COVID-19 information for event organisers
This page has information on operating events at each Alert Level, to confirm New Zealand's current Alert Level visit the COVID-19 website.
Alert Level system on the COVID-19 website(external link)
All events must display an official Government QR Code. All other specific controls and legal requirements for events have been lifted.
The Event Sector Voluntary Code has been revised recognising that Events could be a transmission risk if COVID-19 community transmission re-emerges.
More information on the Alert Levels is available on the COVID-19 website. We aim to keep this webpage as accurate and up to date as possible, but if there is any contradiction between the information provided here and the COVID-19 website, the COVID-19 website applies.
Event Sector Voluntary Code and Collateral Pack
Event Sector Voluntary Code
This Event Sector Voluntary Code (Code) outlines a high-level overview of what the event sector can do to safely deliver events.
The Code provides best practice expectations on running events and is based on Ministry of Health guidance to reduce COVID-19 related risks. It will enable the event sector to appropriately support the Ministry of Health to contact trace if an outbreak of COVID-19 were to occur. This Code is not intended to replace existing systems and processes that the event sector have in place in accordance with existing legal obligations, nor is it legally binding.
The Code has been developed by the event sector in consultation with New Zealand Major Events at the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment.
A collateral pack has also been put together to help support conversations around the Code, and educate both stakeholders and attendees of the importance of the Code principles. This collateral pack can implemented by those listed under ‘Who is the Code for?’.
Who is the Code for?
- Event management professionals
- Promoters, owners, agencies and production organisations
- Suppliers and service providers
- Venues
- Governing bodies.
What does the Code include?
- Commitment to the Ministry of Health guidance
- Facilitates effective contact tracing
- Record retention guidance
- Ways to ensure health of operators and attendees
- Encourages a culture of best practice COVID-19 risk management.
How to use the Code
- Review the principles of the Code to determine where they might be overlaid alongside your existing health, safety and risk management plans.
- You may also publish this Code on your website and/or other communications channels, such as sharing with your internal and external networks.
Download the Events Sector Voluntary Code [PDF, 95 KB]
Download the Event Sector Voluntary Code Collateral Pack [ZIP, 3.4 MB]
Public Events at Alert Level 1
Public Events at Alert Level 2
Public Events at Alert Level 2
Event facilities can operate at Alert Level 2. Event facilities can have up to 100 people within any defined space. They also need to assess how many people can safely be inside the premises and still maintain 1 metre physical distancing. This could mean the facility needs to have fewer than 100 people in a defined space.
If you go to an event facility, you legally must keep 1 metre physical distance from people you don’t know, where possible — if you can't, consider wearing a face covering.
Defined Spaces
A defined space is a single indoor or outdoor space separated from other spaces.
If a place has more than 1 defined space, then people should not intermingle between the defined places. This includes when entering, leaving, or using the toilet. It does not include workers.
This also applies to separate businesses that work from the same location.
Indoors
An indoor space is a single space if there are walls that substantially divide that space from other spaces. The walls can be permanent or temporary.
Outdoors
An outdoor space is a single space if there:
- are walls that substantially divide that space from other spaces — the walls can be permanent or temporary, or
- is at least 2 metres between all people in that space and any other people (outside that space).
Detailed information on operating events at each Alert Level is available on the COVID-19 website(external link)
Under all Alert Levels, all businesses and services are required to display the official NZ COVID Tracer QR code posters in a prominent place at or near the main entrances to each of their premises.
More information on how to get your QR code posters is available on the COVID-19 website(external link)
Public Events at Alert Level 3
Further information
Is there any financial support available for the events industry?
It is a very difficult time for many industries, including our events industry. With the current focus on eliminating the virus, we must all work together and follow Alert Level requirements.
The Government announced that it will extend its broad business support package for those impacted by COVID-19. While this has not been developed or tailored for individual sectors such as the events industry, your business may still be able to access support.
For more information on financial support visit covid19.govt.nz(external link)
This site also includes Government helpline numbers if you would like to determine whether your business is eligible for assistance.
Further information for businesses is available on the business.govt.nz website(external link)
If you need further assistance regarding application for your business, please call the BusinessNZ line: 0800 500 362 for North Island, or 0800 50 50 96 for South Island.
Who to contact if you need any more information
The Ministry of Health website is the best source of information about COVID-19.
If you have any concerns about your health, visit the Ministry of Health website or call Healthline on 0800 358 5453 or +64 9 358 5453.
If you have any other general enquiries about your event, please email majorevents@mbie.govt.nz.
Last updated: 16 February 2021