Kia ora koutou,

With the Waikato now in Alert Level 3, Stage 2 and Auckland pending, we have updated our formal guidance to support operational transition. You can find the new Level 3, Step 2 table here. Important changes and clarifications are as follows:

• Gathering numbers have increased to 25 (removing the two household limit).
• This means outdoor exercise classes can take place to a maximum of 25 people as long as you stay 2m apart and wear face coverings when not participating.
• Professional coaching can occur for sports where this can be conducted under Step 2 rules. For example, tennis, golf and horse-riding can begin on a small group basis with physical distancing required.
• You cannot play contact sports or sports that involve sharing equipment.
• Gyms and indoor recreation facilities such as swimming pools and sports halls cannot open at Step 2.
• Water based activities involving sailing boats, motor boats and other craft like jetskis are permitted but participation is still limited to people from the same household.
• You can travel within your region to get to a destination for sport and recreation (for example, going to a particular park or trail) however check in advance whether the place you’re going to is open – not all areas will be.
• Any activities that may expose the participant to danger or may require search and rescue services are not permitted. Regardless of your personal competency or experience, if an incident was to occur, and this would typically require search and rescue, then that activity is not permitted.
• Inter-regional travel continues to be highly limited to essential workers with limited exemptions for others.

We understand it can be challenging to interpret the guidance to fit your individual situation. If you find a particular question is not answered or need clarity on anything, please get in touch. Our Policy Team are happy to provide advice or in cases where a situation is unique, we can escalate a query to the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (DPMC).

Note that it is important for us all to abide by the current alert level guidance and alert level system. Legislation around the new Covid-19 Protection Framework is still in development and due to be announced later in November.

Given the fast moving nature of the current environment, we encourage timely sharing of these communications to your club networks, affiliates and branches, alongside any specific messaging and advice you may be developing for your sport or activity. Note that anyone in the sector is welcome to sign up to Sector Update here.

As always, please send questions directly to your Partnership Manager if you have one or send your query to: Covid19response@sportnz.org.nz.

Ngā mihi,
Raelene Castle