Our priority first and foremost is the health of our Waka Ama community and ensuring that our events are safe for everyone who attends. 

As many of you will be aware the Government introduced the new COVID Protection Framework last Friday. This framework lays out a plan for Aotearoa to open up and manage COVID-19 in a way where people are as safe as possible. While there are still many details to be finalised, it is very clear that once the Aotearoa moves into the new traffic light colour system we will need to adhere to the requirements in place in order for Waka Ama Nationals to go ahead. 

The new framework will require all attendees of our 2022 National Sprint Championships to be fully vaccinated. This will mean that attendees over the age of 12, who are eligible for the vaccine will need to provide proof of the Covid Vaccination Certificate to attend the event. Attendees include all staff, volunteers, participants, vendors, spectators, contractors etc (Anyone onsite ) 

In order to ensure individuals meet the requirements, it is important to understand that an individual is not deemed to be fully vaccinated until 2 weeks after the 2nd vaccination shot. 

It takes a minimum of 5 weeks for an individual to be fully vaccinated. 

1st shot -----3 week gap ----2nd shot ------2 weeks = Fully vaccinated 

To be fully vaccinated in time for the event you should work back 5 weeks from the day you plan to first attend nationals. For some people that may be in the set-up days prior to the event commencing.  

Waka Ama New Zealand will continue to gather information, provide clarification to our membership and work through the logistics required to ensure our events can take place within the new framework provided. 

Please find below links to COVID health and Vaccine information so that you can make the best decision for yourself and your whānau. 

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact [email protected] 

Ngā mihi 

Lara