Like all of us, I'm working from home - and that's not without its challenges! But we're all in this together.

To all our EVANZ members and staff.

As I write this, we find ourselves in extremely trying times, both for our industry and, more importantly, for our people and their families. Venues who had already had to endure huge cancellations then had to move suddenly into total shut-down as the current lock down period was enforced and, what with staff layoffs and having to adjust to working from home, it hasn’t been easy time for anyone. Our Associate Members have been hard hit as well, being vital suppliers to our venues - when we’re not open, they can’t work either.

My office is now in my kitchen which brings its own dangers as it’s very close to the fridge and, after only a few days I can see the fridge needs to be identified as a hazard and I need to isolate myself from that area. I have done a thorough risk assessment and there will be a written procedure for its use moving forward.

EVANZ has been doing a great deal behind the scenes, working on a number of different initiatives to help and support our members:

· Advocacy and information gathering

Whilst many of you have already contributed to surveys run by other organisations it became apparent this week that we need to put some hard facts around exactly what it’s costing our venues and associate members in terms of both money and personnel. Hospitality, events and tourism have all been reported on in the press but as we keep saying to anyone who will listen “for every cancelled event there’s an empty venue”. We’ll present this information directly to the government and ask for specific help for our sector.

Many thanks to all those that have already supplied information – we are currently asking all venues and associate organisations to complete a COVID-19 Impact Survey. Please take the time to provide the information requested and if you think your venue/business has been missed out then contact the GM directly gm@evanz.co.nz.

· Resources

- Simpson Grierson’s Covid-19 Legal FAQs on their website (here).

- Check out Digital Journey’s blog on remote working (it includes some great tips on making technology work for you)

· Staying Connected

We will be looking to provide our people with a webinar series with panellist and interaction for everyone to stay connected throughout this period. Watch out for this as we are in the process of putting the first one together.

· New Website

We’re launching our new look website very soon! It gives us much more connectivity with our members and will streamline our admin systems. You’ll be receiving an activation email so you can log into the Members Area so please look out for that.

Our General Manager, Sally Anne is available, as are any of the Board members, to take a call to assist wherever possible or at least point you in the right direction or just to have a chat.

Working from home in isolation is not easy for a lot of us and contact is something that all humans enjoy so please reach out to your staff your work mates and friends.

I’m convinced that after this isolation period, plenty of people will just want to get out and be part of a bigger gathering. They will be looking for entertainment and our people and our venues will play a huge part in bringing those people together. It will be our role to ensure that these people will have those events and entertainment to attend in our venues.

My thoughts are with you all and I look forward to seeing you all in the future at EVANZ next conference. We must do what we must do to ensure our safety and our families safety.

So as always, I’m here if you just want to say hi and have a chat. My mobile number is 0275 586 635.

Kia Kaha

Keith