30 Nov 2021

Orange regions under traffic light system a bit disgruntled

From First Up, 5:38 am on 30 November 2021

Auckland, Northland ,Taupo, Rotorua Lakes, Kawerau, Whakatane, Opotiki, Gisborne, Wairoa, Rangitikei, Whanganui and Ruapehu districts will be in the red setting when the new Covid traffic light framework comes into force on Friday. All other regions, including the entire South Island, will have few restrictions when they enter the framework at Orange Frances De-Jager is the cellar door and events manager at Black Barn Vineyard in Hastings He says he wasn't suprised by the decision to start the Hawke's Bay region in Orange. Taupo District Mayor David Trewavas is a bit disgruntled that the region will go to red while neighbouring regions enjoy greater freedoms. President of the Gisborne Chamber of Commerce, Belinda McKay, told our producer Matthew Theunissen she expects the region will miss out on the economic boost that Rhythm and Vines usually brings to the region each year. And the events sector has been one of those hardest hit by the lockdown. Dean Calvert from one of the largest operators, Greenstone Entertainment, told Matthew Theunissen they'd pushed all their events out to March next year already.