A message from Peter McSkimming, Head of Sport New Zealand.

I hope you are enjoying your first day of Level 2 and the new freedom this brings. 

While this Sector Update is largely dedicated to further clarity around Level 2, we should make mention of today’s budget announcement. No doubt some of you tuned in. We can confirm that there is money for sport and recreation within Budget 2020 and an announcement on this will be made in the coming days.

With the Health Act Order for Level 2 now in place, Government has confirmed the requirements that apply to the play, sport and recreation sector. New documents are provided at the links below: 

• Health and Safety requirements for businesses and organisations 
• Contact tracing advice for sport and recreation providers
• Hygiene and sanitation guidance including equipment management
• Detail around gatherings where people come together for sport and recreation

The detailed activity table for Level 2 has also been updated with the new decisions made by Cabinet. 

Sport NZ has worked over the past few days to clarify issues relating to our sector and in particular around the change to gatherings. We acknowledge there has been complexity and uncertainty for many of you in understanding how to interpret the new guidelines and appreciate your patience to this point. Please take time to review the new documents above, in which key updates include:  

• Each business, organisation or individual who is running a sport or recreation programme must have a COVID-19 Health and Safety Plan in place.  
• The limit for gatherings has been reduced to 10 including players and officials. Gatherings are where people come into contact with each other for a specific reason. 
• More than one gathering can operate indoors and outdoors where 2m physical distance can be maintained between groups at all time. More information on how can be found at the link above.
• Sport and recreation activities can take place where more than 10 people are present if all participants maintain a 2m physical distance at all times and all other public health and safety requirements are in place.

Detailed FAQ to help the public understand the new Alert Level 2 restrictions and requirements are available here. It’s important that individuals understand their responsibility when taking part in play, active recreation and sport.

As always, we encourage all organisations and providers to take a considered and staged approach to restarting their operations in order to play it safe. 

Please continue to liaise with your Partnerships Manager (if you have one) or email covid19response@sportnz.org.nz if you have feedback or questions. 

Article added: 15 May 2020.