Oliver MMA Gym HQ Forced To Move

Iconic gym Oliver MMA has been given two weeks’ notice to vacate by the landlord of its headquarters in New Lynn, Auckland.

This follows public controversy over gym owner Steven Oliver’s stance against discrimination on the basis of vaccination status, for both his staff and customers. Oliver has long been an advocate for mental health and his gym facilities have provided much-needed succour for many throughout the years and especially in recent weeks. Unlike other gyms that have gone along with the Government’s order to require vaccine passports from customers, Oliver has kept his doors open to all.

This has not been without serious consequences. Oliver was slapped with a $12,000 fine by WorkSafe NZ just prior to Christmas for his non-discriminatory stance. Specifically, the fine was for knowingly hiring unvaccinated staff. He has just received further fines to total $24,000 and has a legal team in place that is challenging the legality of those fines.

During the extensive lockdown for the Auckland region last year that began on 18 August, Oliver’s New Lynn landlord did not provide any rent relief despite the gym’s complete inability to trade. The result is that the gym is now in significant rent arrears, owing its landlord approximately $160,000. The landlord has however agreed to write-off the rent arrears provided Oliver MMA vacates its premises by the end of the notice period.

The landlord has already found a new tenant for the premises.

Meanwhile the gym has only just resumed its normal classes. It is now being forced to seek new premises, with a minimum floor area of 500 square metres required to accommodate its equipment. Earlier this month, Steve Oliver took even some classes outdoors in an effort to be able to operate.

 

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