New Zealand's arts sector is welcoming the Government's $120 million support fund but some venue owners want it to go further.
It was just a week out before singer-songwriter Reb Fountain could kick her tour off but on Wednesday she was forced to cancel.
"It's been really challenging actually, I've so wanted to do this show, the band and I, actually the whole crew."
Artists like Fountain have had to make hard decisions to cancel their shows as Omicron takes centre stage.
The Government has given in to pressure after artists around the country called on financial support as the country entered traffic-light setting red.
"I'm personally really grateful that they've seen a sense of urgency because it has been quite dire for a lot of people," Fountain told Newshub.
The latest event support scheme received a $70 million injection and has been extended until January 2023.
There's an extra $35 million for the Cultural Sector Emergency Relief Fund and screen production gets another $15 million.
A gap in funding for self-employed and contract workers has also been filled.
More than 32,000 in the industry are now eligible for a one-off grant of $5000.
Auckland venue owners met on Wednesday to discuss what this fund means for them. Whammy Bar co-owner Tom Anderson said the fund isn't reaching him.
Anderson's business partner Lucy Macrae wants more targeted support while many aren't able to open their doors while gathering limits are capped at 100.
"I think we can look back at the past 18 months and see what has worked to keep venues afloat and that has been the business resurgence payment and wage subsidy."
