BEIA’s Lisa Hopkins Photo Credit: BEIA
Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA) has declared its relief and
joy at the recent removal of all New Zealand’s COVID-19 restrictions
from 15 August 2023.
Over the past month, COVID-19 cases have hit their lowest levels
since February 2022 and it is the time to remove all requirements
including seven-day mandatory isolation.
BEIA chief executive, Lisa Hopkins, said the association and its
fellow industry associations have been pushing for this change for some
time.
“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,” she said.
“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.
“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,” she
said.
BEIA is the official membership-based association of New Zealand’s
business events sector. It has more than 460 members across many
industries. The association promotes the sector for its members and New
Zealand. It provides advocacy with the central government; and offers
assistance, information, professional development and business
connections to its members.