Maintenance of Turf and Biological Assets
The Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet (DPMC) have advised that the exemptions previously granted do not apply under the COVID-19 Public Health Response Act 2020.
In April 2020, an exemption was granted by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) for the urgent maintenance of turf and similar biological assets. This allowed golf courses, bowling greens and large stadia staff under limited and strict circumstances to maintain their turf to prevent long term expensive damage occurring. This is no longer valid.
Sport NZ officials have been engaging with DPMC to progress another exemption. DPMC advised that the exemption would not be progressed in the first tranche of urgent exemptions. Now that lockdown has been extended we will continue to work on securing an exemption through their process. If necessary, we will escalate the matter to Ministers.
If the current Alert Level 4 lockdown were to extend into September, then it would impact on preparation for summer sports (in particular the preparation of cricket pitches). We will provide you with further information on the impacts for councils and summer codes if Alert Level 4 lockdowns extend into September.
Further Updates to be Provided in Alert Level 3
Earlier this year, Sport NZ developed with WorkSafe NZ a set of guidance for limited single client professional coaching to take place outdoors under Alert Level 3. Sport NZ officials will review this guidance alongside WorkSafe NZ and DPMC to make sure it is still appropriate under the COVID-19 Public Health Response Act 2020.
In 2020, after some negotiation, a number of lower risk sporting activities were also permitted (e.g. Golf or Tennis) under limited circumstances. Sport NZ officials will continue to work with DPMC to determine whether this will be possible as Aotearoa moves down into Alert Level 3 into the future. We will provide you with further information on this work as it progresses.