Our Covid-19 Policy

We hope to help keep our community healthy and safe during the 2023 Dunedin Fringe Festival. 

This page aims to explain the Dunedin Fringe’s approach to dealing with Covid-19 in Te Whare o Rukutia and the Dunedin Community Gallery (20 & 26 Princes Street) - the two spaces that we directly manage.

Please note that other Fringe venues are run independently and will have their own policies in relation to Covid-19. You can contact them directly for further information.

Te Whare o Rukutia and the Dunedin Community Gallery are in older buildings that do not have modern, filtered ventilation. However, all our buildings have mechanical ventilation, ensuring there is always some airflow.

Some within our community are more at risk if exposed to the virus, or have family members that are at risk. We want to be considerate of their needs.

It is vital to the Fringe and artists that audiences can enjoy live performance in an environment that they feel comfortable in.

What we ask of people coming into our spaces:

If you have Covid-19 symptoms or have been asked to isolate, stay at home.

Consider wearing a mask if you are not eating or drinking. Masks will be available near the door of our spaces along with hand sanitiser.

If you’re able, please take a rapid test before coming out to a show. We’ll have some tests available at the Dunedin Pride x Fringe Hub at 26 Princes St if you need some, or you can ask for a free box of tests from your local pharmacy.

If you want to avoid crowds, consider arriving early and going to the bar early. Choose a seat near the door where ventilation may be better.

What we will do to reduce the risk of the virus being transmitted in our spaces:

Doors will be open 30 minutes before a show to reduce congestion at the box office area.

We will ensure that our Fringe venue, Te Whare o Rukutia, is manually ventilated by opening the front doors between shows so that there is fresh air for each performance.

We have equipment that continuously monitors levels of CO₂ in the theatre. This means we will know if the room is not being properly ventilated and at what times it happened, and take all practicable steps to improve air flow.

We will regularly disinfect surfaces and wipe down high-usage areas.

All our staff, volunteers and performers will be able to pick up a free RAT test from the Fringe Hub.

All Fringe staff and contractors will test regularly throughout the Fringe period.

What to do if you have purchased a ticket but have Covid-19 symptoms:

Contact tickets@dunedinfringe.nz to arrange a refund, or to send your tickets to a friend.