Statement from Hockey NZ – 2nd February 2022

With New Zealand entering the red light setting of the Covid Protection Framework a week ago, Hockey New Zealand has been working with its key partners including Tauranga Hockey, participating Associations, Bay of Plenty DHB, and Sport NZ to evaluate the current Omicron outbreak and its potential impact on the Vantage National Masters Tournament.

Community sports, including events, are able to be held at the red light setting and plans were developed to operate under each setting. However, the additional requirements and risks posed by the red-light settings in an Omicron outbreak, coupled with the withdrawal of many teams, has meant the unfortunate decision to postpone the tournament.

With the peak of the Omicron outbreak predicted to be around the same time as the tournament, there is a high-likelihood of major disruption. The implications of the red-light setting under Omicron has meant that we have had no other option but to postpone the tournament. This is due to the current isolation requirements (minimum 10 days from exposure), the restrictions on travel in the event of a positive test and the definition of a close contact being all teammates and any teams played against in the previous 4 days.  Additionally with some teams  having understandably withdrawn and general uneasiness amongst participants, as well as many elements of the tournament experience being significantly impacted particularly as the 100-person limit would apply to groups across the entire week i.e. groups cannot mix day on day, postponement was the only viable option.

We know that this will be deeply disappointing for all. Hockey New Zealand alongside its Associations will investigate the best alternative options to deliver a Masters experience in 2022.  Please stay tuned as we will come to the community to test ideas and options in the coming weeks.

Photo credit Kim Wihare Pics