Kia ora koutou, 

We hope you are well and acclimatising to life in both Alert Levels 2 and 4. This is a unique situation we find ourselves in with Auckland in full lockdown and other regions able to return to sport and recreation, albeit in a careful and managed way. 

We have now received more detailed guidance on the definitions around Alert Level 2 and have finalised our guidelines. These guidelines are different to those previously published in a few key areas. We recommend you review them carefully with particular reference to gatherings: 

• Gatherings are limited to 100 in a defined space outdoors and 50 in a defined space indoors 
• The definition of what constitutes a ‘defined space’ has changed. Indoor spaces will need to be enclosed by walls (not partitions) that substantially divide each space and don’t share airflow 
• No intermingling is permitted in communal entrances/facilities between multiple single spaces. Where reasonably practicable people entering and exiting should keep 2 metres apart 
• We recognise that this will mean many indoor facilities will only be able to host a single group of 50 at a time. These requirements are set out in the health order and are because of the increased transmissibility of the Delta variant 
• With respect to outdoor events and facilities, multiple gatherings can take place at the same time as long as they can be kept separated and do not share facilities. Phasing of activities could be used to allow time for people to pass through communal areas safely.  

Alert Level 2 - summary

At Alert Level 2, you can do your usual sport and recreation activities if you can do them safely. You can take part in activities such as like:

• walking, cycling and hunting including on public conservation land - overnight trips are ok
• swimming at a public swimming pool, with restrictions in place
• going to the gym, with restrictions in place
• boating and motorised watersports

Face coverings

You must legally wear a face covering if you are aged 12 or over in certain settings such as on public transport, inside retail businesses and public venues. You are also encouraged to wear a face covering when you cannot maintain your physical distance from others. Face coverings are not required however in gyms, any indoor swimming pool and any businesses where customers or clients are members of the business or service. In this setting, masks are not required for workers. Face coverings are also not required when exercising or playing sport.

Gatherings and events

Community sports are limited to groups of 100 in a defined space outdoors and 50 in a defined space indoors. These group limits include all players and spectators (but not referees and officials). A sports venue can have multiple defined spaces by keeping people in separate groups of up to 100 (if outdoors) or 50 (if indoors). Groups must be kept separate using entrances/exits, temporary or permanent walls between groups, and with separate airflow for each group for indoor facilities. These groups must not mingle or share common facilities at the same time.

Note that a person in charge of a social gathering must ensure records are kept for contact tracing purposes, except where every person in a gathering knows, and can identify for the purposes of contact tracing, every other person who is a participant in the social gathering. This includes in your home, community hall or other space.

Member-based businesses including indoor swimming pools and gyms

There are no limits on the number of people as long as physical distancing of 2 metres can be maintained. There are no face covering requirements for these facilities; this includes workers at those facilities. Sanitation and hygiene requirements apply.

Not for profit sport and recreation and community clubs

Can operate with no more than 50 indoors or 100 outdoors in a defined space. You can have multiple gatherings of 50 indoors as long as each space is substantially divided. These single spaces will need to be enclosed by walls that substantially divide each space and don’t share airflow. No intermingling is permitted in communal entrances/facilities between multiple single spaces – where reasonably practicable entering and exiting keep 2 metres apart. Face coverings don’t need to be worn but are encouraged. Physical distancing of 2 metres applies.

Event facilities like stadiums

The usual gatherings limits apply. Face coverings don’t need to be worn. Physical distancing of 1 metre applies.

Mandatory contact tracing

There is also now a legal requirement to keep a record of those who attend certain facilities such as indoor public facilities and exercise facilities (eg: gyms, sports venues, yoga studios)  through the COVID Tracer App or an alternative means. We have updated our contact tracing advice for Alert Level 2 which should cover most questions. 

We hope this information is of help and that the new Alert Level table answers any further questions you may have. As always if you have any queries, please contact your Partnership Manager if you have one, or send COVID-19 related queries to this address: Covid19response@sportnz.org.nz.

Ngā mihi,

Raelene