New Zealand Government ends indoor capacity limits

The New Zealand Government has announced that it has moved to level ‘Orange’ of its COVID-19 traffic light system, brining capacity limits for indoor venues to an end.

The changes, which came into effect at as of midnight (11:59pm on Wednesday 13th April) also mean controlled-access events that involve ticketing or registration can go ahead at a commercial or private venue without restrictions.

The move means that New Zealand residents will be able to enjoy events and entertainment offerings over Easter. However, while no longer in force at indoor and outdoor event,s mask-wearing is still being enforced in environments such as museums.

Noting the easing of restrictions, New Zealand COVID-19 Response Minister, Chris Hipkins stated “the revised Covid-19 Protection Framework we introduced three weeks ago has effectively managed the Omicron outbreak at ‘Red’.

“Over the past few weeks we’ve seen a sustained reduction in cases and hospitalisations despite the relaxation of settings, so we’re confident a move to ‘Orange’ can lock in those gains while helping the country return to a greater degree of normality.

“Under ‘Orange’ there are no indoor capacity limits and the seated and separated rule for hospitality venues lifts, so bars, cafes and restaurants are able to fill up again.”

Prior to the change to ‘Orange’, New Zealand was at ‘Red’ alert, meaning many restrictions were in place for events and entertainment settings.

Uncertainty through this period led to the Rhythm and Vines music festival being recently cancelled as organisers did not know what position they would be in as of its scheduled Easter dates. The festival was originally planned for New Year but was postponed to Easter before eventually being cancelled due to the uncertainty.

The ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup, which was held in New Zealand and Australia in March and April, was watched by limited capacity crowds before an increase to 100% attendance for the final stages of the tournament.

Capacity crowds were able to return to the country’s stadia from the last weekend of March when outdoor limits were scrapped.

Image: Organisers cancelled the Rhythm and Vines festival scheduled for Easter over uncertainty over New Zealand's event restrictions.