Overview
With almost four months of lockdown finally in the rear vision mirror, Aucklanders are being rewarded with the chance to win a voucher to get out and about in the city this summer.
After going into snap lockdown in August, city-wide closures saw hospitality venues forced to shut before pivoting to takeaway and delivery. Now the city's 'red' status in the country's traffic light system means social distancing and venue capacity limits have all dealt a sizeable blow to Auckland's dining and entertainment precincts.
But a new Government scheme is hoping to encourage local spending across the district, boosting both the local economy and our dwindling morale levels. Registrations opened Wednesday, December 15 for the Explore Tāmaki Makaurau Voucher Programme, which gives Auckland residents the chance to win one of 100,000 vouchers to cover or contribute to experiences booked on Bookme.
Those eligible can register to receive either a $100 family voucher or a $50 individual voucher to be used on the site, which allows you to book activities and visit local attractions. Some of the key attractions on Bookme include Waiheke wine tours, sky dives, and entry passes to local hot pools, escape rooms, trampoline parks, museums and art galleries.
Registrations remain open until Friday, February 25 and each of the 100,000 vouchers will be randomly allocated in one of four draws: Saturday January 15, Tuesday February 1, Tuesday February 15 and Tuesday March 1.
In a statement, Auckland Mayor Phill Goff said the programme is to recognise the "huge sacrifices Aucklanders have made since August".
"This is a great way to acknowledge Aucklanders for their hard work and support them to have a proper Kiwi summer," he said.
"It will also provide a boost to businesses that have been under real pressure as the result of the necessary COVID-19 restrictions, both through direct voucher benefits to businesses and the wider stimulus it will provide to the regional economy as people move around the city and spend at other venues such as cafes, bars and restaurants."
It's similar to the 'Out and About' scheme the NSW government brought in in November last year, designed to encourage NSW residents to head out of the house, have a meal, and see a movie or show. However in that case, every NSW resident over the age of 18 was eligible to receive $100 in vouchers, rather than being 'in to win'.
Registrations for the Explore Tāmaki Makaurau Voucher Programme are open from Wednesday December 15 until Friday December 25. Residents are eligible to win one of 100,000 vouchers: either valued at $100 or $50. For the full list of terms and conditions, check the Visit Auckland website.