New Zealand Sports Minister advises of permissible activities under eased Coronavirus Alert

New Zealand Sports Minister Grant Robertson has advised of the activities that will be allowed as the nation moves to its eased Level 3 status, with rules around exercise, recreation and sport to be relaxed.

The eased restrictions, which will apply from tomorrow (Tuesday 28th April), will allow people to move within their region, while bans on activities such as mountain biking, open water swimming and surfing have been lifted.

However, activities must be undertaken solo or within household ‘bubbles’ (people within a single household), while the public have been reminded not participate in activities beyond their current capabilities, and not to take up new activities where inexperience might result in injury or the need for medical assistance.

Sectors were Level 3 changes apply are:

Exercise and Sport
• Contact and non-contact sport are not permitted outside of household bubbles under level 3.
• Equipment cannot be shared with people outside of household bubbles.
• Training at home or outside is allowed if it is with other bubble members.

Outdoor Pursuits
• Hunting is now permitted but only on private land. Conservation land remains closed to hunters under level 3. Hunters must be on foot and overnight trips are not allowed.
• Cycling, including riding on easy, local mountain bike tracks is permitted.
• Day walks on easy, local trails is allowed.

On the Water
• No motorised activities.
• Swimming, surfing, kayaking, canoeing, rowing, windsurfing and paddle boarding are allowed, but must be done close to shore.
• Shore-based fishing is permitted, but the use of boats for fishing is not.

Image: The surf break at Raglan.