meeting house – Ed] without isolation, the sooner our sector can begin to recover.” Hopkins added: “We do take some optimism from the government’s decision to continue to review these restrictions. However, given planning is required for business events, the sooner we know borders can open without isolation, the better. “The reality is a business visitor will not isolate in a hotel for seven to 10 days if they are expected to attend a three-day conference. The sector will now be fielding cancellations and postponements from Australia,” Hopkins says.