Major events cancelled
NZ moves to red light setting as Omicron spreads in community
The 2022 Auckland Pride Festival is one of a staggering number of major events across New Zealand to be cancelled following the country’s move to the red traffic light setting at 11.59pm on Sunday.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern’s announcement on Sunday sent the events industry into a spin as promoters and organisers were forced to reassess their plans. Under the red setting, indoor and outdoor events are limited to 100 people and the use of vaccine passports is mandatory.
Following last week’s announcements of the Big Gay Out and Rainbow Pride Parade being cancelled, it was announced that the Auckland Pride Festival would also not go ahead. It was meant to run for most of next month.
‘‘It is incredibly heartbreaking that we are in this position, but the safety of our community is our top priority,’’ executive director Max Tweedie said.
‘‘This decision has not been made lightly, but is consistent with Auckland Pride’s values and unwavering commitment to keeping Tāmaki Makaurau’s rainbow communities safe.’’
New Zealand Fashion Week, scheduled to be held from February 7 to 12, has also been cancelled, with managing director and founder Dame Pieter Stewart saying it was not viable for designers to put on a show within the 100-person limit.
‘‘It’s incredibly disappointing for everyone involved that the event has been cancelled.
‘‘Our designers have put in a huge amount of work, as have our partners, buyers, models, production teams and a number of other people.’’
Other casualties of the pandemic include Splore Festival at the Tāpapakanga Regional Park and the annual Auckland International Buskers Festival, which was due to kick off on Friday.
Wicked the musical, which has been in the making for four years, has also been canned. It was scheduled to run from February 4 to 26 at Auckland’s SkyCity Theatre.
Outerfields music festival at Western Springs has announced a new postponement date of December 3, 2022.