As an industry, we are no strangers to having to explain what it is that we do. We know that behind every event that takes place in our venues is a dedicated and passionate team of people whose contribution often goes unseen by the wider public. We spend a lot of time writing reports, counting attendance, and measuring utilisation rates; making the argument to funding bodies, boards of Directors and to local councils that what we do is essential to our communities. Now, more than ever, reaffirming the importance of the venue sector needs to be at the forefront of our thinking.

We know that our venues can play a vital role in the economic, social and cultural recovery from COVID-19. We also know that right now, our industry is hurting and facing some very tough decisions about our future.

EVANZ has been invited, alongside our colleagues at CINZ and NZEA and to submit discussion papers to Minister Phil Twyford and MBIE. ETNZ are also making a submission on behalf of their members. Over the past week, we’ve been gathering data and building a proposed recovery plan for our industry. Our submission will go to MBIE this weekend, with a workshop session with the other associations to be coordinated by MBIE next week. Minister Twyford has asked for a ‘whole of industry’ perspective, outlining how COVID-19 has impacted the sector; and for recommendations of what interventions might be required to support a recovery strategy.

Our submission has sought to pull together many of the issues and ideas that have been discussed in our weekly webinars. We know that our members have an amazing capacity to innovate and to work with agililty and flexibility. We understand collaboration and we know that our sector relies on connection across venues large and small, and through the support of our associate members.

Our proposed recovery plan focuses on three phases:

1. Assist- immediate support to protect employment and ensure venues do not close permanently.
2. Adapt- targeted support over the next 12 months, to re-start the industry and to inform planning for safe operation at level 2, level 1 and beyond.
3. Stimulate- a programme of support over the next three years to stimulate new business and encourage innovation and collaboration.

We know that the media right now is crowded with stories from industry bodies across the New Zealand economy, all fighting for survival, all deserving of support and all fighting for air time. We’ve chosen to work collaboratively and in good faith with MBIE, to ensure that the Minister for Economic Development has a clear picture of what is at stake- and some positive ideas and solutions to support our industry.