22 March, 2020

 The Prime Minister yesterday informed us that Aotearoa New Zealand is now at Alert Level 2.  For more information on this see: https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/nation-steps-covid-19-alert-level-2

From an archery perspective this means that:

• those over 70 and/or with impaired immune systems should stay at home with support from family, friends and archery colleagues;
• those able to work from home, or to work in split shifts, should do so;
• we should avoid unnecessary domestic travel.  For Archery NZ, this means not travelling to tournaments and being sensible about group training;
• essential services around NZ remain open which is good news;
• postponements or cancellation of regional and national events will be announced on the Archery New Zealand website (https://www.archerynz.co.nz/), Archery OSA website (https://archeryosa.com/) and our own social media (https://www.facebook.com/ArcheryNZ/).  This is likely to include:
  • The North Island Championships scheduled for 11 April 2020
  • The National Field Championships scheduled for 18 April 2020
  • The NZ Indoor National Championships (discussions are currently underway);

All Archery New Zealand decisions will be in line with Government and Ministry of Health (https://covid19.govt.nz/) recommendations regarding COVID-19. Please keep engaged with Government and Ministry of Health communications for your own sake.

We ask organisers of local tournaments to consider postponing/cancelling events to avoid unnecessary community risk.  Clubs that choose to continue to operate would be wise to do so under Ministry of Health guidelines.  If you’ve registered for a club tournament check with the tournament organisers or Archery OSA for cancellations or postponements.  Archery New Zealand will endeavour to publish these cancellations when we’re notified of them.

Archery New Zealand recommends clubs discuss safety protocols with members before making appropriate decisions.

A reminder from the Ministry of Health:

• Minimise contact;
• No hongi, handshaking or hugs;
• If you feel unwell go home/stay away;
• If you test positive or have been in contact with someone who has tested positive let healthline and your club know;
• Wash your hands before training;
• Wipe down equipment and avoid sharing;
• Maintain safe distances (2m) as much as is practicable.

Stay safe. We will continue to monitor the situation closely and advise you accordingly.  Keep checking the Archery New Zealand website and social media for updates.

Thanks for your support and Kia Kaha everyone.

Mike Thompson, General Manager Archery New Zealand