Photo / Ron BurginBy Gill Bonnett of RNZInternational music and comedy acts are being approved and rejected for border exemptions in a "game of favourites", according to a promoter. Photo / Janna DixonNo one had spelt out what the criteria were for approval nor who was making the decisions. "These are beneficial to the good health of New Zealanders, especially youth in one case, and in another case we [would be] using New Zealand performers, crew, staging, accommodation, everything." Of those, 39 requests have been approved, 23 requests have been declined, and four requests are still being assessed. Should Mr Bartlett request a reconsideration or make a new request, INZ would consider this."

Source: New Zealand Herald January 17, 2021 20:59 UTC