COVID-19 INFORMATION
The single most important thing to us here at MotorSport New Zealand is, and always has been, the health, safety and wellbeing of our competitors, volunteers, suppliers and staff. It’s no secret that safety is at the core of what we do and the COVID-19 global pandemic is no different.
So we’ve pulled together this page for you, summarising all the key information you need to know. Remember if you need to speak with us, you can find a list of key staff contact details here.
We wish you and your loved ones good health at this time and thank you for your assistance in helping us keep everyone safe.
Jump to:
- COVID-19 Organiser Resources
- Latest Update
- Previous Updates
- Financial Information and Tips
- Further Information
Latest update:
May 20, 2020: MotorSport New Zealand’s ‘Back in Motion’ plan revealed
MotorSport New Zealand has released its ‘Back in Motion’ plan which outlines how motorsport events may take place under current COVID-19 restrictions.
The plan and resources have been developed after extensive consultation with our commission and departments along with circuits and event organisers. Additional expert bodies such as the Ministry of Health, Sport NZ and Motorsport Australia were also used in the process to ensure we had covered all possible aspects.
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:
- a contact tracing system that event organisers can use if they do not have their own system in place.
- 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.
MotorSport New Zealand will be issuing permits from Thursday 21st May 2020 for event organisers who submit permit applications that meet the requirements outlined in the ‘Back in Motion’ document.
“We are excited to be back in motion,” said Elton Goonan, GM of Motorsport at MotorSport New Zealand.
“We know both our organisers and competitors are eager to get back behind the wheel and have some fun after being locked down for almost two months. These guidelines allow the sport to return, albeit in a limited capacity but as the government starts to lift restrictions, we will follow”
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.
Event organisers are also reminded to visit www.motorsport.org.nz/covid-19 as we move into Alert Level 1 for the latest information. This document will be adjusted as government updates are made.
Please remember to check back here for the latest updates regarding COVID-19.
Previous MotorSport New Zealand updates:
- 20 May: Sport NZ – Quick reference for play, active recreation & sport
- 14 May: ‘Restarting Motorsport’ plan underway
- 7 May: Sport NZ Community Resilience Fund
- 4 May: 2020 New Zealand Rally Championship postponed indefinitely
- 21 April: Alert Level 3 – Update from MotorSport New Zealand
- 21 April: Sport New Zealand guidelines on sporting activities at Level 3 & FAQ’s
- 2 April: Letter from CEO, Simon Baker
- 28 March: Financial Information to help with COVID-19
- 27 March: MotorSport New Zealand AGM, conference and annual awards postponed
- 22 March: MotorSport New Zealand office closure
- 19 March: MotorSport New Zealand to suspend all events for two months
- 19 March: Final round of MotorSport New Zealand Championship cancelled
- 17 March: Final round of MotorSport New Zealand Championship postponed
- 17 March: Update: MSNZ Championship event at Hampton Downs, March 27-29
- 16 March: Statement regarding Coronavirus and MotorSport Events in New Zealand
- 13 March: Coronavirus Update
Additional updates from external parties:
- March 20: No NZ F5000 finale this weekend as event organisers call COVID-19 force majeure
- March 19: 2020 Otago Rally will be postponed indefinitely
- March 18: ITM Auckland Super400 postponed
Further Background Information:
We know that we all have a vital role to play in keeping all New Zealanders safe and healthy during this time. It’s important to know that our collective efforts will have an impact on the overall wellbeing of New Zealand.
Every decision we make is informed first and foremost by the safety of our people. With this in mind, we wish to reiterate this important information along with providing you with updates relating to the sport as they become relevant.
However, as this pandemic is a constantly evolving situation and will be for some time, we are continuously monitoring the situation and keeping abreast of the latest updates from the New Zealand Government. Therefore, we strongly recommend regularly checking this page for the latest updates that could affect activities here.
Secondary to protecting the health and wellbeing of our people, is minimising the impact on our sport as much as possible. So we’d like you to be assured that MotorSport New Zealand staff are continuing to work remotely during the lockdown period and will be available to assist you with any queries during standard business hours to help with this.
Please remember that to see the latest official advice or for further information regarding COVID-19, please see the New Zealand Government’s dedicated COVID-19 website here.
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