New Zealand Business events sector welcomes end to COVID restrictions

The New Zealand Government has lifted all COVID-19 restrictions from today – a decision welcomed by Business Events Industry Aotearoa which along with its fellow industry associations have been advocating for this change for some time.

With the New Zealand Government advising that over the past month reported COVID-19 cases have hit their lowest levels since February 2022, they have announced the removal of all requirements including seven-day mandatory isolation.

BEIA Chief Executive, Lisa Hopkins notes “we welcome the news and are thrilled this has finally happened. Conference delegates and incentive visitors will no longer have to isolate for seven days and can manage their own health requirements without any compulsory mandates.

“This means international and domestic business events' organisers and delegates can now plan with confidence and be assured New Zealand's approach to the pandemic has moved from an emergency response to sustainable long-term management.”

The business events sector was one of the first to be affected when the Government decided to limit the number of people who could attend an event, down to 100 people, before halting all gatherings.

Hopkins adds “this period was historic. For our sector, it truly was catastrophic. Yet ironically, it was during this time we saw the first of our international convention centres open and the Government recognise the sector for the value it delivers - not just economically, but also socially.

“It is time to draw a line under COVID and move forward.”

Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA) is the official membership-based association of New Zealand's business events sector. It has more than 460 members across a broad range of industries.

In 2019, the New Zealand business events industry was valued at $1.45 billion per annum – with over 3.6 million attendees both domestic and international – and employing 22,000 people.

BEIA works to actively promote the sector for its members and New Zealand. It provides advocacy with central government; and offers assistance, information, professional development and business connections to its members.

For further information, read the New Zealand Government's announcement here

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