Bay pleased by reduced restrictions

The drop to level 1 has left amarriage celebrant relieved, event organisers ready to provide a good summer and a funeral director ecstatic.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern yesterday revealed the country, outside Auckland, would make themove down at 11.59pm last night, with the largest city to move to level 2 tomorrow.

Hospitality NZ Bay of Plenty regional manager Alan Sciascia said the move was good news.

“It will now allow large events which are important to the region as they bring many visitors which help to drive the economy.”

Under alert level 2 customers on licensed premises had to be seated and served at the table.

That type of restriction ends under level 1.

Tauranga promoter Pato Alvarez, who is behind events such as Bay Dreams and One Love, said the announcement was not just music to his ears but to all of those who would be attending summer events.

“People are looking forward to this event more than ever because not being able to go to bars or being social is not good for your mental health.

“These events are also good for the local economy. We don’t have cruise ships or tourists coming into the region so these events will definitely be good for the economy, which I’m sure local businesses will be looking forward to.”

The announcement created real excitement for the team, Alvarez said.

Last week it was announced the Rotorua Marathon would go ahead as planned but without Aucklanders.

An Athletics NZ spokesman confirmed the change in alert levels this week did not affect the decision.

However, a Sport Bay of Plenty spokeswoman said the organisation loved any opportunity for children to be active and the reduction in the levels would allow this to happen.

“We’re delighted with the change as long as it keeps our guys safe, and if it means more people are getting active then that’s brilliant.

Tauranga marriage celebrant Jenny Moyle described the move as a relief.

Weddings were when people were supposed to come together, and to be moving closer to that encouraging.

Rotorua funeral director Richard Fullard said the level change made him ecstatic.

“We have always believed ameaningful funeral experience aids a healthy grief journey and to have those people with you as part of that is super important.”

Cabinet will review the alert levels again on October 5.