New Zealand's Bars To Reopen On Thursday 21st May

As part of today's revelations as to how Aotearoa's shift back to Level Two alert status will proceed, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced our bars will finally reopen on Thursday 21st May, albeit under strict new conditions. Audience numbers for indoor and outdoor gatherings will be limited to 100 and social distancing measures must be applied – seated events will be the rule for the near future – while private social events (eg. house parties) will be capped at a maximum of ten people (with the exception of large families). Stressing that the battle against Covid-19 has not yet been won, Ardern declared the Level Two conditions will move forward in staggered steps from 14th May, with bars / venues being the last to reopen. Ardern stated “We have left bars till last because they do pose the most risk... if you’re wanting to head to a restaurant or a bar, they won’t be allowed to take group bookings larger than 10.”

While the jokes about being "spaced out" at shows are already rolling in, today's news represents a significant step forward for our live music community. It's no exaggeration to say we're champing at the bit for gigs to get started safely as soon as possible. In the meantime you can show your support for venues across Aotearoa by donating here and / or prep for the awesomeness to come (and help UTR during turbulent times in the bargain) by gifting a friend or even yourself a snazzy UTR gift voucher.

We can't wait to see Mermaidens play live again, check out recent footage of the Pōneke trio playing at Tāmaki Makaurau's Whammy Bar...