The BMXNZ Board has been continually reviewing the detail of the COVID announcements over the last weeks to seek clarity regarding the ability to deliver the 2021 North Island Titles.
The decisions around our Major Events are never taken lightly, as any changes, not only affect the host Club and Region but the entire sport.
And so, due to significant parts of New Zealand being highly likely to be unable to attend the event due to COVID alert level restrictions, the 2021 North Island Titles event will be changed to a non-Titles modified BMXNZ race event under COVID Alert Level 2 Event Guidelines.
Unfortunately this will also affect the Mighty 11s Titular trial, which will not proceed for 2021.
The reasoning behind the decision is that with the new vaccination target set at 90%, the existing alert levels, will remain in place for the next three to four weeks, due to the current pace of vaccinations and the continued growth of cases. This means Aucklanders continue to be unable to ride or travel for BMX and the Waikato Region looks to be in the same situation a little longer as well. Indications are that the change to the new alert system will look to take place in early December, but it is also noted that while Auckland would move directly into ‘RED’, the Border Restriction would remain until the case numbers are controlled. This implies that it is highly likely that all the Auckland Clubs would be unable to attend the event in early December. And so this outcome defines that a ‘Titles’ event cannot proceed fairly in the original format and will need to be changed.
BMXNZ & the host Club and Region are underway planning the updated alternate ‘BMXNZ North Island’ event. Details of this will be advised very shortly.
We regret any stress and heartbreak this decision may cause, but the Taranaki and New Plymouth teams along with BMXNZ are committed to delivering an exciting alternate event for the sport to enjoy.
Regards,
Warren Boggiss
Board Chair & Events Portfolio
BMX New Zealand
Dion Earnest
Executive Officer
BMX New Zealand
