Sport New Zealand looks forward to play, active recreation and sport resuming across all of Aotearoa New Zealand today, as the Government’s traffic light system is rolled out.

While restrictions will still apply in the red and orange settings, the COVID-19 Protection Framework (CPF) will give New Zealanders greater freedom to return to physical activity and reconnect with whanau and teammates, especially those in Tāmaki Makaurau.

Sport NZ Chief Executive Raelene Castle says the sport and recreation sector may take time to adjust to the CPF, however in the main, the settings allow clubs and facilities to get back into it.

“We are aware this may still be a challenging environment for many in our sector as the country moves into the new settings, but it will be great to see Kiwis who have waited a long time get back to their passions.

“We encourage everyone to work together to ensure the successful return of sport and recreation under the traffic light system,” she says.

Government’s guidance for the play, recreation and sport sector can be found here: https://sportnz.org.nz/covid-19-response/covid-19-protection-framework/

Under all settings, outdoor parks, fields and playgrounds can now open, along with public facilities. Most sport and recreation can be played, whether under gatherings or events guidelines, and organisers will need to decide if vaccine passes are required or not.

Raelene Castle says alert level restrictions have prompted a decline in physical activity levels.

“Tamariki and rangatahi have been most affected due to the closure of schools and clubs and facilities. Motivation levels and confidence have also dropped for young New Zealanders unable to take part.  Time is needed to see whether participation returns to pre-pandemic levels,” she says.

New Zealand Cricket Chief Executive David White says the resumption of community sport under the CPF is a significant step forward for grassroots New Zealand.

“It’s terrific to see sport returning within the safety of the CPF, so that boys and girls, mums and dads, and people from all walks of life, can get back to enjoying it on a regular basis.

“The activity and exercise, the opportunity to meet and share, and, not least, the ability to get out of the house and have some fun, makes this an important time,” says David White.

Athletics NZ CEO Pete Pfitzinger, says they are delighted their sport can fully resume in time for the summer season and their community can enjoy all the benefits that will bring.

“The launch of the traffic light system will offer welcome clarity to all within our sport that not only will events re-start but that they can do so safely.

We are very much looking forward to a busy few months of activity this summer – beginning with the iconic Colgate Games in January.”

ENDS

At a glance: Covid Protection Framework as it relates to play, active recreation and sport

For more information on the CPF please visit our website www.sportnz.org.nz

Media inquiries

Michelle Pickles

Group Media Manager

Michelle.pickles@sportnz.org.nz

021 833 244