Important information for Southland accommodation providers - 24 March 2020

Tēnā Koutou,

As we prepare to move to level 4 of the COVID-19 alert system, we know many accommodation providers will have immediate questions about how this will affect their current situation. We have been speaking with MBIE representatives who have been able to provide the below response to some of these questions. MBIE is continuing to work hard to provide further clarity in this area and we will continue to keep you updated with information as it comes to hand.  It would be appreciated if any accommodation provider could let us know if they are able to provide long term accommodation for processing workers and other essential staff at this time. If you can assist, please email bobbi@greatsouth.nz or text 021 241 7606. 

Ngā mihi
Bobbi Brown
Great South GM Tourism and Events

Q:   Are accommodation providers considered essential services? Should they stay open?

A:   Yes, any entity that provides accommodation services for essential workers, isolation/quarantine, and emergency housing is considered an essential service. If you are not sure if your operation is considered essential, learn more about the list of essential businesses below

Q:   Can visitors move around during the lock down period?

A:   No, they must be in one place for the duration of the four-week lock down.

Q:   If an accommodation provider has a visitor for 4 weeks, is this visitor expected to pay for this?

A:   Yes, in the first instance user pays. However, MBIE have stated that the medium to long term issues that may arise from this are being considered at the moment.  More information to come on what this will mean.

Q:   If an accommodation provider receives new bookings today, does the guest have to stay for 4 weeks?

A:   Yes, everyone is locked down for 4 weeks unless there is an exceptional reason not to be.

Q:   How do international visitors get to departure points i.e. airports?

A:   This is currently being worked on and we will keep you updated.  It may be that this will not be possible as outbound routes are closing fast in response to New Zealand moving to COVID-19 alert level 4. 

Q:   What support services are available?

A:   MBIE have a Temporary Accommodation Service and are working on welfare issues. More information to come.

Q:   Is a freedom camper allowed to still travel around during the lockdown?

A:   MBIE are currently clarifying this situation, but it is highly likely that they will not be permitted to travel and will need to stay put in one place. Emergency Management Southland and Great South are currently assessing where visitors will be encouraged to stay in the region. More information to follow

Important information and resources

COVID-19 resources

There are a range of resources and digital assets available on the COVID-19 website, including learning what can be done to unite against the virus and slow its spread. You can also keep up to date with the Unite against COVID-19 Facebook page and Instagram page