Apec delay

The major Apec international summit planned for New Zealand next year could be postponed for at least a year due to the global Covid-19 crisis. But even with a delay until 2022, the “mega-event” still could not be held at the SkyCity Convention Centre with its completion date now pushed out until 2025 due to the pandemic. Trade and Export Growth Minister David Parker said Malaysia, this year’s host, had requested it continue its duties into 2021 to fully complete its hosting year. If approved, the deferral would have a knock-on effect for NZ as the 2021 host. With up to 22,000 participants, including leaders, ministers and media, Apec 2021 was set to be the largest event ever hosted by the government.