8 May 2020

Dear Members,

MOVING TO A COMPETITION ENVIRONMENT IN COVID LEVEL 2.

Well, it looks like there might be some light at the end of the lockdown tunnel. However, the message is still very clear, we are not there yet.  Please take the time to read this letter as we have been asked to communicate with you all to ensure that our members understand normal functions are not resuming immediately and there remains a need for vigilance and care especially when we get to Level 2.  This letter contains important information for you as members.

As we move to Level 2 and a managed return to work and competition – organisations, organising committees, riders, coaches, trainers, equestrian support services and facilities will need to carefully manage hygiene and risk. Training and play environments may need to be modified, physical distancing considerations will remain and we all need to be vigilant.

There will be a natural desire to get back to business quickly, however we strongly encourage all of you to use this time in Level 3 to thoroughly understand the proposed guidelines, and then create robust and detailed plans before restarting any activity, be it training or competitions. The attached link is from the MBiE site and will assist with anything you need to know about operating your business in Level 2. https://www.business.govt.nz/covid-19/workplace-operations-covid-19-alert-levels/?utm_source=Newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=EC_AlertL2_8May2020&utm_content=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.business.govt.nz%2Fcovid-19%2Fworkplace-operations-covid-19-alert-levels%2F#e-21358

We know that for some of you it has been a difficult time financially and we understand this.  If you need to make arrangements to pay your registration and membership fees please call us to discuss. We are currently investigating ways to enable you to pay fees off in instalments to reduce the impact of a lump sum payment. And we are organising member draws for those who pay over the months of May, June and July with vouchers for the lucky draw winners in each discipline. We do urge you to continue to pay your registrations where you can, to avoid what will inevitably be a rush nearer competition time.

We know there are some changes to Level 2 as we previously understood it, and there are likely to be more before everything is finalised. One of the biggest changes this week was that outdoor events will only be able to host 100 people. This will need to be considered as we plan for Level 2 and we are seeking clarification on a number of issues within this restriction. 

Your discipline sport managers have been working extremely hard on planning for a return to competition and whilst we don’t know all of the answers, and the goalposts move daily, we will have a robust plan ready for you to get back to competition in a planned and managed way. Please respect this, we are operating under strict guidelines and all need to do our bit to ensure we don’t end up back in a full lockdown.

We must counter-balance the desire to get back into it with a respect for people’s decisions to participate – or not, to work at events – or not, to be available as officials  – or not.

The Government will announce on Monday 11 May the proposed dates for a shift to Level 2. Once we know the details, we will be able to confirm all the guidelines to you.

Please note – time must be taken to ensure a safe return to sport.  The kinds of documents that will be available include:

  • An Organising Committee toolkit for getting back to competition
  • Advice on all the things you might need to think about for returning to work or competition
  • Templates and resources
  • Information for Officials
  • Discipline Covid 19 plans
  • Worksafe templates for Health and Safety plans

The ESNZ office phones have been manned throughout lockdown and will continue to be, so for any queries please call the main line on 04 499 8994. The ESNZ staff will be returning to the Wellington office base once we return to Level 2 and have undertaken the necessary cleaning and preparation precautions.

Thank you for your continued support in these challenging times. Please continue to talk to us if you have any questions or concerns.  Keep an eye on our facebook and website page for Covid-19 updates https://www.nzequestrian.org.nz/coronavirus-updates/ and information relating to equestrian pursuits within our mandate.  

Keep safe, best regards from all of us.

Dana and the ESNZ Team