August 14th COVID-19 Update

The government has extended the current COVID-19 Alert Levels for a further 12-days until August 26th. This means Auckland remains at Alert Level 3 and the rest of New Zealand at Level 2.

This will affect motorsport events in New Zealand. As we outlined earlier this week, MotorSport New Zealand has the following plans in place for different alert levels.

Auckland – Level 3:

Unfortunately, no motorsport events are able to take place in Auckland due to being at Alert Level 3.

Remainder of New Zealand Level 2: 

Under Alert Level 2 motorsport events can take place using our ‘Back in Motion Plan’. This plan was successfully utilised in the previous Alert Level 2 restrictions to hold motorsport events.

The ‘Back in Motion’ document provides general guidelines for providing motorsport events during COVID-19 restrictions such as hygiene requirements, social distancing requirements and clarification around the number of people allowed at events.

Anyone entering a venue where a motorsport event is taking place must have their details recording for contact tracing. MotorSport New Zealand has developed a number of resources for event organisers to use such as:

• Utilising the government’s NZCOVID Tracer app and QR code tracking posters.
• A venue plan checklist to ensure event organisers comply with the government guidelines around mass gatherings.

With social distancing requirements in place, it may not also be possible or appropriate for scrutineers to complete a physical safety audit prior to competition commencing. A self-scrutiny of vehicle safety has also been implemented as part of the resources.

Competitors will need to complete the safety checklist and submit it with their event entry alongside photos of the vehicle’s last three logbook entries.

Officials and volunteers also have a set of guidelines to ensure their safety on events. The basis of the guidelines is minimising person to person contact, mainly ensuring documentation is completed electronically where practicable.

The full list of resources can be found on www.motorsport.org.nz/organiser. All competitors, crews, officials, volunteers and event organisers are encouraged to make themselves familiar with it prior to competing or attending events.

What’s next?
As the government makes further announcements, MotorSport New Zealand will continue to communicate how motorsport can operate under each set of restrictions.

As always, the MotorSport New Zealand team are happy to help out if you have any questions regarding COVID-19 guidelines or procedures or for anything else you need assistance with.

We also remind everyone to visit www.motorsport.org.nz/covid-19 for the latest information regarding COVID-19 and motorsport.

73rd Annual General Meeting

The board will be providing an update on the 73rd Annual General Meeting of MotorSport New Zealand Inc. within the next 48 hours.

As always, the MotorSport New Zealand team are available for any help or questions which you may have relating to COVID-19 or any other motorsport enquiries. Get in touch with us on 04 815 8015 or www.motorsport.org.nz/staff-contacts.