The Government has hinted a new plan is on its way to manage the risks of Covid in a highly-vaccinated world.
It comes as South Island business leaders voice frustration over the Government's lack of direction.
One event which will likely see many turned away is the Trotting Cup next month.
Every year, thousands flock to Christchurch’s Addington Raceway for a chance to dress up, have a few drinks and take a punt.
“We’d usually have about 20,000 but this year, I don’t think we’ll have any more than 1000, to be honest,” Addington Raceway's Brian Thompson said.
It’s been a slow climb out of lockdown across the South Island, despite a lack of Covid-19 community transmission in over a year.
Business is struggling to pick up, even with the Government’s wage subsidy and resurgence support payment.
“Things are fairly quiet, have been, really, for the last few months - we're in school holidays now. There's a slight lift but nothing like the kind of volumes we've seen with Auckland locked down,” Skyline Enterprises' Geoff McDonald said.
The Canterbury Chamber of Commerce’s Leeann Watson says the region is in a holding pen and is frustrated by the lack of direction.
“What our businesses want and need is real clarity on what it will look like for future operating conditions and what those restrictions will be and when we're likely to move into those new operating conditions,” she said.
Covid-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins on Wednesday promised a new plan to manage the risks of coronavirus was coming.
“It will happen gradually - it won't be a sudden big bang, but it means that Level 1 as we knew it previously will probably look a little different in the context of a highly vaccinated population,” he said.
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