COVID-19 information for event organisers

Event Sector Voluntary Code

Important Update (September 2021): Since the Event Sector Voluntary Code was completed, a change in legislation now means that more businesses and locations will be legally required to have processes in place to enable people to scan in using the COVID-19 tracer app, or to manually record their visit. The Event Sector Voluntary Code is still valid, as it is not intended to replace existing systems and processes that the Events Sector has in place in accordance with existing legal obligations. It is important that you remain up to date on what the requirements for your business are.

For more information on mandatory record keeping, and all other requirements, please visit the Unite against COVID-19 website.(external link)

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]