New Zealand welcomes return of international sporting events

The New Zealand Government has welcomed the return of international sporting events and advises that much work has been undertaken by sports officials including New Zealand Cricket, Netball New Zealand and government officials to ensure its safe return. 

While welcoming the announcement that the West Indies and Pakistan cricket teams will tour New Zealand this summer, New Zealand Minister Sport and recreation Grant Robertson highlights “getting teams into managed isolation and allowing them to train and be competitive has not been an easy task. I am pleased we’re now in a position where we can welcome teams back to New Zealand.

“I am also very happy to announce that an agreement has been reached with Netball New Zealand to resume international fixtures. This is off the back of the agreement with the New Zealand Rugby Union to host the Bledisloe Cup games."

Minister Robertson advises “security and health safety provisions will apply for the touring teams. While sports teams will be operating within a bubble, safety will be ensured through the provision of normal Infection Prevention Control mechanisms, like physical separation, normal hygiene practices and PPE. Training facilities will also be secure, safe and isolated."

Other sporting codes will also have the opportunity to express their interest in bringing teams and athletes to New Zealand with Minister Robertson noting that Sport New Zealand has started working with other sporting organisations having written to National Sports Organisations to gauge their interest in bringing international teams and athletes to Aotearoa.

Minister Robertson adds “it is important that we understand the demand from other sports so New Zealand can continue to play an active part in international sport. This will aid our preparation for a series of exciting upcoming international sport events starting with the Rugby World Cup next year.

“We have to balance a number of competing needs when it comes to our managed isolation facilities. This week we have made announcements about further places for critical workers, and recently for more visa holders, including partner visas. We are continuing to work on the return of international students as well.

“Getting international sport back up and running in New Zealand is another step forward. Like many New Zealanders I am looking forward to seeing international sport resuming. It is a huge part of our culture and helps bring us together as a nation.”

Image: New Zealand Cricket James Neesham Blackcaps