Waka Ama NZ

Event Sanctioning Update – 1 February 2022

Kia ora koutou,

This pānui is to provide an update on the Waka Ama NZ event sanctioning process. As we evolve and the environment changes, we too must update and improve our processes. The following updates are in relation to the NZ Government Covid-19 Protection Framework and the WANZ Covid-19 Event Policy. The updates and amendments to the Waka Ama NZ sanctioning process are effective as of 1 February 2022.

All 2022 events currently sanctioned in the Waka Ama NZ calendar will be required to provide updated sanctioning documents in accordance with these updates. Any events that are unable to comply with the updated sanctioning process will have their sanctioned event status removed and their sanctioning fee refunded. All events requesting sanctioning for upcoming events will be required to provide sanctioning documents in accordance with these updates.

Please note the following key updates: 

• The WANZ Covid-19 Event Policy applies to all Waka Ama NZ sanctioned and approved events. WANZ will only sanction or approve an event that chooses to adhere to the policy.

• All Waka Ama NZ sanctioned and approved events must adhere to My Vaccine Pass Event and Non My Vaccine Pass Event attendee number restrictions as outlined in the NZ Government Covid-19 Protection Framework and the WANZ Covid-19 Event Policy. 

• All required sanctioning and approval documents have been updated, including specific Covid-19 Protection Framework sections, and must be used:

• Event Sanctioning Agreement OR Event Approval Agreement

• Covid Policy Sanctioning Agreement

• Operations & Safety Management Plan

• Masks are mandatory at all events, except when paddling.

• The requirement of a My Vaccine Pass is not applicable to attendees under 12 years and 3 months. They are treated as having a My Vaccine Pass and are counted in your total event numbers.

• Report to Waka Ama NZ any breaches of the Waka Ama NZ Race Rules, Code of Conduct, and/or Covid-19 Protection Framework. Appropriate consequences of breaches must be discussed and agreed upon with Waka Ama NZ.

• Event organisers must provide a copy of their event Covid-19 QR Code to the WANZ office.

• Event organisers must provide a copy of a Covid Pānui to the WANZ office; templates are available online: Covid Pānui. 

All updated sanctioning and approval documents are now available online and can be found on our website here: WANZ Event Sanctioning. Please ensure you use these new templates available when submitting your sanctioning or approval documents.

If you have any queries please contact Waka Ama NZ [email protected] 

Ngā mihi, 

Waka Ama NZ