The government had rejected an earlier industry-led proposal to support the NZD1.5 million premium cost. Pictured: June's MEETINGS exhibition in Auckland.
New Zealand's event professionals have welcomed an alternative
Covid-19 economic plan proposed by the country's Opposition Party, the
National Party, which would see the government fund premiums for event
insurance cover.
This is the second such proposal put forward to the government
following an earlier industry-led proposal to support the NZD$1.5
million (US$10.8 million) premium cost, either directly or through the
Regional Events fund, for a NZD$20m policy cover.
"We had been working on this proposal with our partners EventCover
since the end of last year and were able to negotiate with Lloyds,
however, the idea was rejected by the Government," said Business Events
Industry Aotearoa's Chief Executive, Lisa Hopkins.
In the National's official statement, Todd McClay, MP for Rotorua
said: "Even under Level 2 restrictions that see businesses in many other
sectors able return to normal, hospitality and tourism businesses are
still faced with restrictions on the number of customers they can have
on their premises or the way they are allowed to interact.
"Tourism and hospitality businesses need support and certainty. They
have been left to fend for themselves and are now desperate."
Other proposed measures include NZD100 'dine and discover' vouchers
to support the hospitality industry and local businesses, and extending
outdoor seating into public spaces in safe manners.
Business events will be an important part of the solution, says BEIA's Lisa Hopkins.While the Opposition Party's plan has no actual impact on government
policies, New Zealand's events sector has offered its support for the
proposed target of ending lockdown restrictions upon hitting 85-90%
vaccination rates or 1 December.
And more importantly, McClay indicated that the National’s proposal
will "retarget" unspent money from the Regional Events fund — which
would mean "a NZ$50m fund to allow major events, such as festivals and
concerts go ahead with confidence, avoiding the significant financial
losses incurred by organisers, customers and suppliers," said Hopkins.
“The business events sector has lost 78% of its value since Covid-19.
Despite this, many businesses have stayed open, albeit with
significantly reduced staff and — for the small businesses — off the
back of investments and savings.
“Like so many in tourism and hospitality, the events sector,
including business events will be an important part of the solution.”