Taupo Times
The events, originally postponed to March, are now cancelled. Pictured is Toni Childs during the 2019 Taupō leg of the annual Summer Concert Tour, which drew some 15,000 people (file photo)
Getting international artists through MIQ proved too difficult for the summer concert tour, forcing the cancellation of its 2022 events.
Greenstone Entertainment has announced that the popular January tour, which visits Taupō, Whitianga and Queenstown, has been canceled for the first time in 12 years due to Covid restrictions.
This is expected to deal a heavy blow to the economy of cities. Taupō’s single stop, which usually sells out well in advance, attracts some 15,000 people to the tourist town that brings in more than $30 million a year from hosting large-scale events.
A spokesman said the decision was made with regret but, due to problems with New Zealand’s MIQ system, he had no choice.
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“We have been working hard behind the scenes and confirmed a fabulous international line-up for 2022 some time ago,” they said.
“Covid restrictions caused us to delay our announcement as we didn’t feel it was appropriate to put on sale without knowing where we would be with restrictions around the border, MIQ, lockdown levels and by following the traffic light system.”
The concert tour had previously been postponed to March as Greenstone Entertainment attempted to develop a bespoke MIQ solution for guest artists.
Clare Toia-Bailey/Supplied
New Zealand’s Gin Wigmore during the 2021 Summer Concert Tour (file photo).
“In 2021, our extensive work to develop a bespoke MIQ solution unfortunately came to nothing,” the spokesperson said.
“We had planned that in March, given what was happening in the rest of the world, we could expect some form of home quarantine to be available, which would have been acceptable for artists.
“Given this situation, Greenstone Entertainment is unable to hold the 2022 Tour. We understand that our loyal customers will be disappointed and we appreciate [their] Support. We always strive to deliver exceptional quality events and great live music but unfortunately this year that just wasn’t going to be possible.
General Manager Amanda Calvert said there has been “huge anticipation and excitement from fans” to hear more about the 2022 tour.
“We are saddened to have to do [the] announcement. With the current border restrictions and uncertainty surrounding the new Omicron variant, our international artists are unwilling to spend 10 days in a managed quarantine facility,” she said.
Calvert acknowledged this would be an economic blow to places like Taupō, which has recently seen several major events canceled due to Covid restrictions.
Chris Trail
Billy Idol performing at the 2020 Whitianga Summer Concert (file photo).
“We recognize the importance of the Summer Concert Tour to the regions it travels to, with over 50,000 people attending the three shows each year. Not only because of the millions of dollars in economic benefits it generates each year, but also because of the hundreds of local employees and suppliers that we are able to engage and support, as well as the many groups and organizations local charities who rely on this event to raise funds,” she said. noted.
“With the current border restrictions in place for international tourists, this year would have been more important than ever to boost domestic tourism in the regions.”
She thanked future concert-goers for their continued support and patience and said the tour was due to resume in 2023.
“We look forward to rocking with you again in 2023,” she said.
