15 October 2021
Hon Chris Hipkins
Minister for COVID-19 Response
Kei te rangatira, tēnā koe
Urgent (sector-specific) review of the Alert Level 3.2
On 4th October the Prime Minister announced the Auckland Roadmap, which includes new proposals for transitioning from tough restrictions at level three, to a three step phased approach. The three step phased approach is based on analysis of the restrictions currently in place by, and assessing which restrictions have played a key role in controlling the current outbreak. The analysis has then been used to identify the restrictions the government believes can be eased. The Prime Minister’s recent announcement about easing restrictions at Level 3 was positive news for our sector however in the three phases of level 3 we do not see our business able to open until the last phase.
I would like to propose that hospitality businesses who have outdoor areas be able to serve guests outside their premises at level 3.2. Guests would be seated and separated and there would be no more then 25 allowed in any one outdoor space at a time.
We have all been dealing with COVID-19 for over 18 months now. In that time I have made the case to Ministers to work with us to improve the Government’s response to better support our struggling sector: to keep businesses open, workers in jobs, and livelihoods intact.
The framework is outlined below:
| New Alert Level | Currently | Proposed change | What this will look like |
| Alert Level 3 Step One (3.1) | Reconnect with family and loved ones again – outside only. Outdoor gatherings to 10 (two families only). | Nil | Nil |
| Alert Level 3 Step Two (3.2) | Retail is able to open their doors again. Public facilities will also be able to open again. Outdoor gatherings to 25. | Hospitality premises can operate tables outside, for up to 10 people dining, appropriately socially distanced, wearing masks when not eating Max of 2 diners in one group (same household) No longer than 2 hours onsite | Up to 25 guests (outdoor) |
| Alert Level 3 Step Three (3.3) | Hospitality (bars, cafes and restaurants) can open with the precaution of seated, and separated, with a limit of 50 people. Close contact businesses (like hairdressers) are able to reopen at this stage, with mask use and physical distancing. Outdoor gatherings to 50. | Hospitality premises can operate tables outside, for up to 50 people dining, appropriately socially distanced, wearing masks when not eating Max of 4 diners in one group | Looks like current level 2 settings. |
I am asking that this be considered as a way to allow some of our business to allow some of their customers back on the businesses outdoor areas. Bearing in mind that our businesses particularly in Auckland remain largely immobilised by the current alert level settings. We have done the heavy lifting for sector-specific change work, and we now ask that you consider this request. We must chart a course for improvement because improvement to the alert level guidance is necessary for our businesses survival.
Ngā mihi nui,
Marisa Bidois
Tāhūhū Rangapū (Chief Executive)
Restaurant Association of New Zealand