Hello

I believe every club member should be aware of this email and the important information it contains

The committee tasked with organising the interprovincial will need to consider the implications of this email

Sport NZ has yet to determine firm guidelines .

Mark

Good afternoon

I share with you a communication just sent to all District Associations regarding the Interprovincials and Covid-19 guidance.

This may require some urgent action if you have players that aren't double vaccinated.

As you will read, there will be no formal functions and the final dinner will be cancelled.

Cheers, Phil

Afternoon All,

The first of the two National Interprovincial events is now less than two weeks away. We understand many District Associations and players are concerned about traveling and competing in these events given the ongoing spread of COVID-19 around New Zealand.

We also have host venues who are aware of the increased risk of this spread and want to do everything they can to minimise the risk to their communities and all involved in the tournaments.

Golf New Zealand is closely monitoring advice from government agencies, while still preparing to deliver these events in a manner that mitigates risks where possible. We are anticipating some additional complexities given the country is very likely to move from the Alert Level system to the COVID-19 Protection Framework prior to or during these events so we all need to be prepared for that change.

Our number one priority is the health, safety and wellbeing of all event participants and the wider community involved with the staging of the event. We acknowledge the risks associated with COVID-19, and the measures and protections that can be taken to mitigate those risks.

Following the COVID-19 rules and operational guidance will be the principal risk mitigation strategy used however all players, officials and other representatives should be aware that we intend to minimise the risk of COVID-19 transmission at the Interprovincial events in the following ways:

1. As it stands today, Golf New Zealand will require all participants and official attendees to either show official evidence of double vaccination (using My Vaccine Pass) or return a negative COVID-19 test 72 hours prior to registration. Confirmation of each players double vaccination status or negative test must be given to Golf New Zealand at the managers meeting or prior to it if possible.

However, this remain subject to change. On November 29th 2021, cabinet will confirm the decision and date around moving the country into the new COVID-19 Protection Framework (traffic light system). We believe this is very likely to happen prior or during one of the Interprovincial tournaments. When Aorangi moves in to the Protection Framework, it is likely the tournament will be considered as an event and therefore, we will need to enforce vaccination certificate requirements in line with government mandates. This may mean that only vaccinated people would be able to continue competing or be present at the event. A negative covid test would not be sufficient if we move to the Protection Framework. Due to vast challenges and complexities this will create, we strongly encourage districts and management to inform players, officials and other representative of this likelihood as soon as possible and plan accordingly. Sport NZ has not yet published guidance around the Protection Framework but we are wanting to share this pragmatic likelihood and information with you as early as possible.

2. There will be no formal functions, official dinners or opening and closing ceremonies held during either Interprovincial event.

3. The wearing of masks in inside spaces and record keeping will be strictly enforced.

We will keep you updated on any developments regarding the Interprovincial events and our efforts to ensure the safe staging of these important tournaments.

Please be in touch with myself or Hana-Rae if you have any queries.

Kind regards

Dave

Ng?ihi,

Dave Mangan | Golf New Zealand

General Manager Championships and Golf Operations