Dairy Awards regional dinners still on, despite Covid-19

In a Facebook post, NZDIA says ensuring the safety of entrants, guests and volunteers is its greatest priority.

The New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards is closely monitoring the Covid-19 situation and will act promptly on any updated advice from the Ministry of Health.

Currently, the Ministry of Health does not propose altering arrangements for public events less than 500 people.

“We have fully briefed all staff and volunteers on this situation and continue to keep them informed of developments,” it says.

“We currently advise attendees not to come if they are feeling unwell and ask that our teams ensure they are fit and well to attend. We ask our venues and caterers to be extra vigilant with hygiene.

“As these are regional events, for mostly local people with no international travellers the advice is that the risk is very low.”

Five regional dinners are still to be held; West Coast/Top of the South dinner takes place tonight in Shantytown, West Coast.

Manawatu, Hawke’s Bay/Wairarapa, Canterbury/North Otago, Southland/Otago are scheduled to take place over the next two weeks.

The Ministry of Health has advised that if you are unwell you should not attend public events.

“We are mindful of the wellbeing of all involved and do not want to cause any stress or anxiety and appreciate some may be more risk-averse and we are happy to accommodate this on a case by case basis,” NZDIA says.